Grant Writing and BudgetingOrigin of your grant-writing1st Step: Project IdeaResearch (don’t skip this step)Slide 5ContactRead RFP or GuidelinesWrite ProposalProposal componentsBe persuasiveTips and Nuggets“Words to Live By – Never, Ever ”Should you take money from:Resources for Grant SeekersBudgeting“Budget for uncertainty”“Position yourself for the next step”“Don’t overlook the important elements”Grant Writing and BudgetingDavid Allanwith material borrowed from:Laura Rubin, Huron River Watershed CouncilandMichael Donahue, Great Lakes CommissionDavid Allan January 2006Origin of your grant-writingYou have an idea and are looking for a sponsorYou’ve read an RFP (request for proposals) and believe that you have a project that fitsIn the end, may not be very different‘curiosity-driven’ research and ‘mission-driven’ research: sponsors varyDavid Allan January 20061st Step: Project IdeaThink it all out and know it thoroughlyBe succinct; one sentence descriptionEstablish partnerships; contact themLeverage fundsEstimate budgetDavid Allan January 2006Research (don’t skip this step)What has been done? What do we know?Libraries for CDs and publicationsWeb searches (web of science)List-servesServicesWord of mouthOther similar project fundingDavid Allan January 2006Research (don’t skip this step)Decide if it’s a good fitWho are they and what do they fund ?Search web (often list and describe previously funded projects)Know their region, focus, interests, peopleLook at trustees/boardTimelineDavid Allan January 2006ContactContact funder or “contact person” if allowed…Establish relationship with program officerConsider letter of inquiryIF ALLLOWED, do itIF NOT, don’t everDavid Allan January 2006Read RFP or GuidelinesRead thoroughly, a couple of timesFollow it exactly in your writingAnswer their questionsFollow their formatDavid Allan January 2006Write ProposalUse clear, concise language, be straightforwardFollow their formatComply with every requirementAddress criteria point-by-pointUse the funder’s terminologySet clear goal/s and objectives and complimentary tasksPartnerships Make sure partners can deliver – substance, quality, time and fundingDavid Allan January 2006Proposal componentsUsually specified in RFP, including length of sectionsAbstract is important – readers often skimIntroduction: lays out the problemProposed researchObjectives and tasksHypotheses and questionsMethods/approachProducts/expected outcome and timelineDavid Allan January 2006Be persuasiveAn RFP with very specific objectives…The competence and skills of your teamSoundness of the work planYour reliability: quality, on-time deliveryStyle: open, interactive, positiveAn open competition for novel work…Originality of the conceptsStrong justification from literature reviewPrior accomplishmentsMethods primarily if novelDavid Allan January 2006Tips and NuggetsEstablish relationships with funders and contactsShow them your excitementBe clear and simple; one sentencePersistence worksDavid Allan January 2006“Words to Live By – Never, Ever ”Miss a deadlineIgnore submittal requirementsLet a typo get byMiscalculate a budgetList partners you haven’t contactedDavid Allan January 2006Should you take money from:ExxonA tobacco companyPlayboy corporationYes !!!Provided you have no disagreement with the objectives of the funding initiative and there are no restrictions on what you can reportDavid Allan January 2006Resources for Grant SeekersEnvironmental fundershttp://www.fundsnetservices.com/environ.htmGreat Lakes Information Network (GLIN)www.great-lakes.net/infocenter/news/funding.htmlUniversity resourceshttp://eelink.net/pages/Grants+-+General+Informationhttp://www.research.umich.edu/era/grants_gov/General web searchesAgency contactsDavid Allan January 2006BudgetingSalary and fringeContractualEquipment and SuppliesOther DirectIndirectInflation and unknownsDavid Allan January 2006“Budget for uncertainty”Anticipate the unanticipated in staffing, funding, travel and timelineAsk for what you really need – don’t “pad” or “lowball” but accommodate uncertaintyMaximize cost-share and line up support quicklyMake sure you can deliver on promisesDevelop a task/activity timeline for proposal development “back-costing”David Allan January 2006“Position yourself for the next step”Securing funds for one project opens doors to the nextUse the project proposal to set up opportunities for further workDavid Allan January 2006“Don’t overlook the important elements”Budget in time and money for evaluationProvide for dissemination and publicityKeep your program officer informed, updated and involvedCredit the funder whenever, however you
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