• M1 notes: Knowledge and Learning Development Understanding the Basics of Grant Writing o "Grants" are one of the main revenue source of many nonprofit orgs o Writing a solid grant is very much in demand The Proposal Writing Process 1. Instating the problem statement a. Shows the problems in the moment b. Highlight examples where opportunities were missed or where things could have been saved should the projects been instated by that time 2. Vision c. Tie it into orgs strategies and vision 3. Benefits d. Measurable 4. Deliverables e. What to expect? 5. Success criteria f. Specific g. Measurable h. Achievable i. Time-bound 6. Deadlines/Plans/Approach j. External vendors? Internal staff? 7. Cost/Budget Types of Proposals o Concept Paper: Letter of Intent Inquiry (LOI) • A brief description of the need and project description that addresses the need. • No more than 3 pages, but funders will specify their own requirements • Rarely is there a budget information o Letter Proposal • Includes additional info – budget information. • More detailed that LOI • 4 pages but funders will provide specifications o Full Proposal • Contains all the components of a proposal • Typically 5-25 pages, up to 200+ pages for governmental grants Proposal Components 8. Cover Letter: briefly describes the project 9. Executive Summary: 1-2 page summary that provides an overview of the proposal 10. Problem Statement/Need Statement: a compelling description of the need your proposal is addressing11. Organizational Background: a sum of your agency's qualification to carry out the proposed project 12. Goals & Objectives 13. Strategies or Project Description: a description of the programs, services, and activities that will achieve the desired results 14. Evaluation: a plan for assessing programs accomplishments 15. Sustainability 16. Budget: line item sum of agency's budget (revenues and expenses) AND a line item sum of the expenses of the proposed project with a justification of the expenses Proposal Principles o Follow the guidelines • Make sure to use relevant and up to date data to demonstrate the need for the project o Proposal summary and budge are key o KISS • Keep it sweet and simple o Get feedback o One size does not fit all o Plan ahead • Grant seeking process typically takes 6-9 months • Notes from Book Introduction: An Overview of the Grant seeking Process Key players in the grant seeking process 17. Lead program staff k. Someone who has a coherent program plan and can articulate it in steps 3, 4, and 5 18. Finance person l. Responsible for the budgetary articulation of the written proposal and anything else related to finances 19. Grant writing consultant m. Responsible for writing the proposal 20. Executive director n. Signs off on the pursuit of a program or project, approves retaining a grantwriting consultant, signs off on the final proposal Strategies for obtaining funding o Grant seeking o Giving/ one-on-one solicitation o Email fundraising o Social media strategies o Text/mobile strategieso Membership drives o Workplace giving o Special events o Donor giving clubs o "thons"… etc. Categories of Support o Operating • (general support): Allows max flexibility: can be used when most needed (rent, utilities etc) o Program • (temp restricted income): funding that is sued to start a new program, continue operating a program, expand existing program, or launch a time-limited program o Capacity building • Used for targeted to increase an org's capacity (leadership, management, finance and fundraising, program etc..) o Capital or equipment o Research The Proposal Process Keys to success are: o Documenting an unmet community need (grantseeker is position to address) o Developing a clear plan for the program (or operations stability/growth or capital work) o Research funders thoroughly o Building strong relationships with funders o Targeting proposals carefully o Writing a concise proposal o Identify an unmet need that said org is able to address o Determine if other orgs within the community are currently attempting to address this unmet need o Develop the plan to meet the need Determine whether there are potential partners or collaborators o Identify potential funders and begin to create relationships o Write proposal o Engage in strategic