Transcript Slide 1

Grant-Writing
A non-profit’s guide to preparing
grant proposals
Choosing a Funder
The first step in grant-writing is to choose a supporting
organization. The key to this process is to make sure
that the funding organization’s mission is consistent with
that of the applicant and that the proposed program
identifies with the funder’s objectives.
Some resources for finding potential funders include:
 Individual foundation websites
 Philanthropy publications
 Friends’ and donors’ contacts
 OFBCI Funding Opportunities monthly e-newsletter
(http://www.in.gov/ofbci/2382.htm)
 www.grants.gov
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Researching the Funder
It is extremely important to research the funding interests of
the organization before applying for funds. It can be
especially helpful to get a copy of the organization’s
annual report and mission.
The applying organization should familiarize itself with the
funder’s entire application process, including their
timetable, guidelines, instructions, and all grant
requirements. At the beginning of the writing process, it
is very important to pay close attention to all directions
given by the funder. Upon submitting the final grant
proposal, it is wise to include a cover letter which serves
as a link between the proposal and the funder’s
interests. This letter should not be long, but rather a
short, one- to two-paragraph summary of the proposal.
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Writing Process
The following are the basic steps for the writing process of a grant
proposal.
 Carefully read all instructions.
 Brainstorm ideas.
 Gather all materials: background information, documentation,
research, current facts and statistics about the population, etc.
 Contact the funder: ask any questions, review deadlines and
expectations, and notify them of the pending proposal.
 Create an outline of the proposal, followed by a first draft.
 Edit the draft for content. Ask: Is everything included? Does the
proposal address the funder’s stated concerns? Changes should then
be incorporated into a second draft.
 Proofread the second draft, and have others proofread it as well.
 Complete a final draft. Double-check that format is consistent with the
funder’s instructions and that all questions have been answered.
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Basic Components
Case for Support
The main purpose of the case for support is to demonstrate the following two
objectives:
 How the program addresses a community need in a unique manner using
appropriate logic and outcomes.
 What the impact of the funds will be on the program and community.
The case for support consists of the following basic criteria:
 The organization’s mission and vision.
 The values and principles that guide the organization’s work.
 A connection with the interests of the donors.
 A conveyed sense of urgency.
 An emotionally motivating, yet concrete and logical argument.
Continued…
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Basic Components
Case for Support, continued
Also included in the case for support will be program background
details, particularly the community needs the program addresses
(including statistics, trends, and needs already met). This should
provide a context for the programs and services the organization
provides. Information should include the number of people
served, how the money helps, positive trends in the community,
and the impact the programs and services have had on the
community.
If applying for a new program, a need should be identified and a
solution presented for the need, based on logic and feasibility.
For more information on program development, please see the
OFBCI resource on this topic.
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Basic Components
Budget Narrative
The first place a funder looks after the cover sheet and
executive summary is the budget narrative. The following
are the basic steps for completing a budget narrative:
 Review the program goals and objectives.
 Estimate the resources needed to obtain these goals.
 Determine other necessary costs.
 Explain any budget controls in place..
Depending on the individual funder’s instructions, the
budget narrative may also include an overview of
additional support (fundraising, community support, etc).
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Basic Components
Organizational Information
This short section should consist of a list of the
organization’s active leadership. This includes
the organizational chart, board of directors, and
volunteers.
Attachments
If allowable, attachments should be kept to a
minimum, including only those most necessary
to support the proposal. They may include
testimonials, charts, design plans, etc.
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The Follow-Up
The follow-up is a very important, yet often
overlooked, part of the grant proposal. It is
wise to make sure that the application was
received and to check on the status of a
pending application. It is also a good idea
to request feedback on an application,
whether or not it was approved. This
evaluation can help immensely to improve
on the organization’s next grant proposal.
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Final Recommendations
 Follow all instructions!
 Proofread, proofread, proofread! Pay special attention to spelling,
grammar, and fluidity.
 Find an appropriate length: don’t be too long-winded or too brief.
 Make sure that the format of the proposal (including all
attachments) is appropriate for reproduction.
 Electronic format: All elements should be compatible with the
organization’s computer programs.
 Paper format: all components should be legible when printed in black
and white ink.
 Don’t write one sweeping proposal for mass distribution among
funders! Every proposal should be written specifically to a funder
and should apply directly to the organization’s request for
proposals.
 Only apply to a funding organization if the applying program is
consistent with the stated funding interests.
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Final Note
This is only a general guideline to grantwriting, and for that reason, not all
suggestions may be applicable for every
proposal or funder. Keep in mind that each
different funding organization has different
individual requirements. Pay attention to
all guidelines and instructions and follow
them closely.
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Additional Resources
 Council on Foundations (www.cof.org)
 Foundations Online (www.foundations.org)
 The Foundation Center (www.fdncenter.org)
 GrantSmart (www.grantsmart.org)
 The Grantsmanship Center (www.tgci.com)
 GrantStation (www.grantstation.com)
 GuideStar (www.guidestar.org)
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