1. Grant Writing for Small Businesses
Alissa MacMullin | Pacific Chiton Consulting
Prepared for: Haida Gwaii Community Futures
May 1, 2016
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2. Overview
¤ Introduction
¤ Step 1: Development
¤ Business Plan
¤ Logic Model
¤ Gantt Charts
¤ Step 2: Sourcing Grants
¤ Databases
¤ Local/Regional
¤ Examples
¤ Step 3: Writing the Proposal
¤ SMART Objectives
¤ Writing for your audience
¤ Local Relevancy
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3. Introduction
¤ Pacific Chiton Consulting
¤ MIEDS Grant Writer
¤ BHSc, MPH
¤ SFU Technical
Communications
Certificate
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4. Step 1: Development
• Business Plan
• Logic Model
• Gantt Chart
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5. Business Plan
¤ Solid business plan – assistance from HG Community
Futures (http://www.communityfutures.ca/small-business-toolkit)
¤ Liveplan.com
¤ Key Components
¤ Executive Summary – overview
¤ Cash Flow – grants often require invoicing & reimbursement
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6. Logic Model
¤ A visual tool or blueprint outlining activities for your
program or project, and a prediction of resulting
changes
¤ Includes: inputs, activities, participants & outcomes
¤ Logic Model – Community Tool Box
¤ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/overview/models-
for-community-health-and-development/logic-model-
development/main
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8. Gantt Chart
¤ How-to & history: http://www.gantt.com/
¤ Illustrates a project schedule
¤ Start & finish dates of project elements
¤ Grant applications
¤ Leveraging partnerships
¤ Infrastructure improvements
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9. Step 2: Sourcing Grants
• Databases
• Local/Regional
• Examples
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10. Databases
¤ Canada Business Network
¤ http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2868/
¤ MentorWorks
¤ http://www.mentorworks.ca/contact/
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11. Local / Regional
¤ Northern Development Business Façade grants
¤ Apply through your local municipal government
¤ Up to $20,000 annually; max. $5000 per applicant
¤ $500 for way-find signage
¤ LOVE Haida Gwaii
¤ Not a grant
¤ $50 for subsidized/in-kind marketing activities (i.e.
professional photos, website, contact information)
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12. Example: Leadership Grant
¤ http://www.leadershipgrants.ca/LeadershipGrants/
funding_guidelines.jsp
¤ $1000 -$100,000
¤ Eligible:
¤ Priority for those contributing matching funds
¤ Ineligible:
¤ Personal debt repayment
¤ Acquisition of an existing business
¤ Employee Salaries
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13. Step 3: Writing Grants
• Objectives
• Audience
• Local
Relevancy
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14. Objectives
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15. Audience
¤ KNOW YOUR FUNDER
¤ What do they like to fund?
¤ What key words does the funder use in their application
description or package (i.e. wellness, sustainability, job
creation) – use those words!
Your audience wants to:
1. Understand the project
quickly
2. Know you’re capable
3. To see the most benefit for
their investment
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16. Local Relevancy
¤ Use local documents to justify activities
¤ Community Plans
¤ Haida Gwaii Marine Plan (tourism businesses, wind or tidal
energy projects)
¤ Missions/mandates of non-profit partners
¤ “How does [this] align with Gwaii Trust Goals & Objectives?”
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17. Summary
¤ The 3 Steps Process is NOT a linear process; ITERATIVE
¤ Finding small business grants is a challenging task
¤ Avoid wordiness, use clear language, & use SMART
objectives
¤ Invest in your business plan, it will pay off in the long run!
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18. Thank you!
QUESTIONS?
Pacific Chiton Consulting
Alissa MacMullin
E. pacificchiton@gmail.com
P. 778.349.4219
www.pacificchiton.com
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