Grant ready sydney 14 nov 2012

1. Understanding the ‘Grant Space’
Adrian Spencer
14 November 2012

2. A revolution is occurring
• Time to learn from universities and not-for-profits.
• The new divide.
• Under-utilised and misunderstood.
• The difference between success and failure.
• Understanding how much ‘free’ costs.
• Grants are not right for everyone.
• Grants driver = government policy.
• The early bird…
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3. The Facts
Federal
• 621 grant programs from Federal and State.
• Worth $50 billion annually.
• Plus carbon price funding of $30 billion.
• Funding from $5,000 to $5 million and beyond.
• Each year the number of grant programs increases.
State
• 39 State grant programs in NSW.
• Support for Innovation; Medical; Research; Film; Regional…
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4. Where is the money…
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5. The detail
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6. Just some of the grant programs…
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7. The 4 step grants process
1. Think right
2. Grant strategy
3. Write grants
4. Report well
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8. Define your project
• Grants fund projects, not organisations.
• Establish your project:
What: clear concise description; list objectives.
Why: problem to overcome or opportunity; list benefits.
Who: entity, people, background.
Where: implementation and impact.
When: define timeframe and milestones.
How: list resources - people, equipment etc.
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9. Think Right
• What is the grant maker trying to achieve?
• Can you afford to apply? Can you afford not to apply?
• Be objective; create alignment; prepare early.
• Do you have the right people, time and expertise to apply?
• Why should you be awarded funding?
Fund us,
because
we are awesome!
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10. Funding mechanisms
Not all funding programs are grants:
•Grants
•Rebates
•Tax Concessions and Credits
•Duty concession
•Vouchers
•Interest free loans
•Subsidised assistance, such as training programs, mentoring, help lines.
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11. It’s not FREE money
• Information on 10,000 websites
• Inconsistent presentation of information
• Funding overlaps and clawback
• Funding gaps
• Time and effort
• The burden of winning funds
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12. The 4 Keys
1. Think right
2. Grant strategy
3. Write grants
4. Report well
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13. Get on board with a grant strategy
• Boards are demanding it
• CFOs are adding it to their list
• Maximise income
• Create new revenue stream
• Increases chances of success
• It all adds up
• Ensures integration with business strategy
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14. Grant Strategy:
Be in it to win it!
Be Aware
• Seek widely: Federal, State and Local Government.
Where to look:
•Department or Agency Websites
•Media Releases
•Mailing lists
•Philanthropy websites
•Annual reports
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15. Grant Strategy:
eenie meenie miny moe…
The art of choosing which grants to apply for
• Eligible
• Chances of success
• Administration and quality
• Competitive vs Entitlement
• Build effective relationships
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16. Grant Strategy:
Phone the program administrator
Read the guidelines first. Then, some questions you might ask:
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17. Grant Strategy:
Fruit juice or water?
• How do you think about your project?
• Structure – Sector – Location – Purpose
• Think beyond:
- Innovation
- Environment
- Activity
- Travel and Overseas
• Grant Strategy
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18. Grant strategy:
A long term strategy
Case Study
“After we received our grant strategy we have
been systematically working our way through
the list.”
“Over the last 6 years we have accessed over 5
programs worth $2 million.”
“Our grants have helped with market research,
fine-tuning our product, contract development,
strategic business planning and intellectual
property research. Since receiving the grant, our
staff numbers have grown from 7 to 17 and our
revenue has increased by 35%.”
Craig Hunter, Objectify.
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19. The 4 Keys
1. Think right
2. Grant strategy
3. Write grants
4. Report well
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20. Write Grants:
It’s not about you
• Support their aim and objectives.
• Explain why the project should be funded.
• Provide a return on investment .
• How will your application stand out from others.
• Evidence based applications.
• Sustainability.
• Proactively deal with negatives - be honest and upfront.
• Double dip vs cocktail funding.
• The assessment process can take some time.
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21. Write Grants:
Nuts and bolts
1. Answer the question.
2. Stick to the word limit.
3. Assume no prior knowledge, unless appropriate.
4. Make sure your budget is realistic, includes all costs and has no errors.
5. Present realistic and measureable timeframes.
6. Be consistent across the application.
7. Show value for money.
8. Use supporting documents.
9. Build your case.
10. Know the guidelines.
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22. Write Grants:
Engaging a grant writer
For most grants submissions you should not need assistance.
Questions to ask before engaging a grant writer?
– What experience do you have in [my] industry?
– Which grant programs do you have experience with?
– What is your success rate with those programs?
– How will you add value: copywriting; research; structure etc?
– What do you expect me to do?
– Do you have capacity to assist at the moment?
– Who will provide the services, you or a team member or a third party?
– How do you charge and if on success, when is the trigger to pay?
– Can I visit your office?
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23. Write Grants:
Cash for Biofuel
Case Study
The Biofuel Partnership won a $500,000
Federal Government grant, for their
BioCube project.
“The BioCube™ is a compact, transportable
and affordable biodiesel processor designed
in Australia. It is capable of processing over
250 litres per hour of high quality biodiesel
from a variety of feedstock. Biodiesel from
the BioCube™ can power any modern diesel
engine. The BioCube™ is a community’s
very own green fuel station and by creating
sustainable prosperity, the BioCube has the
power to change lives for the better.”
Laurence Baum, Biofuel.
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24. The 4 Keys
1. Think right
2. Grant strategy
3. Write grants
4. Report well
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25. Report Well:
It ain’t over yet
Unsuccessful?
• Don’t let bitterness or cynicism prevail.
• Call the administrator and ask politely for
feedback.
• Apply this feedback to your next application.
Successful?
• Now the real project begins.
• Be prepared for the contracts, reporting and
acquittals.
• Foster good relationships with the grant makers
with progress updates, feedback and thanks.
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26. Thankyou for your time and attention
www.grantready.com.au
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