The document provides an overview of the grant proposal writing process. It discusses defining the project, identifying suitable funders, writing the proposal, and common pet peeves that turn funders away. The speaker outlines the key components of a proposal, including defining the need, measurable outcomes, a story structure with protagonist and obstacles, and following the funder's instructions. Editing, budgeting for reporting, and not circumventing the process are also covered.
5. February 19, 2010
What are you trying to “sell”?
Why is it important to your organization?
How will it contribute to your mission?
How will people’s lives be affected?
6. February 19, 2010
What makes a project attractive
to a funder?
Restricted
Start up or early stage
Limited term for funder—sustainable
beyond 2-3 years
Clear and measurable impact
7. February 19, 2010
Developing a master proposal
Who
Where
What
When
Why
How
8. February 19, 2010
Boilerplate materials
Mission, Vision, Values
Board list
Staff list in project area
Audit
Form 990
501(c)3 letter
Corporate Certificate
Organizational or department budget
10. February 19, 2010
Philosophy
Don't waste your time or
the funder's time with a
frivolous proposal
11. February 19, 2010
Basic research
Open or Invitation Only
Deadlines
Application process
Funding range (sometimes)
Areas of focus
Programmatic
Geographic
Contact information
12. February 19, 2010
Sources for information
Foundation Center
Library
Grants.gov
Google
Corporate and Foundation websites
Guidestar.org
Donor lists of similar organizations
NOZA (www.nozasearch.com)
13. February 19, 2010
Next level research: Personal
Contact
To ask if this is of any interest
If you can’t find basic information
anywhere else
If it’s a closed foundation but you
personally know someone there
If you think your project fits within
scope, but you’re not sure
If they don’t say you CAN’T call
15. February 19, 2010
Follow Directions!
Determine funder requirements in
research stage
Put things in their order
16. February 19, 2010
Types
Letter of Intent
Full Proposal
Follow Up Proposal
17. February 19, 2010
Letter of Intent
Usually one to three pages
Executive Summary of Project
Lets funder make initial evaluation or in
the case of more informal funders, can be
the only proposal
18. February 19, 2010
Full Proposal
Structure varies from funder to funder
Usually very detailed and involves lots of
rules
Sometimes this can be the initial and only
contact with a funder
19. February 19, 2010
Follow Up Proposal
Usually at funder's request
Sometimes may be as detailed as a full
proposal
Huge variation in structure
20. February 19, 2010
Who needs to be involved
CEO or Executive Director
Program director
Volunteers sometimes
Finance director
YOU
22. February 19, 2010
Classic story structure
“Introduce your hero, get him up a
tree, throw rocks at him, then
get him out of the tree.”
Robert McKee,
Screenwriting Guru
Or George M. Cohan,
depending on where you check
24. February 19, 2010
Classic Story Structure
Introduce
Protagonist
Inciting Incident
25. February 19, 2010
Classic Story Structure
Introduce
Protagonist
Inciting Incident
Identify Obstacles
and Barriers
26. February 19, 2010
Classic Story Structure
Introduce
Protagonist
Inciting Incident
Identify Obstacles
and Barriers
Propose a solution
and make the
funder part of it
27. February 19, 2010
Evaluation measures
Qualitative
Quantitative
How will this impact the community or
end user?
NOT how it will impact your
organization, necessarily
28. February 19, 2010
Editing
Especially important for group written
proposals
Get outside input
29. February 19, 2010
Submit and Follow Up
Don't be late!
Follow directions
Site visits if necessary
Okay to call if they say it's okay to call
Okay to ask for feedback once they
make contact
30. February 19, 2010
Proposal Writing Steps
Follow directions!
Determine the proposal type
Identify the players
Gather your facts and story
Set real evaluation measures
Save time for editing
Submit to the funder
31. February 19, 2010
Reporting
You're not done yet!
Budget time for grant management
33. February 19, 2010
How to turn off a funder
All data, no story
Fluffy needs statement
Not following instructions
All qualitative evaluation measures
Unrealistic budget
Bad grammar, unprofessional presentation
One size fits all proposal
Late proposal
Trying to circumvent the process