Grant training workshop in Kyrgyzstan by Howard Brown, Director of Grants and Assistant Principal of YLA (Youth Leadership Academy) of the Clemson University. Organized by the Kelechek HP, partners Hand in Hand in Bishkek and Smile.kg in Osh. Funded by ACCELS.
3. Training Objectives
To acquire a better understanding of
the grant-writing process
To learn the basic elements of a grant
application
To be encouraged to begin writing
grants
4. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Grants are something for nothing – free money
Reality: Grants are rational deals between colleagues.
5. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Writing grant proposals is an ordeal
Reality: Proposal writing is predictable and simple
6. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: All you need is one well-written grant proposal
Reality: Winning grants depends on pinpointing
matches and tailoring proposals
7. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Grants are awarded to those applicants with the
greatest needs
Reality: Most grants go to applicants whose proposals
seem most likely to deliver services and meet the
agency’s goals.
8. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Successful grant writing requires connections,
and I don’t have any
Reality: What’s required is the ability to write a quality
proposal that is convincing
9. If I had a grant…..
Think about what your organization
would do if it received a grant for
$100,000.
10. Preparation Steps
Needs Assessment – wish list
Research sources of funding
Contact foundations and corporations
Determine eligibility
Begin gathering documents
Look for partners
11. Organizational Documents
501(c) 3 or legal document
Written description of the organization,
history, brochures, activities, target
audience
Budget – financial reports for 2 years
Audit report
List of Board Members
12. The Grant Proposal – Key Elements
Cover Letter
Executive Summary
Narrative
Capacity
Evaluation
Budget
Appendices
13. Cover Letter
The cover letter may be the most
important document in the grant
application.
14. Executive Summary
This is the last thing you write
Take excerpts from your narrative
Keep it to one page
15. Narrative
Needs Assessment
a. Specific problem, opportunity, need and the
community involved
b. Define the community – demographic data,
target audience
16. Narrative
Program Goals and Objectives
a. List overall goals
b. List specific objectives or ways to meet
the goals
c. Target at most three goals
d. List the desired outcomes
17. Narrative
Methodology – describe the process
a. Briefly restate the goals
b. Clear description and explanation of
program scope and activities
c. Sequence of activities, staffing
d. Timeline of activities
18. Capacity
Organization identity and purpose,
constituents and service area
History, mission and goals
Description of current programs,
statistics, strengths
Long-range goals
Evidence of accomplishments
Evidence of fiscal responsibility
19. Budget
Prepare a budget that is consistent with
your narrative
Check the funder’s guidelines on
budget restrictions
Do not make the budget top-heavy with
personnel
List all donated services (in-kind)
including volunteers
20. Budget
Provide a Budget Rationale that links
expenses to proposed activities
See sample budget in handouts
21. Appendices
First, check to see what is permitted
Verification of tax exempt status
List of officers and board of directors
Financial statements for last fiscal year
Current general operating budget
List of other current funding sources
Resumes/bios of key personnel
Support letters from partners
22. Essential Tips
Take the first step
Start small
Ask for help
Look for needs close to home –start in the
community
Find partners and build relationships
Be careful what you ask for, you may get it
23. Assignment for Part II
Make a list of funding needs/projects
Prioritize your list
Write a brief project description
Write a letter of inquiry
Be prepared to share with the group
and receive input
24. Writing a Letter of Inquiry
Introduce your organization
Get to the point of the need request
Give the total cost of the project
Thank funder for their time
Attach supporting documents,
brochures