writing successful grants ria mastromatteo pbs 45 & 49
TRANSCRIPT
Writing Successful Grants
Ria MastromatteoPBS 45 & 49
Before You Write
Have a good idea with measurable goals. Poor: Kids will understand fractions. Good: Scores on the fractions post-
test will show an improvement of 10%.
Need to be able to prove you’ve done what you said you would do.
Before You Write
Get support from “the powers-that-be.”
Make sure your plan fits with the mission of the building.
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Before You Write
Find a funder that matches your goal. e.g. From the Jennings Foundation
“Improving learning in mathematics, science, or technology
Improving language literacy Improving learning in the arts Supporting the recruitment, retention, and
development of teachers Strengthening teachers' and administrators'
leadership skills Providing other services to students”
Before You Write
Make sure the grant will pay for what you want.
e.g. From the Jennings Foundation
“Funding for bus transportation, conferences, teacher stipends, field trips/admission fees, substitutes, technology equipment, capital assets, refreshments, storage units, incentives, rewards and
T-shirts are not Foundation budget priorities. “
Before You Write
Find out the typical range the grant provides.
See if other like organizations have been funded.
Before You Write
If you’re not sure if what you are asking for will be paid…
CALL!!!!!!
Common Sections of a Grant
Cover Letter Is an overview of the organization States the purpose and reason for
and amount of the funding request Shows how your proposal furthers the
grantmaker's mission, goals and matches the funder's grant application guidelines.
Cover Letters should be printed on letterhead
Common Sections of a Grant
Summary Statement—Overview Generally 2-3 sentences
e.g. Maplewood Schools requests $5,000 for a two-year, $50,000 job training program for homeless women in northeastern Ohio. Training will be offered at four rural shelters and will include basic clerical skills, interview techniques and job seeker support groups.
Common Sections of a Grant
Organization Information
Include… Organization’s history Your mission Your track record Demographics Core services Perhaps—budget size, location or report
card information
Common Sections of a Grant
Explain Problem/Need
Include… Description of the problem—use
statistics if possible. Description of what you want to do
—use statistics if possible. Show that you have expertise in this
area
Common Sections of a Grant
Narrative
Include… Target audience How many you will serve What you’re going to do Describe planning you have already
done?
Common Sections of a Grant
Narrative, continued
Include… Your credentials—ability to do what
you say you will do Timeline Location
Common Sections of a Grant
Outcomes
What will change about the situation as a result of your project?
Needs to be MEASURABLE!
Common Sections of a Grant
Other Funding Sources
Sustainability
Evaluation—Should come DIRECTLY from the outcomes you stated
Common Sections of a Grant
Budget—common elements
Personnel Direct project expenses Administrative costs—check if they
will pay this—usually 5-15%
Common Sections of a Grant
End of the Project Report
Explain what quantifiable methods you used to monitor the success of your program.
Tips
Follow the directions completely. Make sure outcomes are
measurable Give the information that they
are asking for Write the question and then give the
answer. Cite current research if possible Be creative—Think outside the box
Tips
Have a reasonable, detailed budget
Proofread!!Avoid all grammar or spelling
errors Be clear and concise Meet the deadlines
Tips
Try to create Win-Win situations.
Write a thank-you note whether accepted or rejected
Granting Sources
Local Grantshttp://wneo.org/hotlists/grants/localgrants.htm
Ongoing Grantshttp://wneo.org/emailnewsletter/ongoinggrants.htm
Grants by the Month http://wneo.org/emailnewsletter/archive.htm
If you need help…
Contact us… 330-677-4549 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
We’ll be glad to help out!