getting it right! grant research and writing
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Grant Writing
Barbara Talisman
www.3talisman.com
www.talismantol.wordpress.com
312.733.7520
Barbara TalismanBarbara Talisman is President of Talisman Associates, Inc. Talisman
Associates, Inc is a full service consulting firm working with nonprofit organizations. The firm provides hands-on fund development assistance, leadership training and executive coaching to the independent sector.
Barbara has been in the development field since 1983. Her experience ranges from corporate sponsorships and special events to board/membership development, grant writing and major gift solicitation as well as volunteer and staff development and training. She teaches a variety of fundraising topics and has been a guest speaker at conferences in North America, Europe the United Kingdom and Australia. Barbara began her fundraising experience on the campaign trail for national and local political candidates. Her fund development experience began at the American Heart Association and continued at the Anti-Defamation League.
Barbara has published articles in Fund Raising Management, Fundraising Success, Association Forum, Fund Raising Institute, Advancing Philanthropy and Clout and has been profiled in Entrepreneur Magazine, Today’s Chicago Woman, Crain's Chicago Business and Chicago Tribune. Barbara holds a Bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University. She has continued her education through workshops and classes at BoardSource, The Institute for Charitable Giving, Vanderbilt University, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) regional and international conferences and Indiana University School of Philanthropy. Barbara is an AFP Master Trainer.
1. Priorities2. Research3. Case file4. Writing5. Planning timeline6. Engaging staff
Questions along the way….
Route Map
What are your funding priorities?Program v. General OperatingEngaging staff
Identify Priorities
Maintain focus Where to find the information:
Public libraryDonor’s ForumInternet
List of likely prospectsCall to qualify prospects
Getting in the door: Research
Interests and priority areasMethod of approachRestrictionsDeadline(s)
Budget year - June/July or Calendar
Officers/Board of Directors ListFinancial summary
Annual reportRecent giving
Research
Contribution summaryTypical recipient Type of support givenGift rangePrevious recipients like and unlike your agencyTypical size of grant
How much to ask for?
Conflicts of interestMatch foundation interests with funding prioritiesGeographic headquartersOperating locationsEmployee residential communitiesTypes of recipients (like yours)Types of supportGiving range
Qualifying Foundation Prospects
Q&A
Foundation informationGrant calendarGiving guidelinesFile folders
Agency information - Case File
Case StatementProposal templateProgram componentsBoard listBudget(s)Staff biographiesMission/Vision statement
Organizing the information
Request guidelines and application (if applicable)Review materialsContact appropriate program officer
PhoneLetterEmailThey can help guide you through the processPut yourself in their shoes
First Contact
Cover letterSummaryIntroductionChallenge - statement of needProgram objectivesStrategies to achieve objectivesProgram evaluationCurrent and future fundingProgram budgetConclusion
Proposal Components
Write after proposal is completedFrames the rest of the proposal
BriefClearInteresting
Reduces your proposal to a sound byte – for you and program officer
Identifies the organizationOrganization’s credibilityStates challengeObjectivesStrategiesCosts, current funding and amount requesting
Proposal Summary
Establish image and credibilityBrief historyMajor accomplishmentsQualificationsStructure and governanceUniqueness of organizationShould be readable
Proposal Introduction
Case for supportDescribes the challenge agency will meet, change
Evidence of challengeConsequences of inactionImpact on communityInterest of foundationWhat can be reasonably achieved or expected
Relates to the mission of the agencyStated in terms of clients and constituents not needs or problems of agency
Program ChallengeStatement of Need
Q&A
Program outcomesProblem-related outcomes of the programMeasurableShould:
Who – staff and population servedWill do what - programWhen – time objectives will be achievedHow much – objectives in numbers, people and moneyHow to measure it - evaluation
Does not describe methods
Program Objectives
Steps to achieve objectivesHow
Describes reasonable scope of activitiesCharts, graphsProcesses
Reasonable sequence of activities – whenWhy activities were chosenProgram staffingClient selection and participation
Program Strategies
Program overviewImpactChallenge metBeneficiariesMeasuring success
Who will be the audience for evaluation – inside and outsideProcess v. program evaluation
Evaluation instruments
Program Evaluation
Who will do the evaluation Cost benefit v. cost effectivenessData collection strategyData evaluationEvaluation report
Current and future funders
Those who are supporting program nowOthers who have been/are being asked to support program
Plan for future supportMaintenance and future supportAccounts for staff, equipment and supplies
Program Funding
Estimate of costsSpecific to program and financial need to meet objectives
Direct costsIndirect costsRevenue
HonestRealistic
Program Budget
Restate the request Overview of the
challenge Contact person Time frame Thank funder
Proposal Conclusion
Q&A
PreparationChecked with funder to determine their interest?Staff is prepared to do the workProposal fits funding guidelines
Proposal ContentWell organizedClearly writtenBeen reviewed by someone outside of the planning processInnovative ideas are clearly statedAll parts of the proposal are there
Followed guidelinesDeadline has been metSubmitting the correct number of copiesApplication if applicableSupporting documentsContact person identified
Proposal Checklist
Poor researchDoes not fall within giving guidelines
Poorly written or organizedDoes not state or establish legitimate case for needDuplication on servicesAssumes the reader is knowledgeable of the subjectDoes not give evidence that the project can exist without fundingNot financially feasibleNo evaluation criteriaToo ambiguous
Common Mistakes
An ongoing processShare your mission at every opportunity.Make it a natural part of what your organization does.Invite foundation representatives to:
Site visitsBoard and committee meetingsSpecial eventsVolunteer activities
Add them to your mailing list:Annual reportsNewslettersDirect mailInvitations
Cultivating Funders
Follow up on grant proposalsCheck on receiptMeeting dateSite visitsPersonal visitsBoard contact
Deliver on what you promiseEvaluationsProgram reportsSupport materials
Keep on top of paymentsCommunicate often to:
BoardStaffCommunity
Foundation Stewardship
Thank you!
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