getting to 'yes'! the art of grantwriting by samuel mahaffy

Copyright Samuel Mahaffy, Ph.D.

Getting to ‘Yes’!

The Art of Grant Writing


Why Write a Grant?

Four Reasons to Write a Grant Application

Stimulate Professional Development

Enhance Organizational Capacity

Improve or Enhance Services

FIND FUNDING!


Grant Writing as an Art

A high-quality grant application is:Thoughtfully plannedCarefully preparedConcisely packaged


You CAN write successful grant applications!


Developing Ideas for the Proposal

Document your case with pictures and statistics

Articulate a clear need and how you will meet it.

Build on your mission


Do Not ‘Go it Alone’

Gain the Support of your Stakeholders!Organizational supportCommunity supportConsider a community advisory committee


Identifying Funding Resources

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance www.cfda.gov

Federal Grants: www.grants.govFoundation Center www.foundationcenter.org

DON’T PAY FOR WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR FREE!

http://www.cfda.gov/

http://www.grants.gov/

http://www.foundationcenter.org/


Contact Samuel MahaffySamuel Mahaffy, Ph.D. is one of the most successful grant writers in the Northwest United States. Along with his Associates he has gained more than $12M in funding for nonprofit programs. Samuel Mahaffy has written more than sixty (60) successful grant applications to federal and state agencies, and regional and national foundations. For many organizations facing financial sustainability issues, he has helped to develop innovative strategies for new funding streams. Samuel Mahaffy has assisted more than five hundred nonprofits and NGOs around the world. He has worked with institutions of higher learning, community and faith-based organizations, and public and private agencies. He offers training to organizations in grantwriting and mentorships to individuals. Samuel Mahaffy is a member of the Academy of Management, an Associate of the Taos Institute, a Founding Member of Comprehensive Nonprofit Services and an independent consultant. He earned his Ph.D. from Tilburg University in the Netherlands through the Taos Institute.

Contact information: [email protected] www.samuelmahaffy.com or www.comprehensivenonprofitservices.com.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.samuelmahaffy.com/

http://www.comprehensivenonprofitservices.com/


Getting Organized to Write a Proposal

Develop a concept paperNarrow down a list of potential fundersGet feedback and dialog about your conceptResearch—Do your homework!!!

WHAT IS ‘BEST PRACTICE’?


Basic Components of a Proposal

1. Cover letter2. Summary or abstract3. Introductory description of the organization4. Problem statement or needs assessment5. Project objectives6. Project design or methods7. Expected outcomes8. Project evaluation9. Sustainability10. Project budget


Most Common Mistakes

Jargon or clichés Reinventing the wheel Biting off more than you can chew No clear outcomes

You said what?


Cover Letter to a Foundation Application

• One page• On letterhead• Demonstrate how you meet agency or

foundations priorities• Use the funder’s language!• Be professional and respectful


Proposal Summary: Outline of Project Goals

Keep it brief and to the point. Include:Description of the applicantProblem to be addressedStatement of objectiveOutline of activities or servicesEvaluation designExpected outcomesCost/benefit


Introduction: Presenting a Credible Applicant

Brief history of the organization and significant accomplishments

Qualifications of professional staffReference any funding being sought

elsewhereManagement & decision making structureOrganizational structure


Problem Statement or Needs Assessment

Document a formal or informal needs assessmentGive evidence of conversations with stakeholdersShow who will benefit and howNature of the problem with hard and specific evidenceWhat are you doing about the problemExisting gaps in addressing the problem (how does

your effort fit into others?Show how the problem will be effectively addressed Identify how the effort will be sustained


Identifying the Core Issue

The lack of a program or facility is never the problem. Define the problem correctly. For example, the lack of a medical center in an economically depressed area is NOT the problem. The problem is that people in the area have health needs that are not currently being met, and may not have the resources to find alternatives.


Project Objectives: Goals and Desired Outcomes

Use quantitative languageBe specific as to anticipated outcomesBe realisticDo not confuse objectives with methods or

strategies


Program Methods and Program Design: A Plan of Action

Activities to occurStaff needed to operate the activityFacilities used, transportation, and support

servicesDiagram the design (draw a picture)Justify the designHighlight innovation and efficiencyProvide analysis, timetables, work plans

schedules, etc. in appendix when appropriate


Evaluation Component is Essential!

Build evaluation into the designChoose an experienced inside or outside

evaluatorDescribe methods of measurementFormative and summative evaluationHave baseline data availableEffectiveness research may win or lose your

proposal


Future Funding

• Describe a plan for continuation• Project ongoing income and expense• Demonstrate community support for

continuation


Budget Development Include salary and benefits in personnel costs and % of effort Identify contractors and qualifications Show break-down of non-personnel expenses Total and summarize each category Provide justification for the budget Identify cash or in-kind contributions and know which is which

************************* Use available resources for model budgets

Federal Grants: www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/pdf/BudgetInstructions.pdf)

Foundation Grants: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/prop_budget/index.html


Proposal Appendix

Keep it simple Avoid generic itemsInclude staff resumes where appropriateInclude data tables and referencesOrganizational documents where appropriateList of Board of Directors and contact

information


Additional Proposal Writing Resources

Common Grant Application (National Network of Grantmakers): www.nng.org/cga.html

Grant Writing tip sheet from NIH: http://grnts1.nih.gov/grants/grant_tips.htm

Writing a successful grant proposal (Minnesota Council on Foundations) http://www.mch.org/mch/grant/writing.htm


Reach for the Sky!You can do it!!!

getting to 'yes'! the art of grantwriting by samuel mahaffy

Self Improvement

problem statement

applicant problem

project design

project objectives

successful grant applications

problem existing gaps

program design

support services