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WRITING SUCCESSFUL GRANT PROPOSALS

This workshop provides tips, examples, and an overview of elements for preparing strong grant proposals. Learn how to research funding sources, collect materials, and work with funders to increase your chances of success.

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WRITING SUCCESSFUL GRANT PROPOSALS

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  1. WRITING SUCCESSFUL GRANT PROPOSALS

  2. How to prepare strong grant proposals to compete effectively.

  3. Workshop Goals • To provide general tips for preparing strong application packages. • To provide an overview of general elements for successful proposals. • To provide and discuss examples of strong and weak proposals.

  4. Do You Need to Write aGrant Proposal? • Do you have the talent and materials within your partnership to complete the project? • Could your problem be addressed by having local vendors provide materials or make other contributions? • Could a community fundraiser fulfill your needs? If you answered yes to any of these questions … then you may NOT need to write a proposal. 

  5. Yes, I do need to write a grant proposal! 1. Begin researching funding sources 2. Collect materials to write your proposal • Your mission/purpose • Letters of support • Budget estimates • Project support • IRS documentation

  6. SHOW ME THE MONEY How to work with funders References and resources to find external funding

  7. External Funding Sources • State/Territory fish and wildlife agency • Federal government grants • Friends associations • Local businesses • Universities • Local conservation organizations

  8. Grant Funding Resource Information • Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance www.cfda.gov • Federal Register http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ • Grants.gov www.grants.gov

  9. What is Grants.gov? • A one-stop online shopping source to find and apply for Federal government-wide competitive grant opportunities • Houses 900+ grant programs from 26 grant-making agencies • Fund opportunities for more than 20 diverse grant categories • Over 1,100 active grant opportunities posted • Nearly 9000 grant applications submitted through the electronic system Dummy bullet for transition

  10. Find and Apply • “Find” feature allows users to: • Search for available grant opportunities • Register to receive notification of grant opportunities • “Apply” feature allows users to: • Search for and download application packages • Complete application packages offline • Submit completed application packages online • Track the status of submitted applications

  11. Getting Started – Register with Grants.gov: • A multi-step process with time required between steps for verification, authentication and confirmation • Register with Central Contractor Registry (CCR) - Organization • Register with the Credential Provider to receive username and password - Individuals • Register with Grants.gov to be designated as an Authorized Organization Representative - Individuals • Log in to Grants.gov to verify successful registration - Individuals • Download PureEdge viewer to be able to access and submit application materials - Individuals Grants.gov registration/authentication processes—allow 7-14 days!

  12. Help is available… • Grants.gov provides numerous sources of help to guide you through the process • Online tutorials and training demos • Checklists and worksheets • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) • User Guide • Help line – telephone and e-mail support

  13. Grant Funding Resources – Agency Information • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service www.fws.gov (see “Grants at a Glance”) • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration www.coralreef.noaa.gov/grants.html • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/

  14. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • www.nfwf.org

  15. Other Types of Grants Foundation Corporate

  16. Foundations and Corporations $213 Billion Where the money comes from: Where it goes: 7% environmental and animal 3% science and technology 25% education 65% other 4% Corporations 12% Foundations 76% Individuals 8%Bequests

  17. Foundations and Corporations • Give locally • Don’t normally have applications • Personal contact is required • Fund very specific projects • Give to non-profits

  18. How Do we Find Foundations and Corporations? • Internet • Foundation Center Online • Conservation Grants • Environmental Grantmaking Foundations Directory • Libraries • Foundation Center Collections • Foundation searches, 990s • Chronicle of Philanthropy

  19. Does the Grant Opportunity Work for Me? • Does your project meet the funder’s interest? • Are you an eligible applicant? • Does it support projects in your area? • Does the funder support all project needs? • What size grants are given? • What is involved in the application process? • What are the grant criteria? • Does the timing of funding meet your needs?

  20. Budget Your Time Communicate Solid partnerships Innovative project Define your budget 80% planning the project 20% writing the proposal

  21. Get the award for a strong proposal • Do your homework • Know the big picture • Coordinate, establish partnerships • Communicate • Know the funder’s budget cycle • Determine how you will meet match requirements. Pre-writing Phase

  22. Basic Grant Application Components For a more competitive application be sure to include: • Detailed methodology/description of activity • Detailed Budget include how match funds are will be used • Demonstrated partnerships with local communities and resource agencies • Relevant Principle investigator experience and expertise • Description of how information from project will be used to improve management. • Realistic description timeline with benchmarks for deliverables

  23. Get the award for a strong proposal (cont) • Follow grant application instructions • Be succinct, well organized, on time • Specify your piece of the pie • Target funding agency’s priorities • Set a realistic budget • Provide real, legitimate match • Be innovative • Work with a proofreader Writing Phase

  24. Grant Writing Tools – Agency Information • Updated Agency Websites • FWS/NCTC Grant Writing for Conservation Course • EPA Grant Writing Tutorial • NFWF Pre-proposal Form • NOAA Coastal Services Center • NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service • NOAA Grants Management Division

  25. Weak proposals • Do not follow directions in the guidance • Are not proof read, have lots of errors • Have incorrect or insufficient match • Lack coordination and had duplication of activities. • Are submitted after the deadline.

  26. Weak proposals (cont) • Do not provide adequate description of PI’s relevant past experience or performance • Demonstrate that work begins or is completed before the grant is to be awarded.

  27. Remember, Funders Are Partners! • Build a relationship • Be courteous • Respect their time • Know their interests • Discuss opportunities • Follow up

  28. What if You Don’t Get the Grant? Follow up – ask: • Any hints to increase success next time? • Any other funders recommended?

  29. You got the Grant!!!

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