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Demystifying the Grant Writing Process. Kristeen Christian Assistant Vice President Valencia College. Kchristian6@valenciacollege.edu (407) 582-2909. Components of a grant proposal. Abstract or summary Introduction or organization background Problem or need statement
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Demystifying the Grant Writing Process Kristeen Christian Assistant Vice President Valencia College Kchristian6@valenciacollege.edu(407) 582-2909
Components of a grant proposal • Abstract or summary • Introduction or organization background • Problem or need statement • Project Goals and Objectives
Components of a grant proposal • Methods or implementation strategy • Key personnel • Project evaluation • Project budget and budget narrative • Sustainability plan
Where to start • Identify a significant need • Does the significant need impact your students, department, organization, or community?
How do you know? • What data supports your need? • Is this a local, state, national need? • Is there comparative data?
How significant is this problem? • List all of the long-term implications if this problem is not addressed.
So there is a problem… Now ask… • What are the possible causes for this problem? Make a list! • Can you categorize the causes? • Is it an access or information problem? Look at your list again… • What items are out of your control? Strike those!
Problem Statement • The list left should be items that you have control or influence over.
Think about this • Is the problem measurable? • The causes will be addressed in the methods section of the proposal. This is an important connection!!!
Goals • Goals are large statements of what you hope to accomplish or see. • Goals are not measurable. • Goals create the setting for the proposal.
Objectives • Objectives are operational and measurable. • Two kinds of objectives: • Outcome objectives • Process objectives
Outcome Objectives • Outcome objectives measure program’s effectiveness
Process Objectives • Process objectives measure the steps that the organization is taking to meet the goal. • Examples of process objectives: • To establish • To attend • To purchase • To implement • To train
IMPORTANT • To increase or decrease something is not an objective. • To make it an objective add by what degree the increase or decrease will happen. • All outcomes must be written in terms of the participants or learners, not the organization!!!
Use the S.M.A.R.T. Approach • Specific • Measurable • Action Oriented • Realistic • Time and resource limited
Methods/Activities/Implementation • This is the most detailed part of the proposal and scored the most points. • It describes who, what, when and how • List all of the tasks/activities • Who is responsible • Add the timeline • How will you know this is accomplished?
Evaluation • Relates to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposal. • Begin with the evaluation in mind
Evaluation Considerations • What data will be needed? • Who and how will the data be collected and used? • What measures will be used to collect the data? • Is an outside evaluator needed or required?
Two types of evaluation • Formative evaluation is part of the implementation plan. • Summative evaluation asks, “have you achieved the outcome objectives?”
"When the cook tastes the soup, that’s formative; when the guests taste the soup, that’s summative." - Robert Stakes
Measures • Focus groups • Surveys, questionnaires, checklists • Pre-post tests • Anecdotal information • Case studies • Interviews
Budget - A picture of the proposal using numbers • Must relate to the activities in the grant proposal • Be realistic
Budget items • Personnel - salary and fringes • Consultant and contractual • Travel • Supplies • Equipment • Other • Indirect costs • Administrative costs
A Word About Sustainability • A sustainability plan must be included in the proposal. • Highest level of governance must agree to the plan.
Remember • Read the RFP carefully and make notes. • Most important information first. • Use specific examples. • Vague signals poor planning. • Use grandma’s rule!!!
Grant Proposals/Awards • Will be rejected more than funded. • Are an investment for the funding source. • Offer -0- budget relief. • Funding sources want to fund something unique, not current operating expenses. • Are seed money for new projects. • Not a short-term problem solving for long-term problems.
Prove to the funding source that you: • Have a broad based understanding of the problem. • Have read and understand the current literature in your discipline. • Are qualified to design and deliver a solution to the problem. • Have a reasonable plan and budget! • You have a plan for sustainability
Winning proposals… • Overwhelm the reader with hard core facts and details. • Bring the proposal to life - add stories and visuals. • Textboxes often do not follow same formatting!