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GRANTWRITING

Learn how to create a compelling needs statement that addresses the problem, demonstrates importance, builds trust, and aligns with the funder's priorities. Discover key content types, data and statistics, and best practices to make your case effectively. Presented by Tara Gohr, President/CEO, and Aly Sanchez, Director of Projects at The Grant Plant, Inc.

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GRANTWRITING

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  1. GRANTWRITING Nailing Your Needs Statement Tara Gohr & Aly Sanchez The Grant Plant, Inc.

  2. Presentation Topics Introductions What are needs statements? What should be included? How do you make your best case with data? Putting it all together Questions

  3. Introductions Tara Gohr, President/CEO tara@thegrantplantnm.com Aly Sanchez, Director of Projects aly@thegrantplantnm.com

  4. What are needs statements?

  5. Placement of the Needs Statement

  6. Function of the Needs Statement

  7. Function of the Needs Statement Problem or need for an external constituency

  8. Function of the Needs Statement What you propose to do to address the problem

  9. Action Action Function of the Needs Statement OR OR

  10. Importance of Needs Statements In short, you answer the question: “Why care?” • Demonstrates that there is a problem that: • Is important • Is significant • Is urgent • Builds trust • Relates to your mission statement • Relates to the funder’s priorities

  11. Takeaways • Establishes the problem. • Describes conditions outside your agency. • Leads to the helpful actions you propose. • Is your first impression.

  12. Needs Statement Contents

  13. Contents for needs statements Major Content Types • Problem description • Problem recognition • Problem implications • Problem hurdles • Problem urgency • What solving problems means • Human interest story

  14. Contents: Problem Description Major Content Types • Problem description - The 5 W’s • Who? • What? • Where? • Why? • When?

  15. Problem versus Symptoms Cause: Flu Symptoms Problem vs. Symptoms -- Leads to Solution

  16. Cause Rabbit Hole …Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well…. Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll

  17. Contents: Recognition Major Content Types • Problem recognition • Who else sees it? • Community stakeholders views • High profile views

  18. Contents: Implications Major Content Types • Problem implications • What are resulting problems? • If not resolved? • What happens to community? • What happens to target audience? • Cost to society?

  19. Contents: Hurdles Major Content Types • Problem hurdles • Gap • Knowledge gaps • Current Work • What has prevented resolution/improvement • Logjams and speed bumps

  20. Contents: Urgency Major Content Types • Problem urgency • Why now? Order Now!

  21. Contents for needs statements Major Content Types • Human interest story • Similar client • Similar circumstances • Positive resolution • Demonstrates your interventions

  22. Takeaways • Orient: Covers the Five W’s • Engage: Problem urgency and importance • Narrow Solution: Challenges and gaps

  23. Data and Statistics

  24. Data and Statistics Intro “There are lies, damn lies, and statistics” - Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister Role: • Supporting • Rely on Context • Objective Basic Rules • Timely • Unbiased • Reliable

  25. Example - Aspartame Activity • Popular email • Three reasons it works • Three reasons it fails

  26. Data Searches Example Sites • US Census – www.census.gov • FreeDemographics - www.freedemographics.com • USDA Economic Research Service - www.ers.usda.gov • Department of Health & Human Services - www.hhs.gov/reference/www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter.aspx, • HHS Reference Collection - http://datacenter.kidscount.org/ • New Mexico Economic Development Department – www.edd.state.nm.us • AECF Knowledge Center: http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter.aspx • AECF Kids Count Data Center: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/ • NM Economic Development Department – www.edd.state.nm.us • NM Department of Health: www.health.state.nm.us

  27. Statistics Wrap Up Data Functions Key Sources • Describes • Compares • Trends • Predicts • Explains • Demographic Sites • Federal Agencies • State Agencies • Foundation Websites • Article/Journal Collections • News Outlets

  28. Putting it all Together

  29. Statement Process

  30. Statement Structure • Zoom In or Zoom Out • Spatial • Chronological • Funder Bridge • Symptoms to Roots • Topical • Impact Levels ?

  31. Need Statement Weaknesses • Not providing information requested in the RFP • Proposing something outside the scope of the RFP • Using outdated or suspect information • Gathering insufficient data • Statistical pile-up • Unfamiliar concepts or terms • Long, convoluted sentences

  32. Need Statement Tips • Address the 5 W’s • “Weighty Words” • Get ‘em in the heart, get ‘em in the head • The 4 C’s • Thoughtful wording of statistics • Use formatting skillfully • Check scoring, rating criteria

  33. Finally… The bottom line is that to have a fundable project, it must potentially solve the problem your organization and the grantmaker are interested in and must generate results that can be measured in some way.

  34. Questions

  35. The Grant Plant is dedicated to providing superior and affordable resource development services to assist nonprofit organizations in enhancing the quality of life for New Mexico residents. • We offer a range of services, including data and prospect research, grant writing, editing, and reporting. • E-newsletter sign –up online. Grant calendar: http://www.thegrantplantnm.com/Calendar.htm Contact us at: 505-839-1464 (phone) 1-800-615-8557 (fax) www.thegrantplantNM.com E-mail: mail@thegrantplantNM.com

  36. Bibliography • Black, M., Kagan S., Melaville, A., & Ray, K. Cooperation, Coordination, and Collaboration. 2003. • Carter New, C. & Quick, J.A. Grantseeker’s Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Funding. 1998. • Clarke, Cheryl A. Storytelling for Grantseekers. 2001. • Miner, L.E., & Miner, J.T. Proposal Planning and Writing. 2003. • Morison, K. A Guidebook for Federal Grant Reviewers. 2002. • Williams, C. Grantsmanship and Proposal Writing Seminar Manual. 2003.

  37. Websites Consulted • Annie E. Casey Foundation: www.aecf.org • Census: www.census.gov • CFDA: www.gsa.gov/fdac/queryfdac • Federal: www.dhhs.gov, www.ers.usda.gov • FirstGov: www.firstgov.gov • Grants.gov: www.grants.gov • Federal Register: www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ • New Mexico Register: www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmregister • New Mexico Funding Directory: www.research.unm.edu/funding_opportunities/nmfd/ • Foundation Center: www.fdncenter.org • GrantSelect: www.grantselect.com • Guidestar: www.guidestar.org • GrantStation: www.grantstation.com • State: www.health.state.nm.us, www.edd.state.nm.us

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