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Grant Writing Basics

Grant Writing Basics. Peer-to-Peer Workshop For Friends in Region 2 Bosque del Apache NWR September 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell, Grant Administrator, Friends of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges. Disclaimer. I am a practitioner of grant writing, not an expert.

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Grant Writing Basics

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  1. Grant Writing Basics Peer-to-Peer Workshop For Friends in Region 2 Bosque del Apache NWR September 5-7, 2014 Marty Cornell, Grant Administrator, Friends of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges

  2. Disclaimer • I am a practitioner of grant writing, not an expert. • This is a reflection of our experience over 18 years. • Content reflects input from lenders and web sources on grant writing. • Your constructive criticism will be appreciated. • Apologies for acronyms; please ask. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  3. Our Learning Curve Accumulative Value of Grants to FOBWR Active: $456,450 Completed: $1,309,361 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 15 12 14 13 Year of Completion

  4. Use of FOBWR Funds, 1996 - 2014 5.3% 5.5% Capital Facilities $ 670,000 (Trails, Boardwalks, Pavilions) Pre-Land Acquisition $ 610,000 Environmental Education $ 201,901 Science & Surveys $ 91,864 Land Restoration $ 87,936 Total $1,661,701 12.2% 40.3% 36.7% (In-kind value not included) Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  5. Grant Sources Abound Small to Large Coastal Mgt. NAWCA, CCS Recreational Trail Grants <$1,000 >$200,000 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  6. Types of Grants • Funded upfront •  Sometimes partial upfront 8 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  7. Types of Grants • Funded upfront •  Sometimes partial upfront • Reimbursement •  often requires match 9 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  8. Types of Grants • Funded upfront •  Sometimes partial upfront • Reimbursement •  often requires match • Challenge Cost Share •  requires 50% match Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  9. Challenge Cost Share Recruit partners in the preservation and improvement of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Requires a minimum of 50% contribution of cash, goods, or services from non-Federal sources. For USFWS currently on hold pending funding. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  10. http://www.nfwf.org/whatwedo/grants/Pages/home.aspx#.U_eYmfldU_hhttp://www.nfwf.org/whatwedo/grants/Pages/home.aspx#.U_eYmfldU_h Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  11. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  12. Conservation Programs That Are or May Be Applicable to Region 2 • Acres for America $3 million, 3 to 6 grants • Attwatter’s Prairie Chicken • ConocoPhillips Spirit of Conservation Program $1million, size $50K to $500k mottled duck, 1:1 match cash or in-kind; 50% match non-federal • Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists $100K for FWS, $20k per grant, more with match. 50% match • National wildlife friends conservation program • National Wildlife Refuge Friends; matching not required. $1.5k to $5K • Sea Turtles Typically $50k to $300K, 50% match (?Kemp Ridley in Gulf of Mexico?) For further information on the program or completing the application, please contact Michelle Pico (at 262-567-0601 or pico@nfwf.org). • Shell Marine Habitat Program; $50k to $200k; 50% match. Please direct any questions to Suzanne Sessine, Assistant Director, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 or suzanne.sessine@nfwf.org, or Lindsay Vacek, Program Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 orlindsay.vacek@nfwf.org. • Short Grass Prairie ”…minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services.” “…projects that meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio tend to be more competitive.” 14 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  13. Conservation Programs That Are or May Be Applicable to Region 2 • Acres for America $3 million, 3 to 6 grants • Attwatter’s Prairie Chicken • ConocoPhillips Spirit of Conservation Program $1million, size $50K to $500k mottled duck, 1:1 match cash or in-kind; 50% match non-federal • Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists $100K for FWS, $20k per grant, more with match. 50% match • National wildlife friends conservation program • National Wildlife Refuge Friends; matching not required. $1.5k to $5K • Sea Turtles Typically $50k to $300K, 50% match (?Kemp Ridley in Gulf of Mexico?) For further information on the program or completing the application, please contact Michelle Pico (at 262-567-0601 or pico@nfwf.org). • Shell Marine Habitat Program; $50k to $200k; 50% match. Please direct any questions to Suzanne Sessine, Assistant Director, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 or suzanne.sessine@nfwf.org, or Lindsay Vacek, Program Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 orlindsay.vacek@nfwf.org. • Short Grass Prairie ”…minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services.” “…projects that meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio tend to be more competitive.” Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  14. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  15. Web Search  Funding Environmental Education $750,000 in 2013 $2 million to $3 million per year Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  16. Web Search  Funding Trails AHS National Trails Fund Offers Trail Grants to Hiking Organizations Advocacy Advance Grants for organizations and innovative campaigns to increase biking and walking Greater Outdoors Project provides grants for environmental projects American Canoe Association and L.L. Bean offer water trail Stewardship Grants Funding Trails Training with State Resources 25 community projects given grants to promote Active Living Tread Lightly! Stewardship Grant Program Kodak American Greenways Awards PowerBar's D.I.R.T. grants program funds outdoor recreation projects nationwide Conservation Alliance Grants Recreational Trails Program Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  17. Grant Process 501(c)(3) Status The ticket to play! Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  18. Grant Process Refuge Concept Approval 501(c)(3) Status Proposal must mesh with refuge goals, e.g. their Comprehensive Conservation Plan Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  19. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval 501(c)(3) Status This is a key to success. Avoids ambiguous responsibility. Usually a Friends board member. Use best Friend for each project. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  20. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner 501(c)(3) Status Refuge ownership and accountability is essential. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  21. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Quantify elements of the project: What? Where? Why? Impact? How? When? Detail is important. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  22. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Funds? Volunteers? Refuge Staff? Equipment? Permits? Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  23. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Consider need for competitive bids, permits, environmental impact statements, USFWS approvals, etc. Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Weather Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  24. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Develop Funding Plan Grant $, matching $ requirements, in-kind contributions. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 26

  25. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Research Potential Funders Develop Funding Plan Funder philosophy? Funding level? Past engagement? Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 27

  26. Research Potential Funders • Do your homework: research the granting organization on line, understand their philosophy (local is often better), perhaps speak to their grant administrator. • Identify a project officer who will address your questions. Inquire about how proposals are reviewed and how decisions are made. • Confirm your need matches granter’s requirements. Actual NFWF grant application: “CONSERVE AND RESTORING THE ENDANGERED MUSKDEER IN VIETNAM” Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  27. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Research Potential Funders Develop Funding Plan Suggestion: Don’t go back to the same well every year. Target Grant Source & Submit Application 29 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  28. File Early Early filing  forethought, organized, serious, commitment, disciplined. Last minute filing  superficial, unorganized, etc. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  29. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Research Potential Funders Develop Funding Plan Target Grant Source & Submit Application Celebrate Grant Award! 31 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  30. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Research Potential Funders Develop Funding Plan Building Reputation Target Grant Source & Submit Application Report on Time (Interim & Final) Celebrate Grant Award! Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 32

  31. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Research Potential Funders Develop Funding Plan Target Grant Source & Submit Application Follow up Report Results vs. Plan Cementing Reputation Report on Time (Interim & Final) Celebrate Grant Award! Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  32. Grant Process Assign Accountable Administrator Refuge Concept Approval Refuge Assigns Staff Partner Objective Clearly Defined 501(c)(3) Status Define Resources Needed Develop Project Timeline Research Potential Funders Develop Funding Plan Target Grant Source & Submit Application Follow up Report Results vs. Plan Report on Time (Interim & Final) Celebrate Grant Award! Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 34

  33. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  34. Recreational Trails Program $$$ to States in 2013 AZ $1.9 million, NM $1.4 million, OK $1.76 Million, TX $3.9 Million 30% non-motorized 30% motorized 40% discretionary Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  35. Portion of the motor fuel excise tax from non-highway recreational fuel use: State Recreational Trails Programs Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  36. Arizona (Managing Agency: Arizona State Parks) ARIZONARobert Baldwin, State Trails CoordinatorArizona State ParksResources Management Section1300 W Washington StPhoenix AZ 85007-2932602-542-7130; Fax 602-542-4180rbb2@azstateparks.gov Trail improvements on the Go John Canyon Trail Photo credit, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, CVL Hike Club Arizona State Parks Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  37. Arizona (Managing Agency: Arizona State Parks) Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  38. New Mexico (Managing Agency: NMDOT-Statewide Planning Bureau NEW MEXICOAaron J. Detter, Recreational Trails Program CoordinatorNew Mexico Department of TransportationStatewide Planning Bureau505-827-5117aaron.detter@state.nm.us Rocky Mountain Youth Corps working on Salmon Run Trail, Heron Lake State Park Photo credit: New Mexico State Parks Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  39. Oklahoma (Managing Agency:  ) OKLAHOMASusan Henry, Grants CoordinatorConservation and Planning DivisionTourism & Recreation Department120 North Robinson Suite 600Oklahoma City OK 73102405-230-8490; Fax 405-230-8580shenry@oklahomaparks.com Bois D’arc Trail in Hugo Lake State Park Photo credit: Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  40. Texas (Managing Agency:  ) TEXASTrey Cooksey, State Parks Trails CoordinatorTexas Parks and Wildlife Dept4200 Smith School RoadAustin TX 78744-3291512-389-8743; Fax 512-389-8242trey.cooksey@tpwd.state.tx.us Dow Woods Unit, San Bernard NWR Photo credit: Marty Cornell Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  41. Recreational Trail Advisory Committee • Volunteer Advisory Committee awards grants. • State employees insure compliance with Federal Recreational Trail requirements and manage their state program. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  42. Recreational Trail Advisory Committee • Represents both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. • Shall meet not less often than once per fiscal year. • 9 volunteer members (Texas & Oklahoma), serve 4-year terms. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  43. Oklahoma Trails Advisory Board • Bicycle Charles Duke • Disabled Access Vacant • Equestrian Keith Coleman • Environmental/Conservation Marion Hutchinson II • Four-wheel Drive Charles “Chuck” Battles • Hiking David Franklin • Motorcycles Chuck Howard • At Large Jerel Cowen • At Large Scott Jordan Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  44. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  45. Up to $200,000 for non-motorized trails ($250,000 total grant). • Smaller, ~$25,000 grants are often awarded. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  46. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Please provide a clear and concise description of the proposed project in the space below. Include a description of the trail length, width, surfacing, and configuration (loop, linear, network); trailhead and trailside amenities. Detail all work to be performed; any right-of-way or easements to be acquired; the relationship between project and any other work planned or existing; partnerships and/or community involvement; and educational/interpretive aspects of the project. (Limit to 1 page). Write this last! Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  47. Project Description. This will form the first impression of the relative merits of your application vs. all other submissions. For the last three years, Texas RTP received 80 to 83 Applications. ~1/3 get funded. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  48. Project Description. • Verbosity is not appreciated. Grant panels are people who must wade through piles of applications. • Succinctly answer the questions. Don’t ramble. Avoid jargon. • Write at a 10th-grade level. 51 Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  49. Project Description. Use the Hook! • The hook tailors the description of the idea to the interest of the funder. It aligns the project with the purpose and goals of the funder. This determines how compelling the reviewers will perceive your proposal. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

  50. The budget should be in sufficient detail to reflect a well thought out proposal. • Avoid prohibited items, e.g. salaries. Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell

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