Division of COMMUNITY SERVICE & NONPROFIT SUPPORT

1. Department of Human Services Division ofCOMMUNITY SERVICE & NONPROFIT SUPPORT

2. Grant Training DCSNS

3. Frequently Asked Questions “How do I find grant money?” “How hard is it to get my first grant?” “Is it easier to get public or private grants?” “What do grantmakers look for in a proposal?” We’ve come across a few Common Questions The Fundamental Question “Is it all really worth it?”

4. Identification Identification

5. Identification Internal Analysis • What is your Mission? • What is your capacity? • Identify what we need funded • Are you chasing dollars vs. Are you seeking funding? • How does this grant fit within your current framework? External Analysis • Ask stakeholders • Staff • Board • Populations you serve • Identify gaps or duplications in services • Read the local newspaper • Check with peers/professional groups

6. So where do we start? Focus on research. This also means getting data, statistical evidence, to support your proposal. So where do we start? Before writing a proposal, you need to know where to look for grant opportunities. • Training • Consulting • Facilitation • Recognition • Publications • Partnerships Identify Potential Funders Foundationcenter.org Grants.gov GrantSpace.org Grantprofessionals.org USAspending.gov ARCF.org Funding Opportunities Census.gov ARadvocates.org Zipskinny.com Halfinten.org

7. Research Research Click to edit Master title style The Grant Process

8. So where do we start? Focus on research. This also means getting data, statistical evidence, to support your proposal. Research Data (evidence-based need) Funding opportunities Researching foundation Reviewing grant guidelines Census.gov ARadvocates.org Zipskinny.com Halfinten.org

9. Planning & Cultivation Planning & Cultivation Click to edit Master title style The Grant Process

10. Planning & Cultivation

11. Writing Writing Click to edit Master title style The Grant Process

12. Grant Proposal

13. Common Proposal Weaknesses Project isn’t “innovative” or “transformative” enough; questionable importance Project isn’t logical; planning is lacking Lack of preliminary data; need isn’t documented Staff unqualified; lacks expertise or experience Overly ambitious; project timeline unrealistic Didn’t follow guidelines

14. What Works Opposite of the last slide Proof before submitting Clear and easy to read

15. Solicitation Solicitation Click to edit Master title style The Grant Process

16. Solicitation Solicitation = Submitting your proposalStewardship is what happens after their decision

17. Stewardship Stewardship Click to edit Master title style The Grant Process

18. What to do with a rejection

19. What to do once you are funded Thank the funder Do what you said you would do Be flexible with budget if asked Meet all reporting requirements on time Acknowledge the funder in print (press release) Keep in touch with them Get approval for changes in program View the grant as the BEGINNING of an important working relationship

20. Renewal Renewal Click to edit Master title style The Grant Process

21. IMORTANT TAKEAWAYS • Think of grants in terms of process and impact • Follow the guidelines • Proof read

22. The Consulting Team Michael Brouri Northwest Drew Buffington Northeast DeKitra Ross-Larry Central Jackie Stubblefield Southwest Carrie Ramos Southeast Our team of consultants cover 5 Distinct Regions Michael Brouri Northwest Drew Buffington Northeast Jackie Stubblefield Southwest Carrie Ramos Southeast

23. CONTACT INFORMATION • DeKitra Ross-Larry| 501-320-6448 • dekitra.ross-larry@arkansas.gov • Jackie Stubblefield| 501-320-6040 • jackie.stubblefield@arkansas.gov • Questions?