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Community Abundance Resource Training How to Get the Things You Need Obtaining Funding Through Grants. Deb Olive 27 th April 2007. The Grants Nightmare!.
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Community Abundance Resource TrainingHow to Get the Things You NeedObtaining Funding Through Grants Deb Olive 27th April 2007
The Grants Nightmare! We generally hear about a grant two days before the application is due - then it’s a mad rush to think of something to apply for and to get all the forms filled in!
A Strategic Approach • PLAN • Identify priorities and needs • Determine objectives and resources required to get there • Identify existing skills and resources
Sources of Support Government grants Philanthropic grants Corporate sponsorship Community donations Community partnerships /resource sharing Social enterprise Fundraising
Keeping Up With What’s Out There • Networks • Subscriptions • Websites
Useful Contacts / Links Grantslink www.grantslink.gov.au Philanthropy Australia http://www.philanthropy.org.au Queensland Government Funding website http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/Community Groups - Advice, resources and funding for community groups) Easy Grants Information Service http://www.ourcommunity.com.au
What about employing a grant writer? • Pros and Cons
Talent Within Your Group Identify – skills audit of the group - what skills are members willing to contribute? Recruit specific - seek volunteers with required skills
Talent Within Your Group Develop Succession planning – pass on expertise within the group Training / workshops – council, government, community sector, private sector Websites/resources Share with other groups
Talent Within Your Group Exploit! • Build capacity across the group • Share the workload • Group owns projects – not the submission writer!
Tips for Writing Grant Applications Know your audience Write for that audience Don’t assume - reader may not know your group at all! Make your message clear Help them see the difference it will make!
Tips for Writing Grant Applications Organise your thoughts Most important information up front Short clear sentences and paragraphs Summarise main points Omit (words that are) unnecessary words Concise, direct and active speech Avoid jargon
Tips for Writing Grant Applications Design and Layout Break up text with white space. Use clear fonts that are easy to read. Use consistency in headings and margins.Use lists, tables and graphical information. Be organised and logical
Tips for Writing Grant Applications Design and Layout Break up text with white space Use clear fonts Make it easy to read Consistency in headings and margins Use lists, tables and graphical information Be organised and logical
Tips for Writing Grant Applications Presentation Keep it simple Size matters Contact details
Now, You Are the Grant Provider! You are responsible for screening and assessing grant applications. What will you be looking for?
Writing a Grant - Basic Steps 1. Organisational analysis • Assess needs and opportunities • Locate support, resources, funding • Ensure grant matches the criteria • Develop a plan /budget/outcomes • Writing and presentation
While you are waiting to hear. • Check it arrived • Lobby
After the Grant Decision! Successful Check the contract Do it Keep records Keep on schedule Acquittal / audit Refusal Seek feedback