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How to Write Successful Grant Proposals

How to Write Successful Grant Proposals. Carmichael Centre Facilitator: Caroline Egan, Consultant & External Relations Manager. Where to begin?. Worth Noting …. Ten reasons why applications succeed and fail. What the grant giver thinks ….

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How to Write Successful Grant Proposals

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  1. How to Write Successful Grant Proposals Carmichael Centre Facilitator: Caroline Egan, Consultant & External Relations Manager

  2. Where to begin?

  3. Worth Noting … Ten reasons why applications succeed and fail

  4. What the grant giver thinks … “A thoughtful and honest application always stands out in the crowd!... (it) isn’t a hurried and last minute dash to meet our deadlines with something dreamed up overnight. It is a serious and sincere attempt by your organisation to use its experience and skill to make a positive difference where it is needed”. Children in Need Grant Guidelines 1998/99

  5. Identify Project Outputs and Outcomes • Outputs: What and how much gets produced or delivered (usually expressed in quantitative measures) • Outcomes: The difference made. What are the short and long term benefits of the activity?

  6. Example: The Youth Project The aim of the project is to reduce criminal activity by offering support and group work to young people Inputs: staff, budget, venue, advertising Outputs: One-to-one support sessions, outings, group work Outcomes: After the project young people will be more confident, aware of alternatives to crime and training Long term change: Less social exclusion and less criminal activity

  7. What impact will the project have?

  8. Determining your Needs – Generate a Needs Statement In Pairs, 1. Identify some of the issues/needs you might present to funders 2. How would you go about researching these problems and needs? Where will you find relevant information?

  9. Writing Successful Grant Applications • Be able to prove that the need or problem in your grant proposal is significant 2. Ensure your application delivers an answer to the stated need or a solution to the problem. Your experience and ability should be apparent in the application 3. Your proposal should convey solid planning and research and if possible vision!

  10. Writing Successful Grant Applications 4.Research the grant makers. Identify their priorities and applicant eligibility 5. Ensure that your aims and those of the grant makers are compatible 6. Do not limit your funding requests to one source 7. Before completing the application, contact the grant maker to check their guidelines

  11. Writing Successful Grant Applications 8. Ensure your proposal is complete, is an appropriate length and includes all required attachments 9. Ensure that your project’s aims and objectives are clearly and concisely written and that the proposal is worthy of consideration

  12. Writing Successful Grant Applications 10. Cover all important criteria: project purpose, need, impact, funds required, applicant accountability and competence 11. Answer the key questions on the proposal checklist (typically provided with grant application forms) 12. Demonstrate project logic and outcomes, and relevant support 13. Request feedback from the grant maker

  13. Presenting the proposal – Check the guidelines • Tell the funder about your aims, objectives and development plan • Make the case for your project. Demonstrate both need and impact • Clearly identify your projected outcomes, your targets and how you plan to evaluate the project • Provide a project timeline containing identifiable milestones • Indicate whether your project can be sustained once funding ceases • Present a realistic budget with costs related to project activities

  14. Style and Presentation Matters • Write in shorter sentences • Avoid jargon • Avoid unsubstantiated superlatives e.g. unique • Avoid the “everybody knows” syndrome • Make it clear and logical • Write for the reader • Be neat, tidy and positive!

  15. Preparing the Budget • Group budget headings under common themes • Headings should mirror project plans • There should be a basis for all the figures (include a notes column) • Don’t forget to account for inflation - Remember that funders have a good grasp of costs!

  16. Monitoring and evaluating the project • What information will you collect in respect of activities and outputs (measurable) • How will you measure progress towards meeting aims and outcomes • How often will you formally evaluate the project • Who will conduct the evaluations • How will you use the evaluation results

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