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USDA Grant Writing Key Tips

USDA Grant Writing Key Tips. December 2008 Sponsored By Program for Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture NC State University. Keys to Success. Determine if you want to apply Make sure your idea is eligible Know what you must do for funding Carefully follow instructions for proposals

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USDA Grant Writing Key Tips

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  1. USDA Grant Writing Key Tips December 2008 Sponsored By Program for Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture NC State University

  2. Keys to Success • Determine if you want to apply • Make sure your idea is eligible • Know what you must do for funding • Carefully follow instructions for proposals • Keep it simple- Clear presentation

  3. Presented By:James MatsonPO Box 661Aiken, SC 29802jmatson@Matsonconsult.comPh: 803-233-7134 Fax: 803-233-7938

  4. Should You Apply ? • Grant should fit your direction • Grant cycle coincides project • Grants are not free money • Have at least 100 hours to craft a good application

  5. Should You Apply ? • Don’t count on political clout • Grants are reviewed for a technical merit • Have time for payment process if rewarded

  6. Before Starting Be eligible • In 2007 60% of eligible VAPG • And more than 85% of 9006 (Now REAP) eligible applications were funded. • Average VAPG $104,000

  7. Eligible Requirements • Make sure your idea is eligible for the grant i.e. Bio mass and renewable energy are for the REAP

  8. Understand the Program • Get a list of projects previously funded under the program. • How does your idea compares to those projects. • If not sure ask ahead of time for potential fit

  9. Understand the Program • USDA wants to spend the money Program details available at USDA website. -REAP- http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/ http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/rbcs_RE-EE_Section_9006.html • VAPG-http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm • http://www.aglink.org/industrynews/Plan_templateOR2008.doc

  10. Avoid Mistakes • Turn in the grant early • Sign the forms • Number all pages • Make sure your budget adds up • Keep an extra copy

  11. Plan Your Attack • Summarize your idea in one or two sentences • Focus on the identified priorities of the program • Emphasize partnerships with others like the NC State, Cooperative Extension, NCDA&CS, NCA&T and local groups • Explain your project in logical steps • Look for help with the application

  12. Grant Writing Assistance • A professional grant writer is not required, but may be helpful • Extension agents, local development offices, and universities all have grant writing experience • USDA staff can give great advice (if you ask in advance) • Take time for another set of eyes to review the application before submitting

  13. Proposal Outline • Get the proposal template online • Executive summary (most important page) • Project narrative • Project timeline (who’s doing what, when) • Detailed budget with notes • Specific results

  14. Avoid Mistakes • Follow all rules-even small ones • Reviewers of grants have many proposals to score • Make yours clear and obvious • GET YOUR DUNS NUMBER AHEAD OF TIME • http://www.ccr.gov/pdfs/DUNSGuideGovVendors.pdf

  15. Crystal Ball Rule If reviewers cannot CLEARLY understand your business you will not score well • Don’t assume they know how your business works

  16. Format Issues • Margins –1 inch top/bottom, left/right • Line spacing – usually single spaced paragraphs with two spaces between paragraphs. • Type style – reviewers want 12 pt. type—it’s easy to read. • Page limits – do not exceed.

  17. The Money Question Why should I give you my money? (and not these other 300 applications)

  18. Proposal Outline • 1 – page Executive Summary • The 4-Ws • Who you are (emphasis on partnerships) • What you are proposing • Why you should be funded (results) • When (project timeline)

  19. Proposal Outline (Cont’d.) • Background • More detail about your organization • Why the program administrators should have confidence that you can do what you say • Build partnerships (who are recognized, credible groups that are working with and/or supporting you) • Goals/Objectives • Have 3-4 key goals that relate to the program from which you are seeking funding. • Be specific, clear, focused

  20. Proposal Outline • Project narrative • Money should match the project size. • Be specific about what you hope to accomplish and when. • Indicate a willingness to share your experiences with other producer groups.

  21. Wrap-up • Understand the grant program • Say what you want to do • Carefully follow instructions for submitting proposals • Keep it simple

  22. Conclusion Be eligible Avoid mistakes Have good technical proposal Get going Don’t Wait

  23. Questions Blake Brown NCSU Value-Added and Alternative Agriculture (704) 250-5400blake_brown@ncsu.edu Jim Matson Jmatson@matsonconsult.com 803-233-7134

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