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Join us at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank All Agencies Conference 2017 for an informative workshop on the key elements of a successful grant proposal. Learn how to improve your cover letter, organization description, need/problem statement, program description, outcomes/evaluation, sustainability, and attachments.
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Grant Writing 101 Los Angeles Regional Food Bank All Agencies Conference 2017
Welcome & Introduction • Félice Myers, Director of Foundation Relations Email: fmyers@lafoodbank.org Phone: (323) 243-3030, Ext 189
Workshop Purpose • To understand the key elements of a successful grant proposal and what makes each element so important.
Basic Elements of a Grant Proposal • Cover Letter • Organization Description & History • Need/Problem Statement • Program Description • Outcomes & Evaluation • Sustainability • Attachments
Cover Letter • One page on letterhead • Funder’s name, title and address • Always address it to an individual,not “To Whom It May Concern” • Thank them for prior funding, if applicable • Provide a one sentence overview of organization/mission. • Include amount requested in first paragraph • Give reason(s) for your funding request • Include contact information (phone and email) • Personally signed by Executive Director/CEO
Organization Description • Mission • History • Principal activities: Programs/Services • Target population
Need/Problem Statement • The need is about those you help; your clients (not your organization) • Logical narrative, backed by supporting facts and statistics • Cite sources for statistics • Describe target population • Define community need/problem to be addressed & its urgency • Short, meaningful sentences
Need/Problem Statement Examples of the need to be addressed: • “One in seven people in Los Angeles County might not know where their next meal is coming from.” • “One in four children in Los Angeles County are food insecure.”
Program Description • Goals • Objectives • Methods • Staffing • Collaboration
Goals • A broad statement of the ultimate result of the change being undertaken. Example 1: “Source, acquire and distribute food to individuals and families in need throughout Los Angeles County.” Example 2: “Ensure that children who qualify for free or reduced priced school meals have enough nutritious food on the weekends, when school meals are unavailable.” • A result that is sometimes unreachable in the short term. No numbers, dates, etc.
Objectives • Step(s) toward achieving the goal • Much more narrowly defined than the goal statement • Measurable, time-specific results that the organization expects to accomplish as part of the grant award
Objectives • Example 1: “In fiscal year 2017, distribute 60 million meals (72 million pounds of food) through our network of 625 partner agencies and Food Bank program sites located throughout Los Angeles County.” • Example 2: “Every Friday during the 2017-2018 school year, provide 1,200 at-risk children with a bag containing enough nutritious food for six meals over the weekend.”
Methods • Activities used to achieve your objectives • Straightforward chronological description of the program • Example: “Our Program Operating Fund supports the essential functions of the Food Bank, including the sourcing, acquisition and distribution of millions of pounds of food every month to approximately 260,000 people through our 625 partner agencies, as well as our direct service programs to 40,000 children and seniors every month.”
Staffing • Description of key personnel who implement the activities in your program • Short biographies • Roles/Responsibilities • Organization Chart (optional unless requested by funder)
Collaboration • Describe your partnerships with other organizations that help you achieve your mission • Example: “The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America (the nation’s food bank network), the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) and locally, the Los Angeles Food Policy Council. We also partner with the local chapter of the American Red Cross as first responders in the event of a disaster.”
Outcomes & Evaluation • Determine the success of the program by measuring the data that is collected against the original objectives proposed • Describe what data will be collected • Explain how data will be gathered • List who will gather the data by when
Outcomes & Evaluation Sample outcomes • 1. “Fewer men, women, children and seniors in Los Angeles County will be at-risk for hunger.” • 2. “More children will have nutritious food to strengthen their growing bodies and minds, resulting in better health and school performance.”
Outcomes & Evaluation Examples of Evaluation Criteria (Outputs) • The total poundage of food, including fresh produce, distributed. • The number of individuals served through general distributions and direct programs. • The number of partner agencies and food distribution sites. • The increased amount of fresh produce we are able to procure and distribute. • The number of applicants we help obtain CalFresh benefits.
Sustainability • How will you make sure you can continue to operate your programs/services after you have spent the grant?Mention other funders and/or partners who financially support your work. If you have a Strategic Plan, refer to your long-term goals.
Standard Attachments • 501(c)3 Tax Determination Letter • Most recent Audited Financial Statement • Most recent 990 IRS Tax Form • Annual Operating Budget • Program Budget • List of Board of Directors • Résumés for Key Staff • Current Annual Report • Collateral Materials: newsletters, articles, survey results, client success stories and quotes, volunteer stories etc. NOTE: Some funders DO NOT want these!
Closing Thoughts • Ensure you answer the questions asked. • Keep it simple. Bear in mind the funder may not be familiar with your work. • Make it compelling! You are passionate about your work. Share your passion in your writing.
