Writing Successful Grants

Writing Successful Grants

Ria MastromatteoPBS 45 & 49

Before You Write

Have a good idea with measurable goals. Poor: Kids will understand fractions. Good: Scores on the fractions post-

test will show an improvement of 10%.

Need to be able to prove you’ve done what you said you would do.

Before You Write

Get support from “the powers-that-be.”

Make sure your plan fits with the mission of the building.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Before You Write

Find a funder that matches your goal. e.g. From the Jennings Foundation

“Improving learning in mathematics, science, or technology

Improving language literacy Improving learning in the arts Supporting the recruitment, retention, and

development of teachers Strengthening teachers' and administrators'

leadership skills Providing other services to students”

Before You Write

Make sure the grant will pay for what you want.

e.g. From the Jennings Foundation

“Funding for bus transportation, conferences, teacher stipends, field trips/admission fees, substitutes, technology equipment, capital assets, refreshments, storage units, incentives, rewards and

T-shirts are not Foundation budget priorities. “

Before You Write

Find out the typical range the grant provides.

See if other like organizations have been funded.

Before You Write

If you’re not sure if what you are asking for will be paid…

CALL!!!!!!

Common Sections of a Grant

Cover Letter Is an overview of the organization States the purpose and reason for

and amount of the funding request Shows how your proposal furthers the

grantmaker's mission, goals and matches the funder's grant application guidelines.

Cover Letters should be printed on letterhead

Common Sections of a Grant

Summary Statement—Overview Generally 2-3 sentences

e.g. Maplewood Schools requests $5,000 for a two-year, $50,000 job training program for homeless women in northeastern Ohio. Training will be offered at four rural shelters and will include basic clerical skills, interview techniques and job seeker support groups.

Common Sections of a Grant

Organization Information

Include… Organization’s history Your mission Your track record Demographics Core services Perhaps—budget size, location or report

card information

Common Sections of a Grant

Explain Problem/Need

Include… Description of the problem—use

statistics if possible. Description of what you want to do

—use statistics if possible. Show that you have expertise in this

area

Common Sections of a Grant

Narrative

Include… Target audience How many you will serve What you’re going to do Describe planning you have already

done?

Common Sections of a Grant

Narrative, continued

Include… Your credentials—ability to do what

you say you will do Timeline Location

Common Sections of a Grant

Outcomes

What will change about the situation as a result of your project?

Needs to be MEASURABLE!

Common Sections of a Grant

Other Funding Sources

Sustainability

Evaluation—Should come DIRECTLY from the outcomes you stated

Common Sections of a Grant

Budget—common elements

Personnel Direct project expenses Administrative costs—check if they

will pay this—usually 5-15%

Common Sections of a Grant

End of the Project Report

Explain what quantifiable methods you used to monitor the success of your program. 

Tips

Follow the directions completely. Make sure outcomes are

measurable Give the information that they

are asking for Write the question and then give the

answer. Cite current research if possible Be creative—Think outside the box

Tips

Have a reasonable, detailed budget

Proofread!!Avoid all grammar or spelling

errors Be clear and concise Meet the deadlines

Tips

Try to create Win-Win situations.

Write a thank-you note whether accepted or rejected

Granting Sources

Local Grantshttp://wneo.org/hotlists/grants/localgrants.htm

Ongoing Grantshttp://wneo.org/emailnewsletter/ongoinggrants.htm

Grants by the Month http://wneo.org/emailnewsletter/archive.htm

If you need help…

Contact us… 330-677-4549 maria@wneo.org tolbert@wneo.org good@wneo.org

We’ll be glad to help out!