Liz FalkCornell Garden-based Learning

efalk@cornell.eduGardening.cornell.edu

INTRODUCTION TO GRANT WRITING: A GUIDE FOR SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL MINI-GRANT PROPOSALS

www.gardening.cornell.edu

Small is Beautiful Request for Proposals

http://blogs.cornell.edu/garden/grow-your-program/small-is-beautiful-grants/

Determine Eligibility Does your project qualify?

Things to look for immediately:• Locations funded – state, county

• New York State County-based programs

• Entities funded – 501c3, school, individuals, Universities• New or existing projects• What can $ be used for?• Supplies, staff, utilities, contractors, etc.

• Other

Meet all Deadlines•When is the grant due?• Depending on the size of the proposal, plan to submit it early

so to avoid last minute delays• March 15th, 2014

• Are there pre-requirements to apply?• Pre-proposals• Registration online or via mail• Participation in a training or webinar• Other

No pre-requirements for SIB

Review and Follow Instructions• Grants are competitive. You will likely not be funded if you do not

follow instructions and include requested details.• Make a checklist of all the pieces you need/want to include in your proposal

Typical grant proposals should include :

Summary of the Project

Organization/Project Information

Statement of Need

Goals and Objectives

Methods and Strategies

Budget

Evaluation & Documentation

Letters of Support

Supplemental Materials

Use Headings to Keep your Proposal Organized and Easy to Read

Summary of Project •Who are you?• Briefly explain your project and organization, if applicable• Don’t state the obvious, but don’t assume we know you either

Example:

Project Leaders•Who is the main contact person• Projects are stronger if multiple people are involved in making the project happen. List names and roles, if possible.• Qualifications strengthen a proposal and show diversity of experienceExample:

Needs, Goals and Objectives•Why should your project be funded?•What issue/s or need/s does your project address?• Be specific. Population overview, how many stakeholders you

engage with, demographics and percentages can strengthen a proposal.

•What goals does your project address?• Each goal should clearly meet the specified need

• Spell out achievable results• Pie in the sky ideas are not impressive

(If helpful, include a project timeline.)Example:

Methods and StrategiesDescribe how you will achieve the goals and objectives- Specifically describe ecological gardening strategies

you plan to use- Explain how you will implement them

- Will young people be engaged in your project?- If so, how?

Include a Budget• Your proposal will not be funded without a budget• State clearly what money will be spent on AND that the use is allowed by the grant limitations

DON’T FORGET a TOTAL

Evaluation & Documentation• How will you assess your program's accomplishments? • Funders like to know that their dollars actually did some good. • Include what records you will keep or data you will collect• # of participants• surveys• Pounds of food harvested• # of classes taught• Photos, blogs, web site, articles

Supplemental Materials• Include a Garden Design

• Letters of Support• Additional funding• Documentation

Submission Criteria• Emailed, Mailed, Other• Document Type – PDF, Word, other• Length and Size Limitations• Required Attachments• Are there other requirements?

Proofread and Spellcheck

• Display that you took care to write the proposal • Show that you’re organized and notice details• Have a second (or third) set of eyes read the document for clarity and edits

Additional Resources• Grow to Learn NYC Sample Proposal

http://www.growtolearn.org/pdf/MiniGrantApplicationSample.pdf• Whole Kids Foundation

https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/schools/programs/school-garden-grant-program• The Edible Schoolyard – Best Practices in Grant Writing

http://edibleschoolyard.org/• Cornell Staff Resources

http://staff.cce.cornell.edu/profdev/Pages/GrantWritingandManagementResources.aspx• Foundation Center

http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted