BOOTCAMP SOCIAL INNOVATION ACCELERATOR TO CREATE LASTING CHANGE POWERED BY SANTANDER TO CREATE LASTING CHANGE

INNOVATIVE GRANT WRITING

CEO, Giving Blueprint and Founder, Cause Studio Kimberly O’Neil CEO, Giving Blueprint and Founder, Cause Studio

OVERVIEW OF TOPICS AND OBJECTIVES Innovative Fundraising Objective(s) Creating a fundraising strategy Developing a fund develop plan Executing the strategy and documented plan How do you find grants to apply for? What goes into a grant? What makes a good grant? Who should write your grants? There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

CREATING A FUND DEVELOPING STRATEGY Fund develop strategy should be based on your: Mission, Vision, and Values Needs Relationships Operating Budget Strategic Plan There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

DEVELOPING AND EXECUTING A FUND DEVELOP PLAN Fund develop plan should be: A roadmap on how your organization will meet its financial goals Documented and approved by leadership Extremely detailed – Who, What, Where, When, and How Roles should be assigned Deadlines should be included Expected outcomes should be noted Based on the organization’s overall performance outcomes Just as important as other documents Diverse in approach. Grants ARE NOT going to sustain your organization There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

WHERE TO FIND GRANTS Foundation Center Dallas Public Library 6th Floor Grants Section Corporate Websites (Corporate Giving or Corporate Social Responsibility) Grants.gov Internet Searches Nonprofit 990s There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

WHAT GOES INTO A GRANT Executive Summary – High Level Overview Program Description Organizational History and Achievements Goals and Objectives Description of Problem Performance Metrics Statement of Need Short and Long Term Impact Partners/Supporters Funding Request MOUs Use Letters of Support Funding Post Grant Period There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

WHAT GOES INTO A GRANT Possible Attachments Detailed Program Budget (Expenses) Detailed Organizational Budget (Expenses and Income) Organizational Chart Most Recent 990 Most Recent Audited Financial Statements IRS 501c3 Determination Letter (Updated) List of Board Members with Affiliations Key Staff Resumes and Bios Year to Date Financial Reports There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD GRANT? Request Aligns with Funder’s Goal(s) Support with Quantifiable Data Compelling and Clear Need Format Well Written Organize Thoughts No Typos Spell Check Limit Industry Jargon There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

WHO SHOULD WRITE YOUR GRANTS? Experienced Grant Writer (High Priority Requests) Internal Staff, Board Member or Consultant Record of Achievement Cradle to Grave Management of Proposal Process Understand Budget Needs Less Experienced Grant Writer (Low and Medium Priority Requests) Volunteer or Entry Level Staff Interest in Learning Grant Writing Process Focus on In-Kind Requests Dedicate Time and Establish Timeline for Proposal Knowledgeable of Organizational Goals and Achievements There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

NEXT STEPS/TIPS FOR THE FUTURE Complete Common Grants Application form Determine grant funding need for current fiscal year Develop a Fund Development plan, which includes a grants submission strategy Create a 2017 Grants Calendar Establish a “high-low” and monthly priority for submission Track grants submitted Ask for feedback on denials Invest in training. Grant writing is a skill. Add opportunities to your calendar and update annually Rinse and Repeat There is nothing more important to first determining if there is product-market fit. Every other assumption will flow from here.

QUESTIONS?