Grantwriting Basics

Why bother with grants? -Grants can help bring us the resources we need in order to succeed in our research and teaching (Paid leave; travel funds; equipment; conference funds, etc.) -Increasing attention is paid by administrators on an academic unit’s fundraising prowess

So you have an idea…. -Is it original? -Will it produce quantifiable results? -Is it part of a larger endeavor? -Do others see merit in it? -Can you explain it in an “elevator speech”?

Finding funders - As librarians, it’s easy: RESEARCH -Large national funders are NEH; NEH but each state and even counties have grantmaking entities as well -Some sources I use: Foundation Center( Pivot/COS; RFP alerts; peers -Connections: Do any funders attend professional conferences? Do you have a colleague that sits on a particular board? Do not be afraid to chat with them informally--hearing new ideas is their job.

First Steps -Once you have a funder in mind; read the application instructions carefully -Take note of deadlines and make sure to give yourself enough time -See if the agency/funder provides copies of funded proposals

Parts of a Grant Proposal Transmittal Letter: Should be from a senior administrator to signal their support Abstract: “Elevator Speech” Proposal: Should be clearly written, proofread, and not overly reliant on technical terms. Ask colleagues for funded proposal samples if this is your first time. Conclusion: Addresses the sustainability-what happens next Budget

Intro Letter -Should be from senior administrator to signal support for the project -Should briefly address the in-kind contributions and plan beyond the grant -Some agencies will also ask for letters of support; look for advocates with knowledge and passion

Proposal Writing -Proofread -Write for a generalist audience -When crafting a statement of need; choose your facts/statistics carefully and be sure they support your argument; be passionate but avoid hyperbole -Address other similar projects ; what sets you apart?

The heart of the proposal: Budget -Make sure that you are within the funding range that the funder can consider -Be certain your idea can be executed with the budget -Pay attention to your cost-share/in-kind; more is better -Address the sustainability of a project beyond the grant

Collaboration -Collaborative projects, both between institutions or interdepartmental, are attractive to funders but take careful planning -Be clear on roles from the outset and establish a “grant manager”

If at first….. -If your proposal is unfunded, ask for whatever feedback the agency will provide -Use this to resubmit; often times proposals go through a few iterations before they are funded

If you are funded -Congratulations! Now the real work begins.. -Funders like to stick with organizations/scholars they know are successful; so if you do a good job, you can go back for more

Questions