Applying for Research Grants

Philanthropy Australia Philanthropy…the voluntary planned donation of money, time, information, goods and services to improve the wellbeing of humanity and the community Represents the philanthropic sector Promotes the contribution of philanthropy by growing the understanding of the community, business and government Inspires and supports new philanthropists Increases the effectiveness of philanthropy through the provision of information, resources and networking opportunities Promotes strong and transparent governance standards in the philanthropic sector

Philanthropic Foundations Foundations are independent entities Important legal constraints govern foundations All foundations are different with separate aims and methods Most foundations do not and cannot frequently change their aims They like to “own” a project Foundations like to co-fund … but they shouldn’t be viewed as just another pot of money Many will not fund what they regard as a government responsibility

Grant Writing: the essentials Research and target only appropriate funders Know what you want to do, why and how Make your point with evidence not emotion Follow the guidelines and keep it short and concise Make sure your budget is detailed and clear Supply all the requested information Be clear on your charitable or DGR status Focus on the impact your project will have

Target only appropriate funders Research is an essential part of the process – not an add-on The scattergun approach is a waste of everyone’s time Make a shortlist - fewer funders, but more targeted applications Obtain the funder’s guidelines and stick to them Make contact to discuss the project and your application When in doubt, ask!

What, why and how Prove to the funder the following things: Why this research should be done What the benefit will be Why you are the right organisation/department to do the job What reason you have to believe this will provide results How this fits in with the funder’s priorities and principles How you will be able to show you made a difference

Evidence not emotion Is there supporting evidence to back up your claims? Statistics (eg ABS, AIHW, local government) Independent studies (eg, university research centres) Your own observations (eg, 40% increase in referrals) Remember to note your sources Don’t rely on emotion – convince with facts Document review and awareness of nonprofit partners

Follow the Guidelines Contact the funder first for guidelines (if contact details supplied) Make sure you follow the guidelines Guidelines are there to help you self-select and conserve resources Follow the suggested structure – and keep it short! Keep it under 5 pages Foundations are lean on staff, so be concise Add attachments for further information & clarification When in doubt, ask!

Be short and concise Yours is only one of many applications, so make it easy to read You should be able to summarise it in a paragraph Four pages total (plus a cover page and attachments) Include supporting documentation as attachments Be sure you’ve included everything the funder asked for Make it legible Use headings, subheadings, dot points, explain your jargon Don’t clutter it up with pictures or unnecessary information

Budget Approach multiple funders if necessary to make up total project budget Let them know who else you’ve approached for this project Inform them when full or partial funding comes through Always ask for a set amount and let them know how it will be spent Itemise the budget – who is being paid for under “salaries” and for how long? Attach quotes if applicable Don’t ask for too much – or for too little!

Supply requested information Incomplete applications cannot be processed without information They also waste your time and the foundation’s time Foundations cannot just operate on trust Trustees have a duty to ensure the funds are being used appropriately Allowing enough time for your application to be looked at means that you have a chance to rework it if requested

Know your tax status Most foundations legally must fund certain types of organisation Some must fund only TCC (tax concession charity) or DGR (deductible gift recipient) and some must fund organisations with both endorsements You must supply your notification(s) of endorsement There are two types of DGR – DGR 1 and DGR 2, or “doing” and “giving” DGR – most foundations can only fund DGR 1 There is information on your notification which is not available on the Australian Business Register (so don’t just print & send your ABR entry) Ensure your notifications are filed somewhere accessible

Focus on impact The important thing to the foundations is that the work goes ahead and succeeds Show both numbers (how many helped) and less concrete results (changes in attitude or behaviour) How will you show you’ve made a difference? How will you share any knowledge that has come out of this project? Foundations need you to do the work as much as you need them to supply the money It’s the work you will carry out as a result that counts! It is the results of your work that is important to the funder – not your career or your organisation

Elements of an Application Cover Page Summary Organisation Details Issue/Need Background Project Description Budget Attachments

Cover Page Name of your organisation Contact details and a contact name Name of grantmaker applied to Amount requested Reason requested (title of project)

Summary/Abstract A single paragraph (less than 200 words) Sums up the whole submission in a single paragraph A useful exercise in brevity and expression An important part of the submission; the attention-grabber

Organisation Mission statement Brief outline of your department’s work Brief outline of your expertise Annual report/financials (attachment) Legal structure Board membership (attachment)

Issue/Need Background Why does the work need doing? What is the problem you are trying to solve – or the situation you’re trying to create? Is there evidence to back up your claim? What is the catchment area you’re working in?

Project Outline What are you proposing to do? What actions will take place as a direct result of you getting this funding? What is the time frame? Who will be in charge? What will the impact be – and how will you measure and demonstrate it?

Budget Detailed and itemised Include quotes if applicable Always list other sources of funding – approached and confirmed Inform when partial/full funding comes through Be sure you have asked for enough to do the project!

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