Grant Writing Wayne State University Elizabeth Broughton May 13, 2005

Top 10 Reasons to Seek External Funding

10. To accomplish a major project that interests you. 9. Achieve recognition and enhance your reputation in the profession. 8. Generate new resources for students. 7. Budget relief for decreasing funds. 6. Show me the $$$.

5. Possibly add personnel. 4. Fun. 3. Increase autonomy. 2. Develop transferable skills. 1. Social responsibility.

Introduction to Grant writing So, what is grant writing??

Historical information about Grants Philanthropy (foundations) have touched the lives of nearly every American.

8 P’s for Successful Grant writing (Bauer, 2003) Pro-Active Plan Promote Your Goals Pre-determined Goals Pre-select sources of support Pre-proposal contact Persistent Polite

Discussion What is your experience with grant writing? What is your knowledge of grant writing? Are there negative aspects of grant writing?

Assigned Websites

ANY QUESTIONS SO FAR?

Overview of the Proposal Process 1. Pre-proposal activities 2. DEVELOP A CLEAR PROGRAM PLAN 3. RESEARCH FUNDERS THOROUGHLY 4. TARGET YOUR PROPOSALS CAREFULLY 5. WRITE A CONCISE PROPOSAL 6. Managing the grant 7. Evaluating and reporting results to funder

Pre-proposal Activities What do I mean by pre-proposal activities?

Preparing to write (pre-proposal activities) A group or individual proposal. Start piles of information that may be useful--note previous slide regarding research. (demographic data, program ideas, articles from journals, newspaper clippings, program data, and past proposals) Organize-computer Develop a timeline (check funding guidelines) Have work materials handy

Research (pre-proposal activities) What is the nature of the phenomena (problem)? Gather data on the nature of it. Determine who is affected by it. Find out who else has tackled it.

Fundable Items Fellowships Seed money--model demonstration grant Instructional materials Training and educational programs Community service activities Institutional activities Course/curriculum development Research Collaborative projects Travel Conferences Sabbatical Equipment

Sources of Grant Money Federal Government (Grant guidelines) State/local Government (Grant guidelines) Independent Foundations (A letter) Corporate Foundations (A letter) Community Foundations (A letter)

Types of Grant (funding) Proposals Letter of intent (see if your idea matches funding agency) A 1-2 page proposal (usually to foundations and corporations) Grant guidelines – Format is detailed and long (state and federal) Agency provides an application form

Websites The Foundation Center – Federal government – State government – –

Grant Proposals Competitive--Federal Non-competitive—Title III – Contract

Developing an idea (need or responding to a problem) Does it address a real need or problem? What kind of impact will it have? WHAT is the problem? (ONLY 1) WHAT evidence do you have that this is a real problem? (literature, statistics, test scores, your own research) WHO is affected by the problem? WHERE does the problem exist? WHEN do you plan to take on the project? HOW do you plan on solving the problem?

Developing a Proposal Plan Once you have an idea, develop a plan (Carlson, 1995)---Just map it out… – Understanding of the problem – Brainstorm solutions – Identify solutions – Indicate expected results and benefits – Tasks to accomplish solution – Resources needed (personnel and nonpersonnel) – Reassess solutions – Reassess results and benefits – Outcome measures

General Sections in a Proposal Cover letter (optional, depending on agency) Summary (one/two paragraphs, sometimes limited by agency) 1.Introduction 2.Need Statement 3.Objectives/goals or outcomes 4.Methods 5.Personnel 6.Evaluation 7.Budget 8.Future Funding strategies

Section of a proposal INTRODUCTION – Explain who you are, your organization, how many years of existence.

Section of a proposal NEED STATEMENT (or problem statement) It is a thoughtful explanation of the need or problem existing in the community or organization in which the proposal provides a partial solution

To hone your problem statement Define it. Clarify it What national, state, local statistics can support your problem. Connect with an agency Example: a need is water-aerobic exercise pool for senior citizens.--- improving the health of senior citizens--what is the health data for senior citizens, number in community, and why water aerobics

Other concerns to address problem What are the details of the problem and what kind of factual information is available on the problem? Who is affected by the problem? Who else is working on the problem and with what kind of success.

Topics Goals and Objectives Methodology or Program Activities Key Personnel

Goals are ambitious broad statements

Objectives are steps or actions taken to reach the goal or goals

Methodology or Program Activities

Key Personnel or Personnel

Budget Program Evaluation Management

Program Evaluation Process Summative

Management of a Grant “Be careful what you wish for….”

Overcoming Proposal Block Take it piece by piece, don’t be overwhelmed. Outline sections before writing. Brainstorm each section with others. Start with easiest section. Write, and edit, re-edit, re-edit, re… Take breaks Any other ideas to overcome proposal block????