American Legion Post 71 October 18, 2011 Presented by Dave Loomis Dave Loomis Copywriting

 What is a Grant?  Where do they come from?  A few common types of Grants  Can you use a Grant?  How do you get a Grant?  Questions

 Retired from the Maritime Industry after 36 years in June 2007 ◦ Delta Steamship Lines ◦ American Bureau of Shipping ◦ Gulf Oil ◦ Chevron  BS from US Merchant Marine Academy  MBA from Texas A&M  Honorable Discharge from USNR as LCdr Dave Loomis Copywriting

 In general, a grant is funding provided by a charitable-giving foundation, public charity, or a government agency to a nonprofit organization that enables the nonprofit organization to perform specified activities for the common good of the organization and the community  Grants do not need to be repaid to the funder ◦ Grantmaker’s “Investment” in the Organization and Community Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Private Sources ◦ Foundations ◦ Individuals ◦ Corporations ◦ Non-Profit Organizations  Government Sources ◦ Federal ◦ State ◦ Local  In the US there are 76,545 Private Sources that funded grants in 2009  These foundations gave more than $45.8 billion in grants during their last reported annual funding cycle  26 large Federal Agencies that fund billions of dollars annually  Each of the 50 States also fund millions of dollars each year Dave Loomis Copywriting

 In 2009 there were about 1,500 Foundations (Independent, Corporate, Community and Operating) in the Dallas Metroplex  Total Grants awarded from these Foundations in 2009 was $812,390,438  In 2010 there were 8 Grants totaling $399,260 awarded to American Legion recipients in the US  The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation plans to award $666,670 to 21 non-profit organizations in 2011 Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Project or Program Grant (Most Common – over 50% in 2009) ◦ Funds to achieve a specific outcome within a defined time frame  Operating Grant ◦ General financial support to the organization without expectations that the money will be used for a specific activity. Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Start-Up Grants ◦ Funds to help an individual or organization take the beginning steps for an initiative.  Challenge Grant ◦ This is where the funder will match the monies provided by the applicant  Capital Grants ◦ Funds to help build or remodel facilities or acquire equipment Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Do you have any specific projects that could use some funding? ◦ Program or Project?  Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation  National Security  Americanism  Children and Youth ◦ Operating? ◦ Capital? Dave Loomis Copywriting

 All funders fall into one of two categories ◦ Public (Government)  Federal  State  Local ◦ Private  Foundations  Individuals  Corporations  Find at least one Grantmaker with goals and interests that coincide with yours Dave Loomis Copywriting

 How your project will benefit your organization and the community  Do you meet the Grantmaker’s requirements and application guidelines  Will the “Partnership” be a good one Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Identify a project or program that needs funding  Be sure the idea is compatible with your mission and organization’s priorities ***  Substantiate the validity of the need for the project and develop a clear statement of the problem to be solved Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Come up with several options for meeting the need and implementing the project  Make a decision about the best approach to the project and secure the buy-in of the leadership teams necessary for implementation Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Introduction  Needs Statement  Plan of Operation  Program Evaluation, Sustainability and Project Personnel  Proposal Budget  Cover Letter  Table of Contents  Executive Summary  Appendices Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Know your audience  Who you are writing to  Write to your readers  The closer the proposal matches the interests of potential grantors, the more likely chances of success to receive funding  Follow the Funder’s Detailed Instructions to the letter Dave Loomis Copywriting

Grantseeker  Initial research for the project  Project details and definition  Find potential Grantmakers  Prepare and submit proposal to Grantmaker Grantmaker  Receive and review proposal  Submit to Board for interest / approval  Advise Grantseekers of the results Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Acknowledge and thank the Grantmaker  Appropriate press  Begin project  Report project progress to Grantmaker as required – keep the Grantmaker in the loop  Invite Grantmaker to visit or observe various events related to your program or project  Complete final reporting to Grantmaker upon completion of project Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Identify a viable need for your organization  Determine options for funding the project  If applying for a Grant is one of your options, begin the process of matching your needs with a funder who wants to meet your needs  Communicate with the funder  Develop and submit proposal – remember the details and deadlines! Dave Loomis Copywriting

 Many Grant Resources are available from Foundations and the Government  The Key to obtaining a grant is matching your requirements with Grantmakers that want to fund your type of project  It is vital to your proposal that the required documentation be completed and submitted per the Grantmaker’s guidelines  Grantmakers want the Grantseekers to be successful with their projects Dave Loomis Copywriting

Any Questions? Dave Loomis Copywriting