1. INNOVATIVE GRANT WRITING
KIMBERLY O’NEIL, CAUSE STUDIO FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

2. Overview of Topics and Objectives
Innovative Grant Writing
Objective(s)
How do you find grants to apply for?
What goes into a grant?
What makes a good grant?
Who Should Write Your Grants?

3. 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

4. What Goes Into a Grant Executive Summary – High Level Overview
Program Description
Goals and Objectives
Organizational History and Achievements
Performance Metrics
Short and Long Term Impact
Description of Problem
Funding Request
Statement of Need
Use
Partners/Supporters
Funding Post Grant Period
MOUs
Letters of Support

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Q&A

10. Closing