1. Liz Falk Cornell Garden-based Learning efalk@cornell.edu Gardening.cornell.edu INTRODUCTION TO GRANT WRITING: A GUIDE FOR SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL MINI-GRANT PROPOSALS www.gardening.cornell.edu

2. Small is Beautiful Request for Proposals http://blogs.cornell.edu/garden/grow-your-program/small-is-beautiful-grants/

3. Determine Eligibility Does your project qualify? Things to look for immediately: Locations funded – state, county New York State County-based programs Entities funded – 501c3, school, individuals, Universities New or existing projects What can $ be used for? Supplies, staff, utilities, contractors, etc. Other

4. Meet all Deadlines When is the grant due? Depending on the size of the proposal, plan to submit it early so to avoid last minute delays March 15 th, 2014 Are there pre-requirements to apply? Pre-proposals Registration online or via mail Participation in a training or webinar Other No pre-requirements for SIB

5. Review and Follow Instructions Grants are competitive. You will likely not be funded if you do not follow instructions and include requested details. Make a checklist of all the pieces you need/want to include in your proposal Typical grant proposals should include : Summary of the Project Organization/Project Information Statement of Need Goals and Objectives Methods and Strategies Budget Evaluation & Documentation Letters of Support Supplemental Materials Use Headings to Keep your Proposal Organized and Easy to Read

6. Summary of Project Who are you? Briefly explain your project and organization, if applicable Don’t state the obvious, but don’t assume we know you either Example:

7. Project Leaders Who is the main contact person Projects are stronger if multiple people are involved in making the project happen. List names and roles, if possible. Qualifications strengthen a proposal and show diversity of experience Example:

8. Needs, Goals and Objectives Why should your project be funded? What issue/s or need/s does your project address? Be specific. Population overview, how many stakeholders you engage with, demographics and percentages can strengthen a proposal. What goals does your project address? Each goal should clearly meet the specified need Spell out achievable results Pie in the sky ideas are not impressive (If helpful, include a project timeline.) Example:

9. Methods and Strategies Describe how you will achieve the goals and objectives -Specifically describe ecological gardening strategies you plan to use -Explain how you will implement them -Will young people be engaged in your project? -If so, how?

10. Include a Budget Your proposal will not be funded without a budget State clearly what money will be spent on AND that the use is allowed by the grant limitations DON’T FORGET a TOTAL

11. Evaluation & Documentation How will you assess your program's accomplishments? Funders like to know that their dollars actually did some good. Include what records you will keep or data you will collect # of participants surveys Pounds of food harvested # of classes taught Photos, blogs, web site, articles

12. Supplemental Materials Include a Garden Design Letters of Support Additional funding Documentation

13. Submission Criteria Emailed, Mailed, Other Document Type – PDF, Word, other Length and Size Limitations Required Attachments Are there other requirements?

14. Proofread and Spellcheck Display that you took care to write the proposal Show that you’re organized and notice details Have a second (or third) set of eyes read the document for clarity and edits

15. Additional Resources Grow to Learn NYC Sample Proposal http://www.growtolearn.org/pdf/MiniGrantApplicationSample.pdf Whole Kids Foundation https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/schools/programs/school- garden-grant-program The Edible Schoolyard – Best Practices in Grant Writing http://edibleschoolyard.org/ Cornell Staff Resources http://staff.cce.cornell.edu/profdev/Pages/GrantWritingandManagem entResources.aspx Foundation Center http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted