1. Grant Writing

2. Mission Statement “ENCOURAGE AND PERMIT LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT TO JOIN AND COOPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER AND WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF MAJOR ECONOMIC INTERESTS, CITIZEN GROUPS AND GROUPS EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC DISTRESS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THEIR CITIZENS AND TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION.”

3. Grant Writing Basics

4. Locate Grant Opportunities  Council of Government Newsletter  Other Government Agency Newsletters  Local Resource Centers  Grant Seminars  Internet  Federal Registers  Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance  Foundation Directories

5. Read Application Guidelines  Highlight Important Information  Do A Preliminary Eligibility Review - Use A Score Sheet If Available  Mark The DUE DATE On Your Calendar

6. Important Dates  Commissioner Court Meetings  Resolutions  Public Notices  Newspaper Deadlines  Due Dates  Public Participation Deadline Create a Timeline or a Checklist to Help You Remember Important Dates.

7. Meet the People Involved In the Writing  County/City Personnel  County/City Groups  Engineer  Grant Administrator

8. Background Research  Look for Statistics That Will Strengthen Your Project. - www.census.gov www.census.gov - http://txsdc.utsa.edu/http://txsdc.utsa.edu/  Poverty Rates  Elderly Population  Population Decreases  Relevant to Your Project

9.  Compare Your County To; - Other Counties, - The LRGVDC Region, - The State  Use This Information In the Narrative - Print Information As You Find It Background Research Continue

10. Project Narrative  Clearly Provide Details  Remain Aware of Any Length Requirements  Follow Directions  Use Support Information  Provide Reference As Necessary

11. Develop Budget  Double Check Numbers  Be Aware Of Match Opportunities; - Cash, - In-Kind  Local Resources as Match

12. Proof Read Application  Check Your Work  Requirements For Layout  Supplies On Hand - Notebooks - Tabs  Application Complete and Information Correct  Have Another Person Check Application - Provide Guidelines  Be Creative - Cover Page - Pictures and Photographs - Newspaper Articles

13. Signatures  Obtain Necessary Signatures - Use “SIGN HERE” tabs to mark pages Send It In  Overnight Services; - Overnight Shipping  You Will Need a Physical Address  Provide a Transmittal Letter  Keep “Proof of Mailing”

14.  Each Application is Different  Choose Your Grant Writer for Each Application  COG’s are Typically Available to Answer Questions About Applications and Administration of Grants Administration

15. Thank You! Kenneth N. Jones, Jr. Executive Director LRGVDC 956-682-3481 knjones@lrgvdc.org

16. Questions? We Work For You!