Introduction to Finding Grants Anna Tatro , MLS   Grants Collection Specialist - PowerPoint Presentation

Introduction to Finding Grants Anna Tatro, MLS  Grants Collection SpecialistGrants CollectionSocial Science and History DepartmentEnoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center400 Cathedral StreetBaltimore, MD  21201410-396-5320grc@prattlibrary.orgTwitter:  @Grants_Pratt

Agenda Getting started with GrantseekingSearching the Foundation Directory OnlineComponents of ProposalResourcesQuestions!

Is grantwriting worth my time? What are my chances of getting a grant?How do I know what grantmakers are looking for?Do I have to know the right people to get a grant?How much should I ask for?

Why write a grant? Networking – meet peers and communityClarify your own vision Plan your next project/frameworkGives you a deadlinePractice asking for help

Find your Match Reflect the priorities of the GrantmakerMatch your project with the Grantmakers InterestsSelect Grantmakers who share your worldviewDoes your organization’s Mission and Value meet that of the Grantmaker?

Getting Started Identify potential GrantmakersContact key people who can help you plan your proposal before you start writingWrite a well-reasoned, concise proposal

Researching Prospects List of PotentialsList of No’sUsing the Foundation Directory Online

What is the FDO The most exhaustive and up-to-date knowledge and insight on the social sector to fuel any fundraising mission. Expanded, in-depth profiles of each grantmaker plus inside looks at the grants they've actually made keep your organization operating at peak effectiveness.140,000+ expanded grantmaker profiles500,000+ recipient profiles 500,000+ key decision makers and leadersSearchable 990s and 990-PFs

Where can I access the FDO

Foundation Profile https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/sample/professionalWhat is being fundedWhere do they fundWhat amount of money do they giveWho they have fundedFunding interestsWhat is their purposeWhat other foundation are similarApplication and RFP requirementsWhat they do not fundWho’s Who in the organizationNews & Social MediaBasic communication information

How do I search the FDO

Next Steps

Make Contact with Potentials Write or Call the Program Officer After doing research on the Foundation Have an elevator speech preparedAsk about a past reviewerAsk how they review proposalsContact a past GranteeFact gather on who they talked to, how they got funded, any tips they may haveCall a past reviewerDid you follow a specific scoreing system or rubricWhat were some major red flags to avoidWhat’s not happening that the foundation would like to fund

Make Contact with Potentials Make sure Program Officer's are receiving your newsletters & Social MediaNETWORK!!Invite them to events and/or a site visitGet to know them so when their RFP’s come out, you have connections

Start Gathering Statement of problem project will address Population served Qualifications of key personnel Timetable for implementation and evaluation of project Contact person Brief history of organization and description of its mission Detailed description of project and amount of funding requested Listing of additional sources and amount of support How project's results will be evaluated or measured How project will be sustained once grantmaker support is completed Copy of current year's organizational budget and/or project budget Results expected from proposed grant IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter Mission Statement Board of Directors list

Attachments Budget summary/cost summary Budget detail/budget narrative/cost justification: Write a detailed narrative on each proposed expenseUp-to-date financial statement: recent financial statement 501(c)(3) letter of nonprofit determination from the IRSBoard of directors with affiliationsLetters of commitment: A letter of commitment comes from a partner organization and states that the partner is committed to providing leveraging assets to your grant-funded program when funded. Annual report: Include an annual report (brochure, booklet, or newsletter)Other documentation: Submit one-page summaries or complete résumés of key program personnel, as the funding source prefers. Also, if your organization has memorandums of agreement or memorandums of understanding signed by partner or collaborating agencies, attach these documents last

Components of a Proposal Introduction StatementStatement of Problem/NeedOrganization Background/Credibility Project Objectives: Goals and Desired OutcomeProgram Methods and Program Design: A Plan of ActionEvaluation: How do you know when you are SuccessfulCurrent/Future Funding: Long-Term Project PlanningThe Proposal Budget: Planning the Budget

Steps to Consider Set clear goals Find the right match Share your passionFollow directionsCreate a realistic project budgetGet feedbackIf at first you don’t succeed, try, try again

Humanize the Experience You can do it!

Start with Yourself What do you want to know?What type of support do you have?What type of support are you looking for?Who do you know?How will deadlines help with your career?Is there a funding match for you?

My Favorite Resources GrantspaceMaryland Governor’s Grant OfficeCommunity Foundation Center Grantstation InsiderA Guide to Proposal Planning and Writing Jeremy T. Miner and Lynn E. Miner

Conclusion Feedback and Questions!atatro@prattlibrary.org