Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z Program Presented to POWR by the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University 1900 W. Olney Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19141-...
Author: Magnus Cain
1 downloads 4 Views 1MB Size
Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Program Presented to POWR by the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University 1900 W. Olney Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19141-1199 (215) 951-1701 Fax: (215) 951-1488 [email protected] www.lasallenonprofitcenter.org

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

LEARNING GOALS Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z By the end of this session, you should: Understand the proposal process—from project conception, through prospect research, grant development, proposal submission, and follow-up. Understand the importance of conducting careful prospect research in identifying likely funding sources. Know what is and is not appropriate content to include in a grant proposal. Know the best method and process for writing a successful grant proposal. On your evaluation form, please let us know if we were successful in reaching our learning goals. Thank you for your participation and feedback!

2

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

AGENDA

1.

GIVING TRENDS AND TYPES OF GRANTS Dollar figures for charitable giving Restricted vs. unrestricted vs. matching grants Foundation vs. corporate vs. government grants

2.

PREPARING TO WRITE A GREAT PROPOSAL Program planning: identifying needs, methods, outcomes Prospect research/information resources Assembling information about your organization

3.

INGREDIENTS FOR A STRONG PROPOSAL: FROM INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATION Cover letter Proposal summary Introduction Problem statement/Needs assessment Objectives Methods Evaluation Future or other necessary funding Budget Other funders Sample proposal

4.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES – ARTICLES, SOURCES, WEBSITES

3

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

2002-2003 GIVING FIGURES

Charitable giving increased to its highest level on record in 2002-2003 to $241 billion. Perhaps most surprisingly, corporate donations rose 34.7% this year, despite a sluggish economy.

Type of giving

Where it comes from: $ billion % change

Individual Gifts Bequests Total Individual Giving Foundation Giving Corporate/Business Giving Nonprofit Religion Education Health Human Services Public and Social Benefit Arts, Culture, Humanities Environment/Animals International Affairs Foundations Unallocated

$240.92

$183.73 18.10 (201.83) 26.90 12.19

Where it goes: $ billion $84.28 31.64 18.87 18.65 11.60 12.22 6.59 4.62 22.00 30.45

+ 13.64% +14.32% +10.84% + 0.04% +34.7%

% increase +4.1% -0.63% +2.38% -9.95% - 1.86% + 0.66% + 2.81% +11.59% (new) +19.18

% of all types

100.0%

76.26% 7.51% (83.77%) 11.17% 5.06% % of all giving 34.98% 13.13% 7.83% 7.74% 4.81% 5.07% 2.74% 1.92% 9.14% 12.64%

Figures from Giving USA 2003, American Association of Fundraising Council Trust for Philanthropy, 25 West 43rd St., Suite 820, NYC, NY 10036

4

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

5

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

TYPES OF GRANTS GRANT:

An award by which money is paid to a grantee by the grantor to accomplish a specific agreed-upon project. Made to tax exempt, nonprofit organizations. Sets forth in clear terms the obligations of both parties. Should always be in writing.

Restricted: Unrestricted: Matching:

Must be used for a specific, designated purpose in specific location. No specific designation, usually for general operations. Some amount of additional money must be raised to qualify before the grant will be paid.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS: Develop and evaluate project plan Write basic proposal Research/identify prospects Personal visit to prospects Refine/target/write final proposal Submit proposal, cover letter and attachments Follow up

6

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

TYPES OF FOUNDATIONS: General purpose:

Largest and best known; wide spread of projects.

Special purpose:

Restricted to a geographical area or specific field of interest.

Corporate:

Established by corporations to handle funds donated by the company. May be restricted to location of main office.

Family:

Usually relatively small in assets. Under control of family which set them up. Often not included in any listing.

Community:

Many small funds centralized under community management. Grants usually restricted to local area.

Foundations usually require a brief letter plus a more expanded narrative proposal. CORPORATION GRANTS: Direct approach to contributions committee, vice president or director of corporate contributions/community investment/public affairs Corporations usually require a brief letter plus a brief narrative proposal. GOVERNMENT GRANTS: Identify proper agency Request application forms Personal visit Often complicated, lots of work due to different ways of asking for information Federal agencies usually require an extensive array of forms and sometimes an attached narrative Adapted in part from Michael Seltzer’s Securing Your Organization’s Future

7

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

MATCHING PROJECTS AND PROSPECTS Compatibility with mission Acknowledged expertise Achievability Topicality Documentation Rationale for support (corporate -- dividend on investment) ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES -- SOURCES OF GIVING

Adapted in part from Michael Seltzer’s Securing Your Organization’s Future

Foundations ADVANTAGES: Good source of start-up funding Source of substantial dollar support in Foundation categories of giving Advocate for specific constituents Stature and prestige Minimal reporting requirements (especially at smaller foundations) DISADVANTAGES: Limited size of grants Limited grant renewal Limited influence on decision-making process Timing Time for up-front research Corporations SOURCE OF VARIED SUPPORT: Cash gifts, grants and contributions Material support People Physical facilities Promotion and publicity

8

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Cause-related marketing ADVANTAGES: Ongoing support Credibility Volunteer potential DISADVANTAGES: Limited size grants Public association with business donor Corporate identification Government Sources of direct (grants and purchase of service) and indirect support (tax exemptions, reduced mail rates, support for certain revenue generating programs) Advantages: Ongoing support Substantial support Credibility Funding after pilot program period Access to decision-makers Disadvantages: Time limitations Un-recovered expenses Paperwork Legal responsibilities Potential negative on public image Potential adverse effect on agency’s operations

9

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

BEFORE YOU START WRITING IN-HOUSE FEASIBILITY CHECK: 1.

Is this project consistent with your organization's mission?

2.

Will it interfere with other projects?

3.

Is the size of the project appropriate for the organization?

4.

Are the personnel equal to the job?

5.

Will space be available when needed?

6.

Can your organization absorb the workload? Really?

7.

Will it overload facilities?

8.

Will the cooperation of other organizations be necessary? Have they agreed?

9.

Has an overhead cost rate been established?

10.

Is it a matching grant? Can you find the match?

Everyone affected by the project should be consulted before the final decision is made.

10

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

PROSPECT RESEARCH INFORMATION SOURCES: 1.

Libraries Ask for annual reports, funding guidelines; read microfiche in Foundation Center Regional Foundation Center Cooperating Collections State Foundation Directories Standard and Poor's

2.

Development Office of your local college or university Many are amenable to giving nonprofits year old foundation directories, or even reviewing grant proposals on a voluntary basis from time to time.

3.

Professional associations

4.

Commercial information services

5.

News media

6.

Printed programs

7.

Meet with the potential funder in person Preliminary discussion well in advance of deadline, well in advance of need First approach should be by letter or by phone to set up meeting in person Most effective contacts include a board member and a staff member Keep funding organization aware of your programs

11

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

FORMAT FOR PROPOSALS Cover letter Summary Introduction Problem Statement Objective Methods Evaluation Future or other necessary funding Budget Other funders WRITING: Must be neat, clean, easy to read, typed Use simple, understandable English, free of jargon. Explain terms that might be misunderstood Make it brief Be positive Avoid unsupported assumptions Use bullets, boldface, underlines Leave lots of white space on pages Use graphics where helpful

12

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

COVER LETTER Purpose - to assure the funding source that the Board of Directors, the only authority that can bind the applicant, endorses the proposal. Address to a specific person; use correct title. Signed by Board President on nonprofit letterhead. Letterhead should contain names of Board, etc. Content - describe content of proposal BRIEFLY. Request a meeting. Short and concise. Write after completing the proposal.

13

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

SAMPLE COVER LETTER October XX, 200X Grants Review Committee Greytown Community Foundation P. O. Box 25207 Community Town, USA To the Members of the Grants Review Committee: The Community Town Theatre has experienced remarkable growth and success in recent years in the form of sold out performances, national recognition and growing professionalism. This growth has made it possible to add a Development Director position and has created a need for an expanded, more sophisticated computer system. A few of the immediate issues are: Five people trying to work on three computers, which are over five years old. Database (8,000 name mailing list, donor and subscribers information) can only be accessed on one computer. Lack of sophisticated software, which is needed to manage fundraising and box office functions on a professional level. Ticket sales have increased to the level that the office functions will soon be beyond the capability of available volunteers. Community Town Theatre is seeking $20,000 toward a total of $51,217 for the purchase of hardware and software to meet these needs, plus a network that will enable workers to access the files in the database from all of our computers at any time. Of particular note is the fact that Community Town Theatre is cooperating with the Community Town Symphony to acquire identical systems. We are excited about the prospect of exchanging subscriber data, mailing lists and other useful information. The system we have selected, after months of research, is the PASS System, sold by Select Ticketing, Corp. It is an integrated system containing fundraising, box office, marketing and reporting modules that allows a free flow of information from one module to another. It also provides a network that will support up to four workstations. This will help us to help ourselves and assure that the community Town Theatre can continue to provide high quality educational projects and cultural enrichment for the Greytown community. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss our request in more detail. We thank you for your consideration and hope that the Greytown Community Foundation will respond positively to our request. Sincerely, Eager Executive Director Really Good Nonprofit Org

Valued Board Member Yes Corporation, Chair, Really Good Development Committee (xxx) 555-1212

14

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

GRANT PROPOSAL SUMMARY Vitally important - not an after thought. May be first thing a funding source will read, and the only thing trustees or committee will read. One page only. Should be clear, concise and specific. Describe who you are, scope of project, projected costs. Use facts. Keep it interesting. Use visual, descriptive language. Write summary LAST. Try using topic sentence from important paragraphs in proposal. Include your IRS number. SAMPLE SUMMARY The purpose of this project is to help children read better. This will enrich their lives through expanded opportunities for suitable employment, help them to manage their personal lives, to appreciate literature and other cultural arts, and to communicate more effectively. We will work with the schools to enhance children's reading skills and track reading scores for 3 years. The budget for this project will be in the $150,000 - $300,000 range. Note: The above sample is not a good example. Identify some common mistakes made in formulating text for a summary statement.

15

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

GRANT PROPOSAL INTRODUCTION SECTION This is where you tell who you are and build your credibility as an organization that deserves to be funded. History Goals/mission Activities Accomplishments Impact on clients, audiences, visitors, students, community Recognition Other funding sources Quotes from letters of support Significant data/numbers

16

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

GRANT PROPOSAL PROBLEM STATEMENT/NEEDS ASSESSMENT SECTION This section focuses on a particular condition in the lives of people that you want to change. Be specific. Focus on a narrow enough issue so that your goals are achievable. State the issue in terms of the target market's needs, not the nonprofit organization's needs. Document the problem. Support it with evidence drawn from statistics, experts, etc. Use quotes from experts documenting the need you wish to address. Make a logical connection between the problem and your organization's proven ability to provide solutions. Avoid too much gloom and doom. Don't overdramatize. SAMPLE PROBLEM STATEMENT The National Institute of Slow Readers, through extensive research, has shown that reading problems begin in early childhood in the greatest percent of cases. Their experiences with books, story telling and being read to have slowly diminished in recent years. This is producing poor reading skills. Note: The above sample problem statement is not a good example. Identify some common mistakes made in formulating text for a problem statement.

17

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

GRANT PROPOSAL OBJECTIVES SECTION An objective is a specific, measurable outcome of your program. Answers the question: "What changes will your program create?" OUTCOMES AND IMPACT, NOT ACTIVITIES 1. Avoid words like "provide," "establish," "create," as they describe the organization's need 2.

Use words like "increase," "decrease," "reduce" as they speak to the person being served and their need.

TELL WHO IS GOING TO BE AFFECTED 1.

By what, or by doing what?

2.

When?

3.

To what degree will they be affected?

4.

How it will be measured?

MOST OFTEN SEEN SAMPLE OBJECTIVE Our objective is to create this program. It will have great impact. We will evaluate it by reporting to you that we have implemented all the activities. Note: The above sample objective statement is not a good example. Identify some common mistakes made in formulating an objective statement.

WRITE AN OBJECTIVE FOR ONE OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S PROJECTS:

18

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

GRANT PROPOSAL METHODS SECTION Tell how you are going to accomplish the desired results Methods should be understandable to a reader unfamiliar with your organization Tell why you have chosen these methods Include a time chart Give credentials of personnel State the constituency served State when results will be achieved Give intended numerical results (when possible)

GRANT PROPOSAL EVALUATION SECTION PRODUCT/OUTCOME EVALUATION 1.

Extent to which stated objectives have been achieved

2.

Extent to which accomplishments can be attributed to the program

PROCESS/CONDUCT EVALUATION 1.

Has program been conducted in a manner consistent with the plan?

2.

Relationship of different program activities to the effectiveness of the program

EVALUATIONS CONDUCTED BY WHOM - OUTSIDE OR INSIDE ORGANIZATION?

19

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

FUTURE AND OTHER NECESSARY FUNDING SECTION Few funders want a "life-time" commitment. Present a plan that will assure the funding source, to the greatest extent possible, that you will be able to maintain this new program after their grant has been completed. Try to obtain other commitments in writing. Plan to generate funds through the project itself. Delineate in-kind contributions and volunteer time.

BUDGET SECTION Requirements for budgets differ with different funding sources. Adapt this design to any format. The information will be complete and detailed; the process will help you to plan well. a.

Budget Summary (described in the following section)

1.

Break out costs in great detail: Ex: 1 Executive Director $1,000/mo. $2,400 (20% of time) x 12 mos.

2.

Divide into two sections: Personnel and Non-personnel

SAMPLE BUDGET CATEGORIES I.

Personnel - full and part time staff A. Wages and salaries B.

Fringe Benefits

C.

Consultants and Contract Services Bookkeeper Advertising firm Volunteers - In-kind

II.

Non-Personnel A. Space Costs B. Rental, Lease or Purchase of Equipment C. Consumable Supplies D. Local Travel E. Out of Town Travel F. Telephone

20

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

G. H.

Postage Insurance

III. Indirect Costs (The cost of services provide by a host institution to a project carried on within the institution. With a federal grant, this figure is fixed after the first audit. Usually a percentage of budget.) A. Bookkeeping and payroll B.

Utility costs

C.

Management time

BUDGET SUMMARY Gives overall totals for sections of budget Precedes detailed budget Should include projected income Clear statement of how much you are asking for Indicate the true full cost by including volunteer time with a dollar value attached

21

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

GRANT PROPOSAL ATTACHMENTS Carefully selected items that will support your proposal and give you credibility. IRS letter proving nonprofit status Board of Directors list Annual report Three to five year statement of annual budgets Most recent audit Brochures Letters of support News clippings Statements from experts

FOLLOW UP Postcard, certified return receipt mail, or phone call to assure funder has received proposal Phone call to see if all materials included, any further clarification desired When you receive word of proposal outcome: If yes, 1. prompt courteous thank you from Executive Director, Board 2. clarify public relations needs and desires 3. clarify reporting requirements 4. keep donor informed of progress If no, 1.

call to ask why; gently push past "just cannot fund all those who apply" for project priority strategy problems competition clarification interest in resubmission

2.

stay in touch by sending brochures, announcements, applicable articles

If officers or contacts change establish new connection.

22

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

DRAFT OF INQUIRY LETTER TO SEND FOUNDATIONS XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX Dear XXXXXX: Mount Harmon manor house, with its walls of ancient brick stands on the spot where it has always stood, for over 250 years facing west down the Thistle River toward the Big Green Bay. The plantation and its buildings constitute a rich source of history, unique to Lowe County, that began long before recorded history and continued into the 20th Century. Early History: The Most Historic Plantation began in 1651 as a land grant of 350 acres to Gerald Nassus. The grant was made by Relicus Cooper, the second Lord Amsterdam, who owned all of Virginia. It was a typical frontier plantation of the colonial time: an isolated and self-sufficient economic unit producing tobacco for shipment to England and, in exchange, receiving most of its necessities and luxuries from the mother country. Most Historic Plantation prospered as a tobacco plantation during the 17 `h and 18th centuries. The Tobacco Prize House still stands at the edge of the Thistle River. Here, tobacco was pressed into barrels and stored until a sailing ship arrived to take the plantation's products to England. Background: In 1963, Mrs. William George Binus, IV, descendent of the Wilmot and Francis families who lived on the plantation from 1760 to 1810, became the owner of Most Historic Plantation. From 1963 to 1975, Mrs. Binus restored the manor house and its grounds, the free standing colonial kitchen, the Prize House and the farm to their former quality under the guidance of Kurt Wise, noted restoration architect. She furnished the manor house with American, English, Irish and Scottish antiques which reflect Most Historic Plantation's commerce with the British Isles. In 1974 Mrs. Binus donated the property to the Big Green Trust for Historic Preservation. In 1977, her will created a substantial endowment for the property. In 1984, a regional, non-profit land conservation trust, the Thistle Lands Trust, took ownership and opened Most Historic Plantation to the public for tours and rentals. In 1993, in spite of continuing public interest, the Big Green Lands Trust closed the manor house to the public. Mrs. Binus' daughter, Mrs. Carlisle Ross, and others interested in preserving this remarkable treasure from our past, formed the Friends of Most Historic Plantation, Inc., a non profit corporation, and took possession of the plantation on May 28, 1997. Once again the manor house and the plantation are open to the public for tours, family outings, meetings and other events. Friends of Most Historic Plantation, Inc.: The objective of The Friends of Most Historic Plantation is to bring the plantation and the manor house back to life, to keep it open for the education and enjoyment of people living on and touring Virginia and the Big Green Bay.

23

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Most Historic Manor House: The beautiful manor house at Most Historic Plantation is a three-story brick structure (the bricks were made on the property) of the Georgian period dating from approximately 1730. It stands on a knoll virtually surrounded by creeks and inlets of the Thistle River in Lowe County Virginia. The approach from the highway is along a winding two-mile lane covered by a canopy of Osage Orange trees. In addition to the historical buildings, the manor house is adjoined by formal gardens. The entire plantation is a wildlife preserve with several rare and endangered species to be found along the nature trails. Preservation: The manor house has not been properly maintained since it was closed in 1993. Preserving the structure and beauty of the manor house requires approximately $30,000 in immediate maintenance: replacing rotten wood, painting wood trim, and replacing bricks that have deteriorated. In addition, there are other pressing repair needs on the property. Funding: The Lowe Historical Trust has awarded the Friends of Most Historic Plantation a $10,000 challenge grant for capital costs associated with maintenance of the house. To receive these funds we must raise an additional $10,000 by the end of 1997. I would greatly appreciate having the opportunity to discuss this project with you and will call in the next week or so. I would also be happy to arrange for you to visit Most Historic Plantation if your schedule will allow it. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact me at (XXX) XXX-XXXX Sincerely,

Annabelle Johnson Board Member Friends of Most Historic Plantation

24

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE AB-CD FOUNDATION ON BEHALF OF MOST HISTORICAL PLANTATION SUMMARY Most Historical Plantation, listed on the National Historic Register, is located in Lowe County, Maryland, along the Thistle River. The manor house, with its walls of ancient brick, has stood for over 250 years facing west toward the Big Green Bay. The entire plantation is a wildlife preserve. The plantation began in 1651 as a land grant of 350 acres to Gerald Nassus. It was a typical tobacco plantation of the Colonial time and prospered during the 17 `h and 18 `h centuries. This period has been well documented in the Most Historical Plantation Diaries of Louis George Francis. 1837 - 1850, researched and published by Mrs. William George Binus, IV, a direct descendent of families who lived on the plantation from 1760 to 1810. In 1963 Mrs. Binus became the owner of Most Historical Plantation and restored the grounds and buildings to their former quality under the guidance of Kurt Wiese, noted restoration architect. She furnished the manor house with family heirlooms along with American, English, Irish and Scottish antiques. In 1974 Mrs. Binus donated the property to the Big Green Trust for Historic Preservation and later created an endowment for the property. In 1984 the Thistle Lands Trust took ownership and opened Most Historical Plantation to the public for tours and rentals. Then, in 1993, the Trust closed the manor house to the public and discontinued tours. For several years proper maintenance and preservation were neglected. In 1995 Mrs. Binus' daughter, Mrs. Carlisle Ross, and others concerned about preserving this historic treasure, formed the Friends of Most Historical Plantation, Inc. (FMHP) a non profit corporation, and took possession of the Plantation in May 1997. The manor house was opened to the public again in July, 1997 for tours, family outings, meetings and other events. FMHP is governed by a Board of Trustees including Mrs. Ross, an attorney, a CPA, a professional fundraiser, owners of adjacent properties and others interested in historic preservation. The staff consists of one full time caretaker and a volunteer tour coordinator. Buildings on the plantation require $63,525 of immediate capital repairs. FMHP has hired Modern Development Corporation to begin these repairs at once. A loan has been arranged with Mrs. Ross providing collateral. The Big Green Historical Trust has awarded FMHP a $10,000 challenge grant for repairs to the manor house. Admission fees and, memberships provide income and FMHP has initiated a campaign to solicit support from other foundations and interested individuals. FNIHP is a 501-C-3 tax exempt agency, EIN:51-XXXXXXX Requested from AB-CD Foundation $30,000.

25

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE AB-CD FOUNDATION ON BEHALF OF MOST HISTORICAL PLANTATION INTRODUCTION

Most Historical Plantation, listed on the National Historic Register, is situated on a peninsula formed by the creeks and inlets of the Thistle River. The manor house, with its walls of ancient brick, stands on the spot where it has always stood for over 250 years, facing west down the Thistle River toward the Big Green Bay.

Early History: The Plantation began in 1651 as a land grant of 350 acres to Gerald Nassus. The grant was made by Relicius Cooper, the second Lord Amsterdam, who owned all of Virginia. It was a typical frontier plantation of the colonial time: an isolated and self-sufficient economic unit producing tobacco for shipment to England and, in exchange, receiving most of its necessities and luxuries from the mother country.

Most Historical prospered as a tobacco plantation during the 17th and 18 `h centuries. The Tobacco Prize House still stands at the edge of the Thistle River. Here, tobacco was pressed into barrels and stored until a sailing ship arrived to take the plantation's products to England.

From 1967 - 1976. Mrs. William George Binus IV, a direct descendent of the Willmot and Francis families who lived on the plantation from 1760 to 1810, researched and published four volumes of diaries. These included the Most Historical Diaries of Louis George Francis, 1787 1850, edited by Julius Wilson. In his diaries, the agricultural and social life at Most Historical during the nineteenth century are particularly well documented. These dairies are scheduled to be republished in 1998 by the Historical Society of Virginia.

26

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Recent History: In 1963 Mrs. Binus became the owner of Most Historical. From 1963 to 1975, she restored the manor house and its grounds, the free standing colonial kitchen, the Prize House and the farm to their former quality under the guidance of Kurt Wise, noted restoration architect. She furnished the manor house with American, English, Irish and Scottish antiques which reflect Most Historical's commerce with the British Isles.

In 1974 Mrs. Binus donated the property to the Big Green Trust for Historic Preservation. Then, in 1977, her will created a substantial endowment for the property. In 1984 a regional non-profit land conservation trust, the Thistle Lands Trust, took ownership and opened Most Historical to the public for tours and rentals.

Friends of Most Historical Plantation, Inc.: In 1993, in spite of continuing public interest, the Thistle Lands Trust closed the manor house to the public. Mrs. Binus' daughter, Mrs. Carlisle Ross, and others interested in preserving this remarkable treasure from our past, formed the Friends of Most Historical Plantation, Inc., (FMHP), a non profit corporation, and took possession of Most Historical Plantation on May 28, 1997. Once again the manor house and the plantation are open to the public for tours, family outings, meetings and other events. The objective of FMHP is to bring the plantation and the manor house back to life, preserve this historic treasure and keep it open for the education and enjoyment of residents of Virginia and surrounding states, tourists and those who love the Big Green Bay.

Members of the Board of Directors of FMHP include Mrs. Binus' daughter, an attorney specializing in not for profit services, a CPA, a professional fundraiser, owners of adjacent properties and others interested in historic preservation.

27

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Friends of Most Historical Plantation is a 501-C-3 tax exempt organization, EIN 51-XXXXXXX

Most Historical Manor House: The beautiful manor house at Most Historical Plantation is a three-story brick structure (the bricks were made on the property) of the Georgian period dating from approximately 1730. It stands on a knoll virtually surrounded by creeks and inlets of the Thistle River in Lowe County Virginia. The approach from the highway is along a winding two-mile lane covered by a canopy of Osage Orange trees.

The house is furnished with family heirlooms along with American, English, Irish and Scottish antiques that reflect Most Historical's commerce with the British isles.

Wildlife Preserve: The entire plantation is designated a wildlife preserve. Wildlife is abundant and many rare and endangered species can be found including the American Bald Eagle and the American Lotus, the largest wildflower found in the United States.

Staff and Volunteers: FMHP is managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The staff consists of one full-time caretaker and a volunteer tour coordinator.

28

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

PROBLEM During the past five or more years, buildings on the plantation have been neglected. In order to preserve them and provide proper maintenance, a total of $63,525 of immediate repair is necessary. The Friends of Most Historical Plantation have made the decision to raise the funds for this repair and preservation rather than deplete the endowment. OBJECTIVE To preserve the historic buildings and grounds of Most Historical Plantation for the education and enjoyment of residents of Virginia and surrounding state, tourists and those who love the Big Green Bay by completing critical maintenance and repairs.

METHOD Estimates for carrying out the necessary repairs have been received from eight contractors. The most comprehensive and economical estimates were submitted by Modern Development Corp. of Turnerville, VA. Friends of Most Historical Plantation has contracted with Modern Development Corp. to begin the repairs in December, 1997, and a loan of $63,525 is being arranged. Collateral for this loan will be provided by the Mrs. Ross since the endowment cannot be used for collateral.

29

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

FUTURE FUNDING The Big Green Historical Trust has awarded FMHP a $10,000 challenge grant for capital costs associated with repairs to the manor house. In addition, FMHP has initiated an aggressive campaign to solicit contributions from other foundations and interested individuals. Admission fees and memberships provide income. Once current repairs are completed there should be no substantial capital expenses for several years. During this time FMHP will continue developing a broad base of support among individuals, foundations and business. PROJECT BUDGET Capital Repairs Manor House: painting dormers, soffet & eaves, exterior windows, main entrance doors and widows walk. Repair gutter & downspouts, re-point and replace damaged brick. Total $14,700. Machinery shed: New roof, painting. Total $5,080. Garage: New Roof, painting Total $5,450 Stable: New Roof, painting Total $11,150 3 Tenant Houses: New roofs, vinyl siding Total: $27,145. Grand Total $63,525

Requested from the AB-CD Foundation $ 30,000

30

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

OPERADELAWARE PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO ABC FOUNDATION SEPTEMBER 19 INTRODUCTION OperaDelaware's educational program, "should serve as a model to our other companies." Marthalie P. Furber, Education Director, Opera America, Washington, D.C. This statement was made following a 1988 evaluation of our program by Opera America, a national association of professional opera companies. OperaDelaware, is a Wilmington-based , professional, regional opera company presenting full scale productions for students, families and the general public. OperaDelaware has been in continuous existence for 44 years, making it the 14th oldest professional opera company in the United States. Formed in 1945, as the Wilmington Opera Singers, under the guidance of W. W. (Chick) Laird, the name was changed to the Wilmington Opera Society in 1947. In 1968 and 1970 two additional arms of Wilmington Opera Society were formed--the Family Opera Theatre, producing operas with and for students, and the OperaDelaware Guild, dedicated to providing financial support to the company. In 1983 the name was changed to OperaDelaware to reflect the growth of the company and the regional status and recognition that had been achieved. WHAT HAS OPERADELAWARE ACCOMPLISHED IN FORTY-FOUR YEARS? 1. Major Productions - Since 1945 OperaDelaware has produced more than 100 operas, among these were 6 world premieres. These productions have received national and international recognition along with praise from local and national reviewers: "Fresh, spirited, and stylishly studied Verdi performances..." - Andrew Porter, The New Yorker "Solidly professional.." - Frank Lewin, Opera News "OperaDelaware outdoes itself with a sensual 'Don Giovanni,' Penelope Bass Cope,News-Journal "OperaDelaware's "Aida" had extraordinary visual power and provided a wealth of musical pleasures." -Frank Lewin, Opera News. "OperaDelaware has achieved a level of regional opera that Delawareans can truly admire." - Penelope Bass Cope, News-Journal 2. Family Opera Theatre Productions - In 1970 the Family Opera Theatre was formed to provide an opportunity for young talented both on and off stage. In these productions, 1,500 students have worked side-by-side with professionals in the cast, in the orchestra and back stage. More than 60,000 students have enjoyed these performances in their schools and at the Brand Opera House.

31

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

3. Educational Programs for Students and Adults - A recent evaluation by Opera America stated that OperaDelaware's educational programs "should serve as a model to our other companies" in the United States. In-school previews - During the 1987-88 season, for example, OperaDelaware presented live previews in 25 schools for 5,500 students. "Opera Kits," containing audio or video tapes, slides and study guides are delivered to schools to help teachers prepare their students for the performance. Opera Dinners - during the past 3 years OperaDelaware has sponsored 18 pre-performance Opera Dinners attended by 1,400 tickets holders who enjoyed an informative lecture about the upcoming opera. Community Education - OperaDelaware travels to all parts of the state with live previews and lectures to introduce new audiences to opera, enhance the public's understanding and enjoyment of opera and build new audiences. 4. Special Interest/ Outreach Projects - During the past 3 years OperaDelaware has cooperated with many community groups to introduce new audiences to opera. These projects have included: Birgit Nilsson Masterclass - Internationally known soprano, Birgit Nilsson coached students from local universities along with young professionals performing in OperaDelaware's productions. Production of Harriet, the Woman Called Moses, by American composer, Thea Musgrave, as part of Black History Month, 1988, with school performances and scholarly research, funded by the Delaware Humanities Forum. Production of the original Swedish version of A Masked Ball, by Verdi, as part of the 350th anniversary of the landing of the Swedes in Delaware. Presentation of Noche Azul, an evening of Spanish music, In cooperation with the Delaware Hispanic Arts and Humanities Committee. FINANCIAL STABILITY OperaDelaware has a record of maintaining a balanced budget for all 44 years of its operation. Income from tickets constitutes approximately 50% of production costs. Additional support has come from government, foundation, corporation and individual donors gifts and grants and the OperaDelaware Guild.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS?

32

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

1.Board of Directors -OperaDelaware is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from business, the arts, and education. Current members include a public school principal, a corporate planning manager, a retired marketing director, a public relations manager, a professional accompanist , and a set designer. 2. Advisory Board - In 1988 an Advisory Board was formed to broaden OperaDelaware's involvement in the business community and strengthen the business and fundraising efforts of the company. This board is made up of a bank president, a public relations expert, a small business entrepreneur, a bank senior vice president, a retired college president, a CPA, a corporate manager and others. 3. Professional Staff - OperaDelaware's professional staff consists of a Managing director, Director of Development and a Development Manager. They have studied at major conservatories in the United States, acted as performers, directors, designers, producers and administrators for opera companies in Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland ,Kentucky and Washington D.C. WHO HAS HELPED THEM WITH THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS? Delaware State Arts Council -- $428,600; 1974 - 1989 E. I du Pont de Nemours, Inc. -- $40,000; 1984 & 1985 National Endowment for the Arts -- $11,000; 1987 - 1989 OperaDelaware Guild -- $600,00; 1970 -1988. PROBLEM STATEMENT Many Delawareans have benefited from recent pilot programs that demonstrated a community need and an interest in their continuation (See list below). In order to meet this need we must increase our financial support from individuals and corporations. Unfortunately, our ability to do this is limited since our current computer system is overloaded and inadequate for even the current level of activity. Much of our record keeping, tracking and reporting is done by hand. In order to expand fundraising efforts and become more professional we must have additional hardware and more sophisticated software designed specifically for fundraising use. OBJECTIVES To increase income from individual and corporate contributions 10% - 15% annually by expanding OperaDelaware's fundraising program and making it more professional. With increased support OperaDelaware could: Include 5 more grade levels in the use of the new textbook series being tested for Opera America. Enable many more teachers to receive training in the use of this text book series. Include the 2,000 students who miss our student matinees every year because tickets are sold out, by scheduling additional performances.

33

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Involve Junior and Senior High School students by developing an educational program designed especially for them. Include an increasing variety of Delaware residents through expanded outreach programs and cooperation with other community agencies. Permit young artists and managers to gain valuable professional experience and training through links with regional universities and conservatories. METHOD OperaDelaware will purchase the following equipment, services and supplies: Hardware and Software Donor II Software $3,995 Installation 1,100 Acer 386, 20 MHz, 100MB hard drive, 2MB RAM, VGA Color Monitor 5,500 Novell Network Software, 4 Cards, Passive Hub and cables 1,500 Hewlett Packard LaserJet II Printer 1,800 Memory Card of AT with 512K 200 Tape Backup with 5 cartridges 1,600 Battery Backup 650 2400 Baud Modem 200 Direct Net Menu Software 245 Communications Software for Modem 145 Total Hardware and Software

$16,935

Services Training (2 days) Software Support & Maintenance Data Conversion Temporary data entry helps 10 days) Total Services

$1,100 1,200 800 500 $4,400

Supplies Diskettes, tapes paper and ribbons Total Cost

$200 $21,730 EVALUATION

34

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

The fundraising software will make it possible to evaluate much more effectively. It will automatically update each file as entries are made, segment information as needed, print comprehensive reports on weekly, monthly and yearly basis, keep giving history for longer periods of time and allow for more efficient planning and implementation. FUTURE FUNDING OperaDelaware has cooperated with other arts groups in the past in establishing its present computer system. As a result, the system is IBM compatible and offers the possibility of sharing and information exchange through modems and networks as future demand dictates. No further need for funding is anticipated. Requested from ABC FOUNDATION $21, 730

35

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

MINIKIN OPERA COMPANY BUDGET SUMMARY TWENTY OPERA IN-THE-SCHOOLS PROGRAMS TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL CASH DONATED 49 085 22,150 26,935

TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES I. PERSONNEL A. Salaries & Wages B. Contractual Services II. NONPERSONNEL A. Space Costs B. Rental, Lease, Purchase of Equip. C. Consumable Supplies D. Travel E. Other Costs INCOME Delaware State Arts Council Fees from Schools Foundations Corporations Other Businesses Contributions & Special Projects

9,570 13,790

6,400 9,680

3,170 4,110

9,850 6,025 1,450 800 7,600

350 1,500 500 320 3,400

9,500 4,525 950 4,200 4,200

22,150 2,826 4,000 5,000 5,000 3,000 2,324

TOTAL REQUESTED from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. 2,826

36

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

MINIKIN OPERA COMPANY BUDGET DETAIL TWENTY OPERA-IN-THE-SCHOOLS PROGRAMS TOTAL TOTAL CASH TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES 49,085 22,150 I. PERSONNEL A. Salaries 9,570 6,400 (1) General Mgr. @ $2,000/mo. X 12 mo. X 15% 3,600 2,800

TOTAL DONATED 26,935 3,170 800

(1) Secretary @ $750/mo. X 12, mo. X 15%

1,350

1,000

350

(1) Stage Director @ $1,000/mo. X 10 mo. X 15%

1,500

1,300

200

(1) Musical Director @ $1000/mo. X 10 mo. X 15%

1,500

1,300

200

(15) Teachers, Classroom preparation @ $10/hr X 10 hrs.

1,500

1,500

120

120

(20) School Coordinator @ $3/hr X 2 hrs. B. Contractual Services (1) Bookkeeper/Accountant @ $6/hr. X 85 hrs.

13,790

9,680

4,110

500

300

200

(3) Singers/Actors @ $75 X 20 performances

4,500

4,500

(3) Singers/Actors @ $30 X 8 rehearsals

720

250

(1) Pianist @ %75 X 20 performances

1,500

1,500

(1) Pianist @ $30 X 8 rehearsals

240

80

37

470

160

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

(1) Touring Stage Mgr. @ $75 X 20 performances

1,500

1,500

1,000

800

750

750

(1) Costume, Set Designer/ Builder (1) Stage Manager @ $250 X 3 productions

200

(3) Singers/Actors, individual preparation @ $10/hr. X 50 hrs.

1,500

1,500

(3) Singers, private coaches @ $18/hr X 20 hrs.

1,080

1,080

(1) Publicity Agent @ $5/hr. X 5 hrs./mo. X 10 mo.

250

250

Auditing

250

250

II. NONPERSONNEL A. Space Costs Rehearsal hall @ $50 X 8 rehearsals donated by Wilmington Music School

9,850

350

400

9,500

400

Office Space @ $175/mo. X 12 mo.

2,100

350

1,750

Free Use of Schools @ $450 X 20 performances

6,750

B. Rental, Lease, Purchase Of Equipment (1) Desk donated by Dupont Co.

6,025 575

6,750 1,500

4,525 575

(1) Electric Typewriter donated by Dupont

350

350

(1) File cabinet donated by Wilmington Music School

100

100

38

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

(1) Truck rented @ $75 X 20 performances

1,500

(20) Pianos provided by schools @ $175 rental

3,500

C. Consumable Supplies Office Supplies

1,500

3,500

1,450 200

500 200

100 1.200

100 250

950

800

320

480

(4) Downstate performance X 200 miles X 2 cars X $.20/mi.

320

320

(6) Singers, Directors, Pianist local mileage - 8 hr. X 50 miles X $.20/mi.

480

Music Sets, Props, Costumes D. Travel

480

E. Other Costs Telephone/postage Photography Printing Advertising Insurance

7,600 300 500 600 600 600

3,400 300 300 600 600 600

Royalties @ $25 X 20 performances Legal Graphic Design

500 2,000 2,500

500

39

950

500

4,200 200

2,000 2,000

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

“The Heartless 37-point Checklist” The Soliciting Organization's Character The following checklist for reviewing contributions requests was prepared by a public relations agency for the writer's corporation. It indicates some of the concerns many corporations have about both the relationship of the project to the interests of the corporation. 1. Is the purpose of the soliciting organization necessary and valuable/pertinent to the company's role as a citizen and to the activities of the company and its personnel?

11. If the gift is for a building fund for the soliciting organization, is there adequate provision for any resulting increase in its operation overhead? 12. Will the company derive appropriate benefits from the expenditure, either through community good will, by providing a better economic and social environment for the company's future growth, or from immediate or potential benefit to employees of the company and its customers?

2. Does the organization have widespread acceptance and support both from other companies and from individuals? 3. Is the soliciting organization efficiently and honestly managed, with only a small percentage of funds raised to be spent on solicitation costs and administrative overhead? 4. Who are the sponsors of the organization and the solicitation?

THE ORGANIZATION IN RELATION TO COMPANY POLICY

5. Does the organization restrict aid to some specific and limited category of beneficiary? If so, is it desirable to single out this group for special aid?

13. Is the request consistent with the company's place in the community? 14. Will the contribution advance the community relations and public relations of the company?

6. What are the ramifications of the organization and the sponsors?

15. Is the activity better served by private giving than by public funds?

7. If eligible, why is the organization not a member of the Community Chest?

16. What objective of the company's social philosophy is advanced by this contribution?

8. Is the organization attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise?

17. Are there any legal restrictions, or tax problems?

9. Will response to the appeal solve the problem or at least have a strong influence on the amelioration or longrange solution?

18. Is there any significant public opposition

to this organization?

10. What is the worth per se of the project, activity or operation for which the contribution is sought?

40

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

19. In the case of a hospital building fund: How many of our employees were admitted to the hospital in each of the last three years? How many bed-days of treatment were involved in each of these years?

29. What is the ratio of (27) to (28)? 30. What sum is projected by proportioning the ratio of (29) against the fund-raising goal of the organization? 31. What sum was contributed last year, or to date this year, by representative business concerns in the community?

20. Is this a one-time solicitation or will a gift likely lead to similar requests in the future?

THE SIZE OF THE GIFT

21. How much will be spent by the soliciting organization in its community this year?

32. Projected against the number of employees of such concerns, what is the average contribution per employee?

22. What is the fund-raising goal of this campaign?

33. What sum is projected by multiplying this average contribution by the number of company employees?

23. How many employees does the company have in the community? 24. What is the total private employment in the community?

34. Do the sums in 26, 30, and 33 exceed 5/ 100 of 1 percent of the company's total sales in the community (27)?

25. What is the ratio of company employment to total community employment?

35. What is a reasonable contribution, based on 26, 30 and 33?

26. What sum is projected by proportioning this employment ratio against the find-raising goal of the organization?

36. Does this exceed $25, the minimum

27. What was the company's total sales in the community last year?

37. Does it exceed an allowable sum in relation to the company's total budget for the community?

donation of the company?

28. What is the total dollar value of goods and services produced in the community last, if such a figure is available from the Chamber of Commerce?

41

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

THE GRANTSMANSHIP CENTER NEWS

Tips for Writing Effective Grant Proposals

Grantsmanship

Let's assume you know your organization's target for a funding proposal, how much you are asking for, and the purpose of the grant request. Now it's time to sit down an start writing the proposal. Following are practical tips offered by grant proposal experts: Keep the request short, no longer than two or three pages. Most prospects are overwhelmed with paper and you don't want to get lost in the shuffle. If writing to a foundation, talk in terms of a gift. If writing to a corporation, write in terms of an investment. The two organizational types have different mind-sets: foundations are in the business of giving money away while corporations try to make money. Use language that fits your prospect. Make your request’s verb tense positive instead of conditional. For example, instead of writing “if you would consider,” write “your gift will” or “your gift can.” Study other agencies the group has funded. Call colleagues who obtained gifts or grants from the group to find out why their proposals were successful. Study all materials available on the foundation or funding group to get a sense of its philosophy and general overall interests. Focus on aspects of your project that are in tune with that philosophy. Write in clear, concise form. Avoid burdensome language and jargon. Short sentences make your proposal easier to read. Break the subject matter into bite-size pieces. Underline your request. Talk about opportunities, not problems. Cite the relevance of the gift to the donor. Show how the gift is as important to the donor as it is to the recipient. Credentials are important. Make sure the organization knows your group is qualified to do what you are proposing. Follow grant application directions provided by the funding organization. Their requirements are usually clear. Proofread your proposal carefully. Make sure all information presented is accurate and relevant, and that information throughout corresponds. Say "thank you" whether or not your proposal is funded. If such acknowledgment is not given, the donor group may not be interested in funding you the next time a request is made. Handwritten notes are good.

Sources: Nike B. Whitcomb, President. Nike B. Whitcomb associates. 54 West Hubbard Street, Suite -402. Chicago Illinois 60610. Phone (312) 346-9018. Lucille D. Fallon. Director of Corporate /Foundation Relations. Michigan State University, 4700 South Hagadorn, East Lansing. Michigan 48823. Phone (517) 355-8257.

42

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

FUNDRAISING RESOURCES BOOKS: Foundation Fundamentals. 6th Edition. The Foundation Center, Oct. 1999, www.fdncenter.org/marketplace, Oct. l999. Shows you how to use print and electronic sources to do your funding research. $24.95. Fundraising for Social Change. 4th Edition. Kim Klein, Chardon Press, www.chardonpress.com/titles, Oct. 2000. The purpose of this book is to provide organizations with budgets under $1 million with information needed to establish, maintain and expand successful community-based fundraising programs and therefore move away from reliance on foundations, corporations and government assistance. Revised and expanded edition includes new chapters on how to work effectively with your executive director, using the Internet for fundraising, making a career of social change fundraising and more. $35.00. Grass Roots Fundraising Book. Joan Flanagan, Order from: The Youth Project, 2335 18th Street, NW, Washington DC 20009., 1982. (202) 483-0030. Filled with good ideas, success & failure stories and encouragement; great for the head of your fundraising committee. Also available on www.amazon.com. $14.95. Securing Your Organization's Future. Revised Edition. Michael Seltzer, The Foundation Center, www.fdncenter.org/marketplace. A comprehensive manual which covers starting a nonprofit, planning, and fundraising. In a well-written, friendly style, this book imparts bottom line facts and easy-to-follow worksheets. This extensively revised edition provides up to date information. $34.95. Winning Grants Step by Step. Mim Carlson, Support Center of America, Jossey Bass Publishers, www.wiley.com. In easy-to-understand terms, the workbook leads the user to create a proposal that fulfills the most important criteria grantmakers demand from a successful request. $27.00. BROCHURES/PAMPHLETS: Program Planning & Proposal Writing, Grantsmanship Center, 1125 W. Sixth Street, Fifth Floor, PO Box 17220, Los Angeles, California 90017. www.tgci.com/publications/puborder.htm. Most widely used format in the country, maybe the world. Incredibly comprehensive, well written. Introductory version: $3, Expanded version: $4. Standards For Charitable Solicitations, Philanthropic Advisory Service, Council of Better Business Bureaus, 4200 Wilson Blvd.-Suite 800, Arlington VA 22203. Easily understood guide on ethics & standards for raising money. Standards available on web at www.bbb.org/about/charstandard.asp PERIODICALS/NEWSLETTERS: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 1225 23rd St. NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 20037. First issue Nov. l988. In depth, well written and well thought out articles. Unique in listings of current regional and national grants, project ideas, summaries of new professional books. @$67.50/year.

43

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Fund Raising Management, Hoke Communications, 224 Seventh St., Garden City, Long Island NY 11530-5711, Phone 516/746-6700. Nitty gritty on fundraising issues such as computerized mailing lists, whether you should use a window envelope, etc. $58/yr. Grassroots Fundraising Journal. Kim Klein, Publisher and Editor; Nancy Andess, Editor in Chief. PO Box 11607, Berkeley CA 94701. Best issues are the "best of" compilations on "Major Gifts Campaigns" and "Fundraising." Back issues available. Subscription $32. Nonprofit Times, 120 Littleton Rd., Suite 120, Parsippany, NJ 07054-1803, Phone 973/394-1800, Fax 973/394-2888 . Basic articles reporting on nonprofit management issues and tools. Best part is Jerry Huntsinger's fundraising letter clinic. $39/year. Free for full time nonprofit executives who fill out eligibility form (available on website www.nptimes.com). AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) News and Professional Postings, 1101 King St., Suite 700, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone 1-800-666-3863, Fax 703/684-0514. Lists development positions in Delaware Valley. Monthly membership $25 call 1-800-666-3863. Greater Philadelphia Chapter: Contact: Christine Boylan and Associates (association management company), (215) 568-6086; (215) 557-9683 (fax), [email protected], http://www.afpgpc.org ORGANIZATIONS - SEND FOR THEIR PROGRAMS & SERVICES BROCHURES OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITES: The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Ave.-Dept. GH, NYC, NY 10003, www.fdncenter.com. Catalogs of latest directories and fundraising books, computerized fundraising searches, an extensive library...The Nation's #1 Source of Information on Foundation & Corporate Philanthropy. VISIT THE LOCAL BRANCH AT PHILADELPHIA'S FREE LIBRARY, 2nd floor, Logan Circle, 1901 Vine Street. Phone 215/686-5423. Gloria Hibbett, Collection Supervisor. The Grantsmanship Center, 1125 W. Sixth St., Fifth Floor, PO Box 17220, Los Angeles, CA 90017, www.tgci.com, . National seminars on grantsmanship, semi-annual newsletter. Nonprofit Center, LaSalle University, 1900 W. Olney Ave., Phila. PA 19141, 951-1701. Provides consulting and training in nonprofit management, including boards, fundraising, marketing, planning and problem identification. Laura Otten, Interim Director. RESEARCH DIRECTORIES: DIALOG: National database service; computerized on-line searching; through Foundation Center, Free Library, and many college libraries. Foundation Center staff perform custom searches for a fee. Directory of Pennsylvania Foundations: Phone 610/544-6927, Fax 610/328-2805, E-mail [email protected]. Long considered a "fundraiser's bible" for Pennsylvanians, the sixth edition contains extensive data on 1,509 foundations. Prepaid orders $73.50 per copy plus $4.40 PA Sales Tax (unless a PA Sales Tax Exemption Certificate is enclosed): TriAdvocates Press, PO Box 336, Springfield PA 19064.

44

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Federal Assistance Monitor: Comprehensive review of federal funding announcements, private grants rule changes, and legislative actions affecting social services, education, health, and community programs. Also contains grant tips, budget analyses, program previews and funding trends. 24 issues, 18 pages, $150/6months. CD Publications, 8204 Fenton St., Silver Spring MD 29019; phone 301/588-6830, fax 301/58806385; [email protected] Foundation Directory: provides info on finances, governance & giving interests of US largest grantmaking foundations: 6,600 corporate, independent and community foundations with assets of $1 million plus which annually give at least $100,000; info gathered from IRS returns & staff surveys. View/purchase from Free Library/Foundation Center. National Guide Series: series of specialized subject directories published by the Foundation Center Source Book Profiles: The Foundation Center’s semi-annual publication that describes in detail the 1,000 largest U.S. foundations. Includes foundation facts, in depth analyses of grant programs, extensive lists of sample grants and easy to use indexes. $295. www.fdncenter.org/marketplace.

45

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

WEB RESOURCES General Philanthropy and Fundraising Resources Delaware Valley Grantmakers http://www.dvg.org GuideStar- Nonprofit Database- lists nonprofit http://www.guiderstar.org boards, missions, etc. Harris' "Grants and Related Resources" includes http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/priv.html links to all collections of national funders on the web as well as links to all federal agencies Pennsylvania State Bureau of http://www.dos.state.pa.us/charity Charities/regulations, forms, etc. Philanthropy Journal Online http://philanthropy-journal.org Technical help for nonprofit groups, including http://www.innonet.org sample budgets, strategic planning and program evaluation advice The Council on Foundations http://www.cof.org/links/ Winning government grant proposals online, http://www.tgcigrantproposals.com searchable by subject Proposal Writing Resources A list of non-local common grant application forms Basic Elements of Grant Writing: guideposts offered to assist applicants to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and to other funding sources Common Grant Application Forms: Adopted by groups of grantmakers to allow applicants to save time by producing a single proposal format for a specific community of funders

http://www.fdncenter.org/onlib/cga http://www.cpb.org/grants/grantwriting.html

http://www.dvg.org

How to Write a Request for a Proposal for a Web Project: Benton Foundation National Network of Grantmakers ("progressive" funders) Proposal Writing Short Course: for novice proposal writers: The Foundation Center

http://webdevelopersjournal.com/columns/writerfp http://www.nng.org http://www.fdncenter.org

Search Engines Alta Vista Google Infoseek

http://altavista.com http://google.com http://infoseek.com

46

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

Government Resources Federal Information Exchange research & education funding opportunities

http://hupcap.clemson.edu/~jmcdnld/web_fi_1.html

FedWorld Information Network (govt. & business info) THOMAS- U.S. Congress legislative info U.S. Census Bureau

http://www.fedworld.gov www.loc.gov/global/legislative/congress.html www.census.gov

Local Foundations and Grantmakers The Pew Charitable Trusts The Philadelphia Foundation The United Way of Southeastern PA

http://www.pewtrusts.com http://www.philafound.org http://home.uwsepa.org

Foundation and Philanthropic Info The Foundation Center Philanthropy Journal Outline

http://www.fdncenter.org http://philanthropy-journal.org

Prospect Research Online Public Records on the Web: Northwestern University Development Research

http://pubweb.northwestern.edu/~cap440/

International Fundraising Charity Village: International Directories and Resources: A listserv devoted to international fundraising that addresses issues such as: international attitudes towards philanthropy, annual fund strategies, prospect ID strategies Idealist/Action Without Borders is a global clearinghouse of nonprofit resources. Links to 17,000 nonprofit websites around the world with info about services, volunteer opportunities, internships, job openings and events.

http://www.charityvillage.com

http://www.techsoup.org

Corporate Information Charities Aid Foundation links you directly to the giving program of each company's site NCS: Public Financial Information on Companies

http://www.cafonline.org http://nsfregpc.org/fastfact.html

47

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

People Searching WhoWhere?

http://www.whowhere.lycos.com

Miscellaneous Links AFP (International) Home Page American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel American Society of Association Executives

http://www.afp.uk.com http://www.aafrc.org http://www.asaenet.org

Butler University (Indiana) Virtual Prospect Research Chronicle of Higher Education (Gopher Menu)

http://www.butler.edu http://chronicle.com

Chronicle of Philanthropy (Gopher Menu) Clearinghouse for Subject-Oriented Internet Resource Guides: Internet Resources (From The University of Pennsylvania Library Web) Council on Foundations David Lamb's Prospect Research Home Page Diverse Grants-Related Sources-Gopher Databases Edgar (SEC Filings) Foundation Center

http://www.nsfregpc.org/fastfact.html http://www.library.upenn.edu

Hoover's Outline (Business Profiles) Independent Sector Internet Non-Profit Center Internet Resources for Non-Profit Public Service Organizations National Charities Information Bureau National Committee on Planned Giving NewsLink (Online Access to Hundreds of Newspapers, Magazines, etc.) Nonprofit Forum Nonprofit Technology Resources Nonprofit Times Philanthropy News Digest Philanthropy-Related Links Philip Walker's Nonprofit Resources Catalog

http://www.hoovers.com http://www.indesec.org http://www.seflin.org http://www.personal.si.umich.edu

http://www.redw.com/nonpft.htm http://www.libertynet.org http://www.nptimes.com http://www.fdncenter.org/pnd/current http://www.blackboard.com/philanthropy.asp http://www.ingm.org/links/nonprofit.html

West's Legal Directory-Find A Lawyer Online Women in Philanthropy

http://directory.findlaw.com http://www.women-philanthropy.umich.edu

http://www.cof.org http://www.lambresearch.com http://nsfrepc.org/fasrfact.html http://www.sec.gov/egdar.shtml http://fdncenter.org

http://www.give.org http://www.ncpg.org http://ajr.newslink.org/news.html

Adapted from lists of resources compiled by The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Regional Foundation Center.

48

Grant Proposal Writing from A-Z

ATTACHMENTS

49