Final Grant Project
Lesson 16
Front & Back: The Cover Page or Cover Letter, the Abstract, the Table of Contents, & the Appendix
The Cover Page
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Form SF-424 (a universal form used at the Federal level) See Appendix 4 for an example
These forms are often different from agency to agency, but be sure that it is filled out correctly if one is required.
The Cover Letter
When applying for government grant and there is a cover page, there is no need for a cover letter.
All foundation proposals, even when there is a cover page, a cover letter is recommended.
A cover letter is also recommended for government grants that do not include a cover page.
What Should the Cover Letter Contain?
It should be brief
Not more than half a page (one page if it substitutes for an abstract or program summary)
One or two sentence statements of what you’re requesting in the enclosed proposal
One or two reasons you’re applying to the foundation (based on foundations priorities & interests)
Always remember the KISS Principal and be polite.
The Abstract
An abstract is the first thing a reader sees and may be your most important marketing tool.
Even if the proposal doesn’t ask for an abstract, if you can find a way to include it, it may make all the difference in the world.
The abstract provides a board or oversight committee a “snapshot” of your plans for the funding.
Information in an Abstract
Description of Organization, agency, school district, or school.
Where are you and what area do you serve?
What services do you provide?
To how many people?
How long have you been in existence?
Compelling problem you are addressing
Description of your program and activities
Description of your evaluation
Overall cost of the project
Table of Contents
Only needed for longer proposals
Serves as the readers “trail of bread crumbs”
This can make it easier to work through a proposal and anything that makes the reader happy is a good thing
The table of contents can be made up of your outline that you created and can also serve as a “checklist” for yourself
The Appendix
The appendix can be thought of as a place to “show off” great information without occupying vital space in the proposal narrative.
Think of the appendix of a way to “paint” the picture you are trying to provide in a more concrete manner.
Along with the common types of attachments (budget, audit reports, etc) one can include news articles to help support your proposal.
Lesson 17
The Site Visit
Site Visit
It is more and more common for grantmakers to make site visits
Physical space
Leadership
Programs in action
If it’s a continuing grant to see what’s new and how you are doing
A site visit should be thought of as a good thing and used as an opportunity to strengthen your chances of receiving the funds
How to Prepare for a Site Visit
Make out a schedule for programs and people that they will need to see (always check to see the length of time the funder wants to spend on site)
Be sure to ask if there is anything particular they want to see
Be sure to brush up on your proposal so you can answer any questions
Do your HOMEWORK!
Lesson 18
So Now You Know
What Next?
Still No Grant!
Remember, if you win one out of every 10 grants you apply for, you are considered to be in the Grant Seeker’s Hall of Fame!
Even if you felt like you did everything right don’t lose hope, but in the case of grant writing, “No News is NOT good News!”
If you have not heard one way or the other after a reasonable period of time has passed you should call to check.
Lose and Learn!
Ask yourself…
Does the proposal look as if it was done in a big hurry?
Is the description of the project clear & believable?
Did I make a good case for the program?
Is there anything I left out?
Does the budget make sense looking at it now?
Did you make computation error in the budget?
Do you have spelling or grammatical mistakes?
Are charts or tables clear or confusing?
Is the appendix organized and relevant?
Did you spell the name correctly of the person receiving the grant?
A Rejected Proposal?
The key thing is to get as much information about the reasons your proposal was rejected as the funder is willing to give.
Sometimes you will receive a packet that includes your proposal’s scores and reviewers’ comments on its strengths and weaknesses.
Some would rather provide that information on the phone
Make notes that you can address later
Don’t get defensive and argumentative
Questions to Ask
Can you tell me if there was a problem with the program or the proposal itself (be sure to ask for ways to improve it)?
Did you think the proposal clearly addressed your guidelines?
Would you suggest that we apply again (Most important question you can ask)?
Do you have any other suggestions about how we can improve our proposal?
If at First You Don’t Succeed…
Be sure to write a thank-you note to the individual you have been in contact with.
10 Steps To Success
Self Esteem
Set Demanding Goals
Always Be Positive
Establish Good Habits
Master the Art of Communication
Learn From Role Models
Thrive On Pressure
Be Ferociously Persistent
Learn From Adversity
Survive Success