Resources

We may recommend relevant books, helpful products, or resource materials from time-to-time. Feel free to visit this page periodically to see the most current information posted.

CFPE is happy to provide simple tips for your reference when working with grants. A downloadable three-page pdf version is available at the bottom of this page.

Grant Writing Tips
OVERVIEW – Before you Start

The process of writing successful grants is not about getting the money . . .
it’s about building relationships!

Learn the basics of:

Planning
Researching
Communicating
Administering

Gain an understanding of:

Writing winning proposals
The different types of grants
Making a good match between your organization and the Grantor

Be ready to BRAINSTORM your ideas!

Know some information about your school/organization
- location
- demographics
- the needs
Discover the corporations in your area and state
Identify people with whom you can partner
Find local businesses and organizations with which to network

Know your Mission, Goals, and Passion!

EIGHT STEPS to get you STARTED

STEP 1: Define your Goals

Set a plan and stick to it
Define exactly WHAT YOU WANT
be specific and detailed

STEP 2: Review your Plan

Go over your notes
Get others’ input and formulate your plan
Form a committee

STEP 3: Determine what the grant provider wants

Do some research
Find out what qualifications are necessary

STEP 4: Locate the Grant Program

Find a program that will help make your plan a reality

purchase products and/or materials
contract services and/or trainings
create or start a project
perpetuate sustainability
subsidize services, investments, income, etc.

STEP 5: Do your Homework

Do the preliminary “legwork” and “homework” on the project to see if it will support:

the goals for acquisition/purchase of materials/products/services
the one-time project –or- sustainability for continuation

Get the necessary forms to fill out. Determine any fees, costs involved, etc.

STEP 6: Develop working relationships
Learn to develop personal working relationships with all people you come in contact with, from the beginning to the end of your project

grantor
partners
sponsors
volunteers
community

STEP 7: Submit your application
Submit a complete package. Include a realistic proposal for the work/project to be done:

description of how money will be spent
list of necessary equipment and supplies
an estimation of how much the work will cost
a description of how the community will benefit from your project

STEP 8: Wrap-up the project

Complete all legal requirements & paperwork
Create a schedule and stay on target
Remember: You must adhere to the requirements stated in the grant
Keep records and photos of every action

MANAGING your PROJECT
Develop a Committee

Organize a group of interested people to help manage your project
Define what is required for each position... be specific with expectations/time frames for each position including: Chairpersons/managers, Executives (president/secretary/treasurer), PR (media/contact helpers), Coordinators (events/schedules,etc.)

Review the Specifics of the Project

Go over your notes and contracts
Know exactly what is required to be done

Make a Schedule

Do some research
Find out what other groups’ schedule of events are
Determine the necessary time frames/availability of those involved... refer to a calendar

Do your Part

Handle your responsibilities as agreed
If unable to follow through, get help immediately

Keep Positive Working Relationships

Learn to keep expressing appreciation for others and their involvement
If problems arise, deal with them immediately in a courteous manner
Keep all attitudes “on the table” & open

Keep “Crunch Time” Stressors to a Minimum

As the event approaches, be sure to follow a set of specific check-list items and schedule
Little surprises at this stage of the game could become huge obstacles to others

Handling the Project

Establish one person as the individual Event Coordinator. This person has the final say in decisions
Always offer support: verbally, physically, and emotionally
Establish volunteer positions as well as a volunteer coordinator(s) for large events
Each person MUST be reliable and responsible with their assigned roles

Wrapping it Up

Be sure you are clear about set up and clean up!
Always keep a “paper trail”
Establish a reporter if necessary, who handles all editorials/reports of events
Hold a final meeting after each event to discuss/review/evaluate/present reports, etc.
Celebrate your successes and document everything!

Click here to access a dowloadable three-page pdf document of the Grant Writing Tips using Adobe Acrobat