Post on 28-Dec-2015
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
byDr. Barbara BreierThe University of Texas System
Proposal and Grantwriting Seminar
March 2001Presentation to the
Texas Women Faculty Forum
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
How Presentation is Organized
Conceptualizing the Project Identifying Potential Sources of
Funding Writing the Proposal Follow-up with Proposal
2
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
1999 Contributions
5.80%8.20%
10.40%
75.60%
Corporations $11.02
Bequests $15.61
Foundations $19.81
Individuals $143.71
Total Giving $190.16 Billion
From Giving USA, 2000 3
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
1999 Uses of Contributions
From Giving USA, 2000
9.4% 5.8%14.4%
7.9%9.1%
43.0%
3.1%1.4%
5.8%
I nt ' l Af f . $2.65
Envir/ Wildlif e $5.83
Public Benef it $10.94
Other $15.11
Human Services $17.36
Arts/ Culture $11.07
Health $17.95
Education $27.46
Religion $81.78 4
(In Billions)
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Types of Foundations and Why They Give
Independent Foundation Company-sponsored Foundation Operating Foundation Community Foundation
5
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
990-PF’s (Form 990-PF)
Required by the Tax Reform Act of 1969 to report net worth and to list board of directors
Filed in the state of incorporation Available through the Central
Development Research Office or on-line At least 2 years old
6
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Why do Foundations Give
Wish to accomplish some good for society Some very limited in their giving May have adopted a particular purpose or
goal Careful research and cultivation can
determine whether a foundation’s mission will fit with the goals and objectives of your organization
7
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas SystemFoundations
Large National Vs Small Regional
More money to give away
Generally larger grants
Publish annual reports
Specific program interests with specific guidelines
Less Money Smaller Grants More likely to support general operating and organizational support More likely to continue support over a longer period of time
8
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
From Corporate Contributions in 1999, by The Conference Board
Distribution of Corporate Contribution
Dollars 1999
Health/
Human
Services
30%Education
35%
Civic/
Community
14%Culture/ Arts
9%
9
Other
13%
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Corporate Outlook for 2000-2001
Predict little growth as uncertainty over economy continues
Corporate executives are looking to maximize opportunities by focusing on priorities
More giving is occurring in marketing and public relations departments - cause related marketing overseen by corporate financial officers
Smaller corporate giving staff and smaller philanthropic budget
Corporations want to be able to demonstrate results - benchmarking important
Of the $190.16 billion in total gifts given in 1999, corporate giving accounted for 5.8%
10
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Strategies for Corporate Support
Gifts-in-kind Develop linkages with a variety of
corporate offices within an organization Involve corporate executives in your
advisory councils Underwriting for special events Involve corporate leaders in the
assessment phase of a grant Look for quid pro quo arrangements
11
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Foundation Trends 2000-2001
Combined assets of $385 Billion in 1999 Combined giving of $22.8 Billion in 1999 Represent 10.4% of all charitable giving Assets increased by 17% Foundation giving increased by 19.2% for 1999
reflecting the fourth largest gain ever reported- Growth in new foundations remains strong with over 50% of all larger active foundations created since 1980- Those foundations with assets of $50 million or more represent less than 2% of all foundations, but award nearly 50% of the country’s foundation grants 12
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Doing The Research
Where The Fun Begins!!!
13
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Preparing The Proposal
Know what the project is all about Use the proposal format Be as specific about the project as you
can Describe the specific outcomes you
hope to accomplish Describe how you will evaluate
results/outcomes14
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Identify PotentialFunding Sources
Project Decision Tree
Federal Register Commerce Business Daily
Local SourcesCity Manager or Mayor's Office
State SourcesTexas: Comptrollers Office
Federal Sources CFDA & FAPRS
Government Sources
Donors
Corporations
Foundations
Private Sources
Project Defined
15
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
All Possible Funding Sources
Funding Sources
Government Sources
National Foundations
Regional Foundations
CorporationsDonors
16
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Grant Research Process
Cast a wide net and identify all the possible funding sources for your project. Then narrow down to the ones that are your best prospects.
Utilize the Development Office and Office of Special Projects to assist you
Review professional publications and Chronicle for notice of similar grants
Utilize internet resources (See Appendix)
17
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Cultivation Relational Enterprise Call them and request any updated
information Let them know you are interested in
submitting a proposal Try to schedule a visit Regularly visit the prospects Utilize the Development office to identify
board contacts19
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Lines of Communication Put the organizations on your mailing list
for further cultivation Send copies of annual reports, newsletters,
or articles that reflect positively on your organization
Talk to other institutions/colleagues that have been successful
Show you are an active involved organization interested in the well-being of the whole community
20
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Writing the Proposal Just Do It !
Do all your homework Outline your solution Discuss with colleagues Do the budget first Be positive
21
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Proposal Outline Cover letter or Executive Summary (1 page) Statement of Need (2 pages) Project Description (4 pages)
(Objectives, methods, evaluation, future funding)
Budget (1 page) Appendices:
Organizational information (history; list of Board of Regents; campaign information; Development Boards/Advisory Councils; accreditation or feasibility studies)
22
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
The Inverted Start with the ASK Build the case for
why your organization is uniquely qualified to provide the service and how it will benefit the community
The Big Start with our
organization Describe the project Conclude with the
ASK which is the specific request for funding for a specific project
Ready to WriteDifferent projects lend themselves to different
approaches
23
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Cover Letter or
Letter of Inquiry No more than 2 pages Serves as the executive summary Makes a compelling case for the merit of
the project based on need and opportunities Provides a brief statement of the institution
and how this project relates to strategic plans
Explains why the funding is required at this time 24
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Statement of Need Provide accurate relevant data that
supports why this project is important. (Ex: 20% of the incoming freshmen lack the necessary computer skills to perform analytical tasks in Chemistry.)
Provide positive reasons why support would make a difference.
If appropriate, describe how project would benefit other departments, universities, special populations or society in general.
25
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Project Description Identify specific objectives to be accomplished
within a specified time frame. Describe the implementation process or the
methodology for the project. Identify the key personnel for the project and
their relative expertise in the discipline (Put C. V. in appendix.) Outline how the project will be evaluated at
various points in the implementation schedule. Describe how the project will be continued
once the grant funds are expended. 26
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Budget Outline all of the cost categories
associated with the project Define the exact cost as available at the
time Detail how costs are calculated Don’t overestimate or inflate budget Do not include an administrative
overhead unless guidelines specify
27
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
In-kind Costs Represent the organizational
contribution to the project Facility usage calculate by square foot Personnel costs by hourly or annual
salary prorated Utilities, telephone, maintenance, at an
administrative overhead Communications costs prorated
(copying, fax machines, computers) 28
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Making it Zing!
Personalize the project to the organization
Reflect the results in people terms Use actual results where possible Believe in your project
29
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
Follow-up to Proposal Call after a week or so to make sure the proposal
arrived If you have not heard anything in 30 days, it is
acceptable to call as to the status of the proposal Ask if they need any additional information for their
review Update them on any changes in the project or on
funds committed to the project If no response after 2 months, send a follow-up
letter, keep this follow-up going every 30 days until you hear from them or for 6 months
30
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
If You Are Funded Wait for official notification in writing from the
president or chief executive of the board Review letter carefully-- it represents a contract
between your organization and the granting foundation/ corporation
If there is a major problem with the project or program that is going to cause a significant delay, you must notify the granting agency
You want to have a long term relationship with them Periodically call them and let them know the
progress
31
The University of Texas SystemThe University of Texas System
If You Are Not Funded Write a polite letter that says you regret that
they could not support your project and hope to be able to submit another project at a future time
Call them and ask them to give you feedback Express appreciation for their hard work and
interest Encourage them to visit your organization
when they are in town Tell them you will stay in touch -- and do stay
in touch32