Grants 101 Before and After the Grant

Learning Objectives:

Key basics of writing a simple grant, including what helps a grant stand out.

How the grant process works at RCC, the key players and their roles.

Information about funding opportunities at the RCC Foundation, and local foundations.

What’s a Grant, Anyway? Written request for funds to support a project you care about to a funder who might care, too. Grants can pay for:

EquipmentNew CurriculumNew or Renovated BuildingConferenceNew ProgramWhat Does Your Department Need?

Writing Tips: What Makes a Grant Stand Out:

PREPARATION– Do your homework. Follow the guidelines, priorities, geographical limitations, funding range, and deadlines.

TARGET YOUR APPLICATION. No such thing as a generic proposal. Adapt to each funder.

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Follow the guidelines, restrictions and requirements, or risk automatic elimination.

Have a Plan: 5 W’s + How + Evaluate + Sustain.

CONVEY PROJECT’S IMPORTANCE. Importance and purpose are not synonymous. Why is your project compelling? What needs does it meet? How are students &/or the community benefited?

GET A SECOND OR THIRD OPINION. An outside reader can tell you if your proposal is clear and convincing.

SELL YOUR PROJECT. Do not exaggerate, but do highlight the benefits of your project. Support letters can help, if allowed.

Tip: Provide supporters a draft letter.

BE CONCISE. Be thorough but succinct. Answer ALL questions. For online applications prepare your application off-line. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT.

ONE VOICE. With multiple contributors, have one person (Mary) do the final edit.

WHAT IS SUCCESS? Evaluate using qualitative and quantitative measures. Granting organizations require accountability.

MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES. Show various sources of support.

PROJECT BUDGET. Provide projected income and expenses. Don’t pad expenses—ask for what you need and show how it will be used.

Pre-Award Services – Grants Office Stipend

Research for Funders

Help Develop & Edit Proposals

Package & Submit Grants

Coordinate Site Visits

Post-Award Services – Grants Office Funder Negotiations & Troubleshooting

Submit Signed Contracts

Assist With Reporting

Pre- & Post-Award Services – Grants Accounting, Procurement & Contracting Pre- & Post-Award Services – Grants

Accounting, Procurement & Contracting Budget planning Contracting & procurement implications

Post-Award – Helps you navigate RCC processes Set up budgets in RAPS RCC & funder compliance Reporting

RCC Foundation Project Grant Program – Jodi Simon, Assistant Director

Highlights of the Project Grant Program.

Key Things to Remember.

TIPS FROM RCC GRANT CHAMPIONS

Colletta Young, Federal TRIO SSS grant

Genna Southworth, State CCWD grant

Jodie Fulton, Foundation grant

LOCAL & REGIONAL FOUNDATIONSWest Family Foundation * Carpenter Foundation * Robt & Frances Chaney Family Foundation * Anna

May Family Foundation * Four Way Community Foundation * Gordon Elwood Foundation * Ford

Family Foundation * Cow Creek Foundation * Leightman Maxey Foundation * RCC Foundation

CONTACT PERSON: Mary O’Kief, RCC Grants Coord.