Grant training workshop in Kyrgyzstan by Howard Brown, Director of Grants and Assistant Principal of YLA (Youth Leadership Academy) of the Clemson University. Organized by the Kelechek HP, partners Hand in Hand in Bishkek and Smile.kg in Osh. Funded by ACCELS.

1. Grant Training Workshop
Part I
Welcome
Trainer: Howard Brown, PhD
Youth Learning Institute
Clemson University

2. Training Guidelines
Ask Questions
Respect Differences
Have Fun!

3. Training Objectives
 To acquire a better understanding of
the grant-writing process
 To learn the basic elements of a grant
application
 To be encouraged to begin writing
grants

4. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Grants are something for nothing – free money
Reality: Grants are rational deals between colleagues.

5. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Writing grant proposals is an ordeal
Reality: Proposal writing is predictable and simple

6. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: All you need is one well-written grant proposal
Reality: Winning grants depends on pinpointing
matches and tailoring proposals

7. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Grants are awarded to those applicants with the
greatest needs
Reality: Most grants go to applicants whose proposals
seem most likely to deliver services and meet the
agency’s goals.

8. Popular Grant Myths
Myth: Successful grant writing requires connections,
and I don’t have any
Reality: What’s required is the ability to write a quality
proposal that is convincing

9. If I had a grant…..
 Think about what your organization
would do if it received a grant for
$100,000.

10. Preparation Steps
 Needs Assessment – wish list
 Research sources of funding
 Contact foundations and corporations
 Determine eligibility
 Begin gathering documents
 Look for partners

11. Organizational Documents
 501(c) 3 or legal document
 Written description of the organization,
history, brochures, activities, target
audience
 Budget – financial reports for 2 years
 Audit report
 List of Board Members

12. The Grant Proposal – Key Elements
 Cover Letter
 Executive Summary
 Narrative
 Capacity
 Evaluation
 Budget
 Appendices

13. Cover Letter
 The cover letter may be the most
important document in the grant
application.

14. Executive Summary
 This is the last thing you write
 Take excerpts from your narrative
 Keep it to one page

15. Narrative
 Needs Assessment
a. Specific problem, opportunity, need and the
community involved
b. Define the community – demographic data,
target audience

16. Narrative
 Program Goals and Objectives
a. List overall goals
b. List specific objectives or ways to meet
the goals
c. Target at most three goals
d. List the desired outcomes

17. Narrative
 Methodology – describe the process
a. Briefly restate the goals
b. Clear description and explanation of
program scope and activities
c. Sequence of activities, staffing
d. Timeline of activities

18. Capacity
 Organization identity and purpose,
constituents and service area
 History, mission and goals
 Description of current programs,
statistics, strengths
 Long-range goals
 Evidence of accomplishments
 Evidence of fiscal responsibility

19. Budget
 Prepare a budget that is consistent with
your narrative
 Check the funder’s guidelines on
budget restrictions
 Do not make the budget top-heavy with
personnel
 List all donated services (in-kind)
including volunteers

20. Budget
 Provide a Budget Rationale that links
expenses to proposed activities
 See sample budget in handouts

21. Appendices
 First, check to see what is permitted
 Verification of tax exempt status
 List of officers and board of directors
 Financial statements for last fiscal year
 Current general operating budget
 List of other current funding sources
 Resumes/bios of key personnel
 Support letters from partners

22. Essential Tips
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Take the first step
Start small
Ask for help
Look for needs close to home –start in the
community
Find partners and build relationships
Be careful what you ask for, you may get it

23. Assignment for Part II
 Make a list of funding needs/projects
 Prioritize your list
 Write a brief project description
 Write a letter of inquiry
 Be prepared to share with the group
and receive input

24. Writing a Letter of Inquiry
 Introduce your organization
 Get to the point of the need request
 Give the total cost of the project
 Thank funder for their time
 Attach supporting documents,
brochures