Grant Writing Overview

center for social creativity

Grant Writing Overview

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Introduction

Click on the buttons below to understand the layout of this training, what will be covered, and a view of all trainings available.

Layout

Content

Trainings

Grant Writing Overview

Process of writing

Types of grants

Categories of funders

Grant Writing Process

from ideation to implementation

Roadmap

Gaining funding for your important work is not just a possibility; it's an achievable goal! However, to turn this goal into reality, you need to take several crucial steps beyond just the writing itself.

From need to solution

Step 4

Step 5

Step 3

Step 2

Step 1

Need Identification

Proposal Writing

Submission

Relationship Building

Prospecting

Grant Writing

the steps

Executive Summary

Statement of Need

Goals & Objectives

Methods & Activities

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Grant Writing

the steps

Budget & Narrative

Evaluation Plan

Organization Background

Supporting Documents

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Additional Resources

Academic writing

More detail about grant writing.

Grants 101

How to get started

technical writing

In eight clear steps

For the feds

Tips for federal grant writing

Types of Grants

Defining the type of funding your goals need

Categories of Grants

This chart shows the percentage of grants given to each category annually in the United States. Click on the buttons to learn more.

Endowment

Program

Challenge

Operating

Seed

In Kind

Emergency

Research

Capital

Capacity

Scholarships

Matching

Additional Resources

Types & Tips

7 types of grants and tips for success

qualifications

How to qualify for the grant you need

Eligibility

Eligibility guidelines for types of grants

For the feds

All about federal grantors

Funder Categories

identifying your best funder

Funder Categories

Philanthropic funders come from a variety of sources. Click on the buttons to learn more.

Donor

Individuals

Religious

Private

Corporate

Operating

Family

Community

Government

International

Additional Resources

philanthropy 101

Examples & types of funders

New trends

Emerging forms of philanthropy

History

History and benefits of philanthropy

Corporate

Types and leverage of corporate philanthropy

Thank you for learning with us!

"One learns from books and example only that certain things can be done. actual learning requires that you do those things." - Frank herbert

Overview

Content to be covered

This training will provide you with an understanding of how to move through the grant writing process. This module covers:

• The sequential process of grant writing

• Types of grants available
• Funders and their differences

We have modules that go deeper into each piece of grant writing. Your CRES can help you access, if needed.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Purpose: Provide financial support to individuals (students, researchers, professionals) to pursue educational or professional development opportunities.Characteristics:

• Typically awarded to individuals rather than organizations.
• Often used to fund higher education, training, or research opportunities.
• Fellowships and scholarships may include stipends, tuition support, or research funding.

Examples:

• A fellowship for a graduate student to conduct research abroad.
• A scholarship for a student pursuing a degree in environmental science.

How to use this training

Method of learning. The training may be facilitated by your CRES and/or as a self-study tool. Navigation. Click on the links in the beginning of each section if you'd like a targeted understanding of a certain subject. Additional resources. At the end of each section, you'll find links to further learnings, if you want to go deeper. For each topic. Each topic contains definitions, practical applications, the pros and cons, and additional resources.

Budget & Budget Narrative

If you are most nervous about the budget, you are not alone! Forty to fifty percent of grant writers fear writing the budget. The main sections of a typical budget are listed below, and we have other supports to help you get through this process. Ask your CRES! For each bullet, you will write out a brief explanation legitimizing its purpose and use.

• Personnel: Your employed staff
• Consultants and contractors
• Travel costs
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Administrative costs: Often called indirect costs or overhead
• Miscellaneous

Endowment Grants

Purpose: Provide funding to establish or add to an organization’s endowment fund, ensuring long-term financial stability.Characteristics:

• Funds are invested, and only the interest or returns from the investment are used for ongoing activities or programs.
• Intended to generate sustainable income over time.

Examples:

• A grant to create a university scholarship endowment.
• A grant for a museum’s permanent collection fund.

Methods & Activities

This section covers how you will accomplish your SMARTIE goals. The funder will have specific instructions on what should be included. Whether or not explicitly stated, you will want to ensure that you have activities named to cover each of your SMARTIE goals and objectives.

Evaluation Plan

Your evaluation plan describes how you will measure success. The funder will dictate the specifics. General components of an evaluation plan include:

• Tools or platforms you will use to collect data
• What data points will be collected
• Frequency of data analysis, and how it will be used to pivot strategy, if needed

Prospecting

Prospecting is the activity of finding funders that are relevant to your need and solution. Use these tips for a successful search.

Stand out in award submissions! Schedule a meeting with the grant program officer to share your goals and get honest feedback on your proposal's chances. This saves time and may boost the likelihood of their support. Note that not all funders permit pre-proposal meetings, but many private foundations encourage them.

Emergency & Disaster Relief Grants

Purpose: Provide immediate funding in response to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or urgent needs.Characteristics:

• Fund organizations that provide immediate assistance such as food, shelter, medical care, or infrastructure rebuilding.
• Often short-term, responding to urgent and critical situations.

Examples:

• A grant to provide disaster relief for communities affected by hurricanes.
• Emergency funding to address a health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Capacity Grants

Purpose: Help organizations build their internal capacity to improve operations and effectiveness.Characteristics:

• Support organizations in areas like strategic planning, staff training, infrastructure improvements, or technology upgrades.
• Aim to strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver programs and meet goals.

Examples:

• A grant to help a non-profit implement a new donor management system.
• A grant for a community organization to conduct leadership development training.

Need Identification

You are undoubtedly the person who knows your community, and you understand their most pressing needs intimately. However, the process of identifying those needs is not just about recognizing your community's goals and unmet necessities; it's about taking action to address them effectively. Your insights can truly make a difference, and by engaging in this process, you can lead the way to a brighter future for everyone.

Challenge Grants

Purpose: Fund initiatives that respond to a specific challenge or opportunity in a community or sector.Characteristics:

• Often issued with a focus on solving a particular problem or addressing a gap.
• May require the recipient to meet certain conditions, such as achieving specific outcomes or milestones.

Examples:

• A challenge grant to improve urban green spaces in underserved areas.
• A grant for building affordable housing in a city facing a housing crisis.

Seed Grants

Purpose: Provide initial funding to launch a new project, business, or initiative.Characteristics:

• Often used for startups, new non-profits, or pilot programs.
• Intended to get a project off the ground, with the expectation that additional funding will be secured later.
• The amount may be small but crucial for testing feasibility and proving the concept.

Examples:

• A seed grant to a new social enterprise working on sustainability projects.
• A grant to test a new educational curriculum in a single school.

Statement of Need

Your need statement should not only highlight the gaps in your goals, but also showcase your valuable assets. This is your opportunity to weave a compelling narrative using data that resonates with the needs, alongside the inspiring stories of your community. Seize this moment to captivate the funder and grab their attention right from the start.

Proposal Writing

• Executive summary: 1 page description of all the grant elements
• Statement of need: Inspiring story of your community using quantitative & qualitative data
• Goals & objectives: What you will do using time-orientation and specificity
• Methods & activities: How you will achieve your goals
• Budget: The numbers and a narrative
• Evaluation plan: How you will measure success
• Organization background: Your organization's story, capacity & team
• Supporting documents: Determined by the funder

This is undoubtedly the most crucial part of the grant writing process. Dive deeper into the various components of this module, and don't hesitate to reach out to your CRES for more in-depth insights!

General Operating Grants

Purpose: Provide unrestricted funding for the general operating expenses of an organization.Characteristics:

• Can be used for a variety of expenses like salaries, rent, utilities, or general overhead costs.
• Often awarded to non-profit organizations that are well-established and have a proven track record.
• Typically awarded to organizations with a strong, ongoing impact in their field.

Examples:

• A grant to a non-profit to cover administrative costs.
• An unrestricted grant to a community organization working on social justice issues.

Organization Background

The funder will let you know what specifically should go into this section. A writing strategy is to use this section to brag about why you are the most qualified organization to solve your identified need. A funder is likely to ask about:

• The history of your organization
• The composition of your Board of Directors and how they contribute
• The staff working on your goals and their qualifications
• Your anti-discrimination policy
• Your operating budget

Program/Project Grants

Purpose: Provide funding for specific projects, programs, or initiatives.Characteristics:

• Designed for well-defined activities or goals (e.g., community development, education programs, health initiatives).

• Funding is typically given for a set period, often one year or more.
• Usually require a detailed project proposal that includes objectives, methods, and evaluation plans.

Examples:

• A grant to fund a public health campaign.
• A grant for a school to implement a new STEM education program.

Executive Summary

An executive summary is not just a one-page description; it’s your chance to captivate the funder and clearly convey the essence of your application. This summary should express sincere gratitude to the funder for the invaluable opportunity to apply. Make sure your executive summary includes:

• Your contact information to facilitate easy communication
• A compelling statement of need and your innovative solution
• How your goals align with their priorities
• Clear and ambitious goals and objectives that demonstrate your vision
• The specific amount requested, showcasing the importance of your project
• A heartfelt expression of gratitude that resonates with the funder

Supporting Documents

Federal funders will likely require the most additional documents. However, most funders will require some, including:

• Your tax exemption letter
• Audited financials (required if operating budget is over $750k)
• Staff bios
• Annual budget or budget vs. actual statements

Capital Grants

Purpose: Fund the acquisition, construction, or improvement of physical assets like buildings, land, or equipment.Characteristics:

• Typically awarded to support long-term investments in infrastructure or facilities.
• Funds are used for tangible assets rather than programmatic expenses.
• May involve large amounts of funding for specific capital needs.

Examples:

• A grant for building a new community center.
• A capital grant for purchasing medical equipment for a hospital.

Research Grants

Purpose: Fund research and studies in specific fields like science, technology, health, education, and social sciences.Characteristics:

• Awarded to individuals or organizations conducting research or experimentation.
• Focused on advancing knowledge or understanding in a particular area.
• Often come with specific guidelines for methodology and reporting.

Examples:

• A grant for scientific research into renewable energy.
• A research grant for a university study on mental health.

Matching Grants

Purpose: Provide funds on the condition that the recipient matches the grant amount with their own resources or additional donations.Characteristics:

• Often used for fundraising campaigns, capital campaigns, or special projects.
• Encourages community or organizational investment by requiring matching funds.
• The match may be in cash, in-kind contributions, or volunteer labor.

Examples:

• A grant that matches every dollar raised by a non-profit for a capital campaign.
• A matching grant for a school’s scholarship fund.

In Kind Grants

Purpose: Provide non-monetary resources or services rather than direct funding.Characteristics:

• Includes donations of goods or services such as office supplies, professional services, or use of facilities.
• Commonly used by foundations or corporations to support causes without giving cash.

Examples:

• A grant of office space for a non-profit organization.
• In-kind donations of legal services for a social justice project.

Trainings Available

We are regularly adding to our curriculum. So, if you don't see one that you need, let your CRES know!

Organizational Development

• Strategic planning & project planning
• Organizational lifecycles
• Organizational structure
• Leadership development

Grants

• Prospecting
• Relationship building
• Grant writing
• Grant submission
• Grants management
• Funding strategies

Policy Influence

• The role of associations
• How to impact policy & building social capital
• Nonprofit policy rules and latitudes
• The social network analysis
• Statute versus legislation

Goals & Objectives

Describe what you will do to address your identified needs. It is recommended that you write with SMARTIE goals. The acronym stands for:

• S: Specific
• M: Measurable (to know how you will measure success)
• A: Actionable (use verbs to describe your plans)
• R: Realistic (should be incremental and within your resources)
• T: Time-oriented (provide a start and stop time)
• I: Inclusive (descriptors that show you are including all voices)
• E: Equitable (ensuring the right actions that meet the need)