Learning Objectives

- Identify various steps in grant application process

- Describe research & preparation in grant
application process
- Describe various steps in writing & submitting a grant
application
- Identify & explain the components of proposal design
- Identify various funding sources, types of grants, &
where to look for them
- Recognize the importance of knowing & building
relationships with funders
- Recognize the importance of accountability to funders
- Identify practical tips to write and polish grant
applications
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 Overview

- Grant applications success rate of ~33%

- Incomplete grants applications rate of 95%

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 Challenges Applying for Grants
- Getting clarity from the - Building relationships
Board on projects to - Clarifying eligibility
seek funding for requirements
- Researching & finding - Structuring the grant
grants that fit needs application
- Answering application - Addressing operational
questions sustainability
- Understanding grant - Writing a budget
terminology

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 Proposals vs. Grants
- A request for money - A sum of money given by
- A grant proposal is a an organization for a
tool non-profits use to particular purpose
address important - A grant award is an
issues within their investment in positive
communities change
- A grant proposal is a call - Is not FREE money
to action
- A grant proposal is a
clear, logical persuasive,
well-supported
argument for change

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 Underlying Principles
- Non-profit organizations are not entitled to support –
they must earn it
- Proposals are not only about “raising money” but also
about “creating relationships, partnerships,
friendships”
- Proposal writing involves “selling” your organization
to a potential funder
- Focus on the needs your organization is meeting in
the community rather than the needs of your
organization
- Don’t decide to raise money today and expect to
have it tomorrow
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 Shift your Perspective
From: Organization To: Cause Focused
Focused
Q: What’s the problem? Q: What’s the problem?
A: Our organization doesn’t A: An explicit community
have enough money. need.
Q: What’s the solution? Q: What’s the solution?
A: Give us more money! A: Your evidence-based
program and services.

Q: What’s the result? Q: What’s the result?

A: We remain operational! A: The community need is
impacted.
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 Steps in the Grant Application Process

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 Research & Preparation

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 Research
NEEDS (Issue identification/deficit perspective)
- What is your idea? Is the idea or project based
on an identified need in your community or
communities?

OPPORTUNITIES (asset perspective)

- What is your idea? Is the idea or project based
on an identified opportunity?

What EVIDENCE (qualitative and/or quantitative) do

you have that shows this need/issue/opportunity
exists?
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 Planning Questions for Consideration:
- Why should your community project or program
exist?
- What does your project expect to do? Describe
the future: what outcomes do you expect to
achieve?
- What resources will you use?
- How and when will the project or program
operate?
- What support is needed?
- How will the project or program be financed
beyond grant dollars? Is it sustainable…
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 Example
A local Neighbourhood Association is looking to build a
playground as there are no playgrounds or parks in the
community. On the grant application, the Association
includes statistics from a city assessment that indicates
there are 430 families with children aged 12 or under
living in the neighbourhood.

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 Summary: Grant Writing 101 - Part 1
- Covered underlying principles
- Grants as opportunities for non-profit to partner with a funder
to do work together in the community
- Community needs vs. needs of your organization
- Benefits of cause-focused vs. organization-focused
perspective
- Identified the various steps in grant application
process
- Preparation & research stage
- Developing & writing proposal/plans
- Getting to know your funding source
- Applying for the grant
- Described the research & preparation step
- Needs, opportunities & evidence
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 CDU Consult Line: Dial 310-0000, then 780-963-2281

Email: communitydevelopment@gov.ab.ca

Community Grants Office:

Phone: 780-422-9598 Toll free: 1-800-642-3855
Email: LFP.application@gov.ab.ca
https://www.alberta.ca/grants-for-non-profits.aspx

CDU Website: www.alberta.ca/community-development-unit.aspx

CDU Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd-C0tK5jRCA558tt8UhVIg

Subscription Form: https://bit.ly/3fM04kl

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 Thank you...

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