More on Federal Grants

I am one of the few people, I believe, that actually enjoy writing Federal grant proposals. Now before you write me off for good, let me explain why. All Federal proposals that I have worked on have clearly defined instructions that explain in detail exactly what is needed for each section. Most Federal proposals are scored on a point system and typically the higher scored proposals are the ones that are funded. Usually the issuing agency is even kind enough to give you a rubric, which explains how each section in the proposal will be scored. For example under the target population section the rubric may show that 10 points are awarded for services provided to multiple ethnic groups, 5 points for services to one or two ethnic groups and 2 points for services serving only one ethnic group.

Perhaps it is because I thrive when I am organized, but I much prefer this knowing exactly what is expected of you method than to writing only two pages that describe the organization in detail and explain precisely what the organization will accomplish over the next three years with such limited word space. I guess I am a person of many words, as is the case with most writers!

Back to grants. Each Federal agency has its own criteria and instructions, which can sometimes be larger than the proposal itself, for their grant programs. The step after properly planning the program is to get a hold of the RFP or application and sit down with a nice cup of tea or java or whatever you prefer and comb through every word on every page while taking notes about action steps. After you are done with that, go back through your notes and prioritize each action item and create a timeline which assigns responsibility for completion of each action item for each team member. Remember that most organizations applying for Federal funding are collaborationg with other organizations. Keep in mind that you may need to obtain information from other agencies that have different ways of disseminating information than you are used to. Allow extra time when collaborating with others.

Now to the attachments. The Feds are particular about non profit organizations performing lobbying activites, discriminating against people groups, employing criminals and many other such pesky matters. Forms are provided by the government for the agency that is applying for the grant to sign and include as attachments to the proposal. These are pretty straightforward forms, just don't forget to include them.

The EPA in connection with Purdue Univesity has a nice grant tutorial that offers practical grant proposal writing information and a writing activity.

Yes, the Federal proposals are very time comsuming, can be emotionally draining if the program is not properly planned out, and can be donwright frightening for the first time Federal proposal writer, but the payoff can be huge in terms of dollar amounts awarded and people served through the program.