Keyword Search
  
  Word relation:
  
  Word case:
  
  


Grant Identification Stage
Identify a grant of interest to the organization

Organization identifies grant

  • Through Grants Alert
  • Through other source
The Grant Center identifies grant through Grants Alert

Initial Preparation Stage
Confirm organization and grant are a good match

Match organization to grant. Criteria:

  • Eligibility
  • Grant range
  • Purpose of grant
  • Compatibility of mission
  • Realistic deadline

If more clarification needed, contact funder:

  • Federal: Washington Rep contacts federal agency
  • Foundation: Grant Center staff contacts foundation

Initial Meeting Stage
Confirm organizational readiness to pursue grant

Confirm organizational readiness for grant:

  1. Go through guidelines section by section, looking at requirements
  2. Evaluate organization’s plan
  3. Identify other organizations in the community who provide this service
  4. Does the organization have the following in place:
    • A base of support (funding from local foundations, corporations, city/county, fee for service programs). If no, to Fund Raising training
    • Successful track record with previous grants
    • Measurable and demonstrable positive outcomes
    • Well-trained professional staff
    • Strong, diverse board
    • Stable accounting process
    • Commitment by organization to make grant process a priority
  5. Identify collaborators/partners/ contractors
  6. Contact past applicants and grantees
  7. Get grant writer, if contracting through Grant Center
Planning Stage

Organization, collaborators, grant writer, and evaluator (if necessary), and Grant Center meet & discuss specifically:

  • Deadlines
  • Assign tasks
  • Research (literature, statistics, other models, best practices, etc.)
  • Guidelines
  • Budget
  • Point values in proposal
  • Evaluation
  • Who will be lead organization
  • Future funding sources

The process can break down for many reasons:

  • Politics
  • Mandated collaborations
  • Lack of time
  • Lack of organization readiness
  • Information not given to grant writer
  • Lack of cooperation in collaboration
Draft Stage

3-5 Drafts created.
All parties meet and brainstorm, review.
Washington Rep. reviews draft (for Federal grants)
Review sample grants
Make sure:

  • Budget and narrative agree
  • Proposal is realistic
  • Cost/service unit is realistic

 

Final Draft Stage

Include:

  • Signed forms
  • Cover letter
  • All questions answered
  • Not over page limit
  • Correct number copies
  • Entire collaborative gets copy
  • Attachments

Lead organization responsible for compiling, copying, and mailing application

 

Funding Decision and Follow-Up

If Funded:

  • Reconvene collaborative to plan
  • Contact evaluator
  • Attend grants management training
  • Get help with grants management from TA program
  • Carry out program

If Not Funded:

  • Get comments
  • Discuss with collaborative next steps
  • Make corrections or start process again

 
 
 


The Grant Center
 606 S. Mendenhall • Suite 108 • Memphis, TN 38117• PH 901-684-6605 • FAX 901-684-6616
EMAIL info@grantcenter.org