Grant Writing

[HisDelight2005]

Hi everyone:

I'm interested in seeing what grant writing is all about. Can anyone give me some insight into what it is, how to get started in it, basic components of a grant proposal, etc?

Taking classes in this field is not an option for me, as I cannot afford it. I would have to achieve this on raw talent alone - assuming I have some...hehe :rolleyes:

Thanks for your input in advance!

[edmmom]

His Delight,
I'm the first to admit that I know next to nothing about grant writing. That said, it is possible to do so without courses. When my son was 17, he volunteered at a rescue center. Because he saw a need, he took it upon himself to approach businesses in the area for funding. He successfully raised moneys and equipment through interviewing, writing letters and then overseeing the whole process. Like anything else there is a lot more to it than what we see on the surface. There is a lot of research, interviewing and leg work to be had. I would definitely encourage you to more fully research grant writing out before starting. Hopefully this helps a little, and good luck:)

[wgjones3]

The college program I just finished had an option for grant writing. It wasn't a class, you just had to write a grant yourself and submit it in order to be credited with having completed the graduation thesis. I don't think anybody in my group went that route, though.

To the best of my memory, they told us to look up on the internet how to write the grant. The professors didn't seem to think it was that hard--they said the hard part was coming up with the grant idea that would be approved by the advisory panel and then carrying the grant proposal to fruition if the grant was approved.

Maybe something like this will help you out: http://www.npguides.org/

[David Meigs]

Tammy,

I’ve done some grant writing in the past. It is a meticulous, often disappointing, but occasionally rewarding pursuit. If you thought publishers were hard-sells, try a foundation. But then, there are many different kinds of grant writing. Perhaps you want to write one for personal expenses. I know nothing about doing that.

One of the non profits I worked for supplied my training. There are classes that you can take, but I know little of these. The Library and the net would be a good place to start. If you want to do it as a profession, join your local grant writer’s organization. I’ve found these very helpful. They provide the best quality training and seminars you are likely to find. If you live in a large city, you should find one.

Best of success to you!

[Jess]

I'm interested in seeing what grant writing is all about. Can anyone give me some insight into what it is, how to get started in it, basic components of a grant proposal, etc?

Hi Tammy, here in Lake Charles, our arts center offers a class on grant writing about once a year. You might check with some of the art centers in your area - I understand that grant writing is a very detailed/sometimes difficult task. Every "i" dotted and every "t" crossed. I applied for a grant a few years ago...one that would enable me to complete my book and attend a conference. I worked hard putting everything together but I have a feeling they laughed their heads off when they got to mine. Needless to say, I didn't get a penny. A friend of mine got a small grant for office supplies. Go figure.:confused: I'd like to learn about grant writing too just haven't taken the time to educate myself.
best to you in learning all about it,
~jess

[patches]

Let's see...

I'm not much on grant writing. I'm new at it. However, if you want to get your feet wet and get some free guidelines from the Feds, check out the "Federal Catalog of Domestic Assistance". Do a google on it and you will come up with the Federal as well as state and county sites.

Many of them have writer's guidelines for their particular nitch and the Catalog is free if you download all of the PDFs.

By the time you get through with all of it, it will also help you do research.

Steph

[HisDelight2005]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I won't be able to take any classes or training at this time, so it looks like I'd better start researching the internet. :)