FUNDER SEARCH

You have determined a project idea and are ready to begin the research to find the RFP that is the best match for your project.

There are many viable approaches to searching for and locating project funding, but the most effective are those that utilize appropriate technologies. With the specifics of your project in mind, look for RFPs using the state, federal, and foundation grants databases/search engines listed in this week’s Learning Resources. This is an important step, so take your time in identifying grant providers that issue grant awards that align to your organization’s specific cause or need. Bookmark these websites and keep notes in the Process Development Template. Each website offers a wealth of varied information for grant seekers that can greatly enhance your developing understanding of grantsmanship.

When reviewing RFPs, look specifically for the following information:

· Who is eligible to apply?

· How many awards/grants are being given?

· What is the dollar amount of the grant/award?

· What are the collaboration/partnership requirements?

· What is the length of the grant period?

· For private funders, who is on their board and does the applicant have any existing relationships with anyone?

Keep in mind:

· RFPs that refer to online applications may tend to be less complicated.

· RFPs for multi-year projects will be more complicated than those for a 1-year period.

Note:

 For purposes of this course, please adhere to the following parameters:

• You may use RFPs from federal agencies.

• You may use RFPs for a research project.

• Do not worry about submission dates that appear on the RFP.

As you examine various sites, document where you searched and the keywords you used. Keep in mind that if you do not find an appropriate and applicable RFP (there isn’t always a funder for every project), you may need to adjust your project or your project plan. Assess your project honestly to determine whether you need to explore another course of action.

For this Discussion, analyze your search results for state, federal, and foundation grants, and select the RFPs that best match your project.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 2

Post a link (URL) for each of the three RFPs that best align to your project. Include a summary that provides a rationale for each of your choices. The rationale should address the alignment of the RFP to your project idea as well as alignment of the funder itself. Why is this a good match?

Be sure to support your analysis and conclusions with citations and references in APA format from the Learning Resources and your own research.

RESOURCES

Required Readings

· Gitlin, L.N., Kolanowski, A., & Lyons, K.J. (2021). Successful grant writing: Strategies for health and human service professionals (5th ed). Springer Publishing Company.

· Chapter 1, “Why Write a Grant?” (pp. 4–27)

· Chapter 2, “Becoming Familiar With Funding Sources” (pp. 31–50)

· Chapter 3, “Developing Your Ideas for Funding” (pp. 54–65)

· Chapter 4, “Infrastructure to Support Grantsmanship” (pp. 69–68)

· Community Tool Box. (n.d.). 

Writing a grant application for fundingLinks to an external site.
. Retrieved December 17, 2017, from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/writing-grant-application

· Flavin, R. (2014). 
Tips for writing a winning grant proposal
Links to an external site.
. Tech Directions, 74(1), 18–19.

· Jaykus, L. A. (2017).
 Keys to successful grant writing
 Download Keys to successful grant writing. Journal of Food Science, 82(7), 1511–1512.

Keys to Successful Grant Writing by Jaykus, L., in Journal of Food Science, Vol. 82/Issue 7. Copyright 2017 by John Wiley & Sons – Journals. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons – Journals via the Copyright Clearance Center.

· Monsanto Fund. (n.d.). 

Best practices in grant writing


 Download Best practices in grant writing
. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5717a5b162cd94792b6e1be3/t/57715f49440243cc24451285/1467047753984/Grant-Writing-Tips.pdf

· Violante, S. (2017). 
Exploring the grant writing process
Links to an external site.
. Registered Dental Hygienist, 37(9), 36–38, 88.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

· Visodos, R.J., & Evans, S. (2016). 
Need funding? Get started! Tips for successful grant writing
Links to an external site.
. Techniques, 15-18.

Required Media

· Grant Writing – What Foundations Look For

Time Estimate: 16 minutes

·

Transcript – Grant Writing – What Foundations Look For


 Download Transcript – Grant Writing – What Foundations Look For
[PDF]

· G Vision Consulting. (2014, February 17). 


Day 1: What is a grant?

 Who is eligible to apply?Links to an external site.
 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDs8IEVz9_4

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 8 minutes.

· G Vision Consulting. (2014, February 19). 


Day 3: 4 types of funders

Links to an external site.
 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv7eGfP96bg

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 9 minutes.

· G Vision Consulting. (2014, February 20). 


Day 4: What is an RFP?

Links to an external site.
 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwCsX0tBQVk

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 13 minutes.

Optional Resources

· Foundation Center. (n.d.). 

Knowledge baseLinks to an external site.
. Retrieved December 17, 2017, from http://grantspace.org/tools/knowledge-base/Funding-Research/Definitions-and-Clarification/glossaries

· G Vision Consulting. (2014, February 18). 
Day 2: What is a 501 c3?
Links to an external site.
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCemsQ26a28

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 8 minutes.

· Grants.gov. (n.d.). 
Grant terminology
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved December 17, 2017, from https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grant-terminology.html

· Vandenbroek, A. (2010). Grant writing without blowing a gasket. Library Media Connection, 28(6), 28–30.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.