Study Notes on LOI and Grant Proposal Process

Introduction to Letter of Intent (LOI) and Grant Proposals

  • Purpose of discussion: To address common questions from applicants regarding LOIs and full proposals.

  • Key components: Importance of having a catchy concept and aligning it with funder priorities.

Importance of Concept Development

  • Concept significance: A compelling concept is crucial for catching the attention of reviewers.

  • Alignment with funder priorities: Proposals that do not align with funder priorities may face rejection despite having strong concepts.

Understanding the Request for Proposal (RFP)

  • Definition of RFP: A program announcement that outlines the details of the proposal process.

  • Contents of RFP:

    • Instructions for preparing and submitting preliminary and formal proposals.

    • Details such as:

    • Proposal deadlines.

    • Required personnel qualifications.

    • Types of projects that are eligible for funding.

    • Timelines and budget restrictions.

  • Purpose of RFP: Helps applicants understand funding requirements and necessary information for the LOI, including:

    • Description of the proposed project.

    • Rationale for the project.

    • Expected outcomes.

    • Estimated budget.

Communicating with Funders

  • Contacting funders: Some RFPs provide contact information or refer to FAQs on their website for further questions.

  • Face-to-face meetings: Scheduling a meeting with the program officer can provide insights into funding priorities beyond what is included in the RFP.

    • Federal agencies may have specific times for discussions before application deadlines.

Researching Potential Funders

  • Identify potential funders: Choose funders that align with the project’s goals and criteria.

  • Understanding funders' interests:

    • Research specific priorities for the year to tailor proposals appropriately.

    • Be aware that funding priorities can change over time (e.g., from civic engagement to social justice).

Characteristics of Different Foundations

  • Types of foundations: Different foundations vary by size, structure, and funding scope.

    • Community foundations: Focus on specific geographic areas and may involve donor-advised funds.

    • Family foundations: Often reflect the philanthropic interests of the family members.

    • Corporate foundations: May have giving levels; product donations can be requested from local stores, while funding requests may need to go through their corporate offices.

  • Challenges in identifying corporate interests: Thorough research is needed on company websites to find information about their grant-making processes and specific funding interests.

Searching for Grant Opportunities

  • Methodical search: Take time to search for funding opportunities that align with project objectives to avoid immediate rejection.

  • Role of program officer: Contact them if uncertain about funding priority areas; some may provide guidance and insights.

Platforms for Grant Opportunities

  • Websites to identify funding:

    • grants.gov

    • foundationcenter.org

    • grantwatch.com

    • state departments (e.g., illinois.gov)

    • specific agency sites

    • professional associations.

Foundation vs. Government Grant Making

  • Equal opportunities: Government agencies ensure all applicants have equal chances and adhere to detailed guidelines.

  • Understanding reviewers: Some reviewers may have relevant expertise, while others might not; hence, all applicants must follow stated guidelines and review criteria.

Eligibility and Funding Criteria

  • Common applicant errors: Many projects assume alignment with an agency's interest guarantees funding, ignoring eligibility criteria that include:

    • Experience of personnel.

    • Organizational age.

    • Historical success and sustainability.

    • Project team composition.

    • Types of community partnerships.

    • Additional sources of support.

  • Requirement to meet eligibility: Applicants must fulfill all criteria to be considered for funding.

Planning and Proposal Submission

  • Time management: A major mistake is not allocating sufficient time for planning, writing, and submitting proposals.

  • Collaboration with community partners: Essential to identify and work closely with relevant community partners for grant applications, which typically require varying amounts of information.

  • Project capacity: Demonstrating qualifications of team members and organizational capacity is vital especially for:

    • Design and execution of the project.

    • Evaluation plans indicating success criteria.

Grant Management Responsibilities

  • Varies by project: Responsibilities depend on funder requirements, size of the project, and income parameters.

  • Timeframe for grants:

    • Large federal projects may require over a year to secure collaborators and funding.

    • Smaller foundations might offer decisions in one to four weeks, while regional foundations may take one to three months, and national foundations up to one year.

Conclusion

  • Post-funding challenges: Receiving funding marks the start of significant work ahead, emphasizing the need to prepare adequately and remain committed to project success.