grant writing basics
DESCRIPTION
Grant Writing Basics. Peer-to-Peer Workshop For Friends in Region 2 Bosque del Apache NWR September 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell, Grant Administrator, Friends of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges. Disclaimer. I am a practitioner of grant writing, not an expert. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Grant Writing BasicsPeer-to-Peer Workshop
ForFriends in Region 2
Bosque del Apache NWRSeptember 5-7, 2014
Marty Cornell, Grant Administrator, Friends of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 2
Disclaimer• I am a practitioner of grant writing, not an
expert.
• This is a reflection of our experience over 18 years.
• Content reflects input from lenders and web sources on grant writing.
• Your constructive criticism will be appreciated.
• Apologies for acronyms; please ask.
$0$200,000$400,000$600,000$800,000
$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$2,000,000
Our Learning CurveAccumulative Value of Grants to FOBWR
1296 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11
Completed: $1,309,361
Year of Completion151413
Active: $456,450
Use of FOBWR Funds, 1996 - 2014
Capital Facilities $ 670,000 (Trails, Boardwalks, Pavilions) Pre-Land Acquisition $ 610,000Environmental Education $ 201,901Science & Surveys $ 91,864Land Restoration $ 87,936Total $1,661,701
40.3%
36.7%
12.2%
5.5%5.3%
(In-kind value not included)
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
7Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Sources Abound
Small to Large
NAWCA, CCS Recreational Trail Grants
>$200,000<$1,000Coastal Mgt.
8Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Types of GrantsFunded upfront Sometimes partial upfront
9Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Types of GrantsFunded upfront Sometimes partial upfrontReimbursement
often requires match
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Types of GrantsFunded upfront Sometimes partial upfrontReimbursement
often requires match Challenge Cost Share requires 50% match
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Challenge Cost Share
Recruit partners in the preservation and improvement of natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Requires a minimum of 50% contribution of cash, goods, or services from non-Federal sources.
For USFWS currently on hold pending funding.
12Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
http://www.nfwf.org/whatwedo/grants/Pages/home.aspx#.U_eYmfldU_h
13Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Acres for America $3 million, 3 to 6 grants
Attwatter’s Prairie Chicken
ConocoPhillips Spirit of Conservation Program $1million, size $50K to $500k mottled duck, 1:1 match cash or in-kind; 50% match non-federal
Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists $100K for FWS, $20k per grant, more with match. 50% matchNational wildlife friends conservation program
National Wildlife Refuge Friends; matching not required. $1.5k to $5K
Sea Turtles Typically $50k to $300K, 50% match (?Kemp Ridley in Gulf of Mexico?) For further information on the program or completing the application, please contact Michelle Pico (at 262-567-0601 or [email protected]).
Shell Marine Habitat Program; $50k to $200k; 50% match. Please direct any questions to Suzanne Sessine, Assistant Director, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 or [email protected], or Lindsay Vacek, Program Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 [email protected].
Short Grass Prairie Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell14
Conservation Programs That Are or May Be Applicable to Region 2
”…minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services.”
“…projects that meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio tend to be more competitive.”
15Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Acres for America $3 million, 3 to 6 grants
Attwatter’s Prairie Chicken
ConocoPhillips Spirit of Conservation Program $1million, size $50K to $500k mottled duck, 1:1 match cash or in-kind; 50% match non-federal
Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists $100K for FWS, $20k per grant, more with match. 50% matchNational wildlife friends conservation program
National Wildlife Refuge Friends; matching not required. $1.5k to $5K
Sea Turtles Typically $50k to $300K, 50% match (?Kemp Ridley in Gulf of Mexico?) For further information on the program or completing the application, please contact Michelle Pico (at 262-567-0601 or [email protected]).
Shell Marine Habitat Program; $50k to $200k; 50% match. Please direct any questions to Suzanne Sessine, Assistant Director, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 or [email protected], or Lindsay Vacek, Program Coordinator, Eastern Partnership Office, 202-857-0166 [email protected].
Short Grass Prairie
Conservation Programs That Are or May Be Applicable to Region 2
”…minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services.”
“…projects that meet or exceed a 1:1 match ratio tend to be more competitive.”
16Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
17Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Web Search Funding Environmental Education
$750,000 in 2013
$2 million to $3 million per year
18Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Web Search Funding TrailsAHS National Trails Fund Offers Trail Grants to Hiking OrganizationsAdvocacy Advance Grants for organizations and innovative campaigns to increase biking and walkingGreater Outdoors Project provides grants for environmental projectsAmerican Canoe Association and L.L. Bean offer water trail Stewardship GrantsFunding Trails Training with State Resources25 community projects given grants to promote Active LivingTread Lightly! Stewardship Grant ProgramKodak American Greenways Awards PowerBar's D.I.R.T. grants program funds outdoor recreation projects nationwideConservation Alliance Grants
Recreational Trails Program
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 19
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
The ticket to play!
20Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Proposal must mesh with refuge goals, e.g. their Comprehensive
Conservation Plan
21Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Assign Accountable
Administrator
This is a key to success.Avoids ambiguous responsibility.Usually a Friends board member.Use best Friend for each project.
22Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Refuge ownership and accountability is essential.
23Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
501(c)(3) Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Grant Process
Quantify elements of the project:What? Where? Why? Impact? How? When?
Detail is important.
24Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Define Resources
NeededFunds? Volunteers? Refuge Staff?
Equipment? Permits?
25Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Consider need for competitive bids,
permits, environmental impact statements,
USFWS approvals, etc. Weather
26Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 26
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Grant $, matching $ requirements, in-kind contributions.
2727Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Research Potential Funders
Funder philosophy? Funding level? Past engagement?
28Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Research Potential FundersDo your homework: research the granting organization
on line, understand their philosophy (local is often better), perhaps speak to their grant administrator.
Identify a project officer who will address your questions. Inquire about how proposals are reviewed and how decisions are made.
Confirm your need matches granter’s requirements.
Actual NFWF grant application: “CONSERVE AND RESTORING THE ENDANGERED MUSKDEER IN VIETNAM”
2929Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Research Potential Funders
Target Grant Source & Submit
Application
Suggestion: Don’t go back to the same well every year.
30Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
File Early
Early filing forethought, organized, serious, commitment, disciplined.
Last minute filing superficial, unorganized, etc.
3131Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Research Potential Funders
Target Grant Source & Submit
Application
Celebrate Grant Award!
3232Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Research Potential Funders
Target Grant Source & Submit
Application
Celebrate Grant Award!
Report on Time (Interim
& Final)
Building Reputation
33Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Research Potential Funders
Target Grant Source & Submit
Application
Celebrate Grant Award!
Report on Time (Interim
& Final)
Follow up Report
Results vs. Plan
Cementing Reputation
34Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 34
Grant Process501(c)(3)
Status
Refuge Concept Approval
Objective Clearly Defined
Assign Accountable
Administrator
Refuge Assigns Staff
Partner
Develop Project
Timeline
Define Resources
Needed
Develop Funding Plan
Research Potential Funders
Celebrate Grant Award!
Report on Time (Interim
& Final)
Follow up Report
Results vs. Plan
Target Grant Source & Submit
Application
35Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Recreational Trails Program
$$$ to States in 2013AZ $1.9 million, NM $1.4 million, OK $1.76 Million, TX $3.9 Million
30% motorized 30% non-motorized40% discretionary
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
37Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Portion of the motor fuel excise tax from non-highway recreational fuel use:
State Recreational Trails Programs
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Trail improvements on the Go John Canyon TrailPhoto credit, Kathleen Fitzpatrick, CVL Hike Club Arizona State Parks
Arizona (Managing Agency: Arizona State Parks)ARIZONARobert Baldwin, State Trails CoordinatorArizona State ParksResources Management Section1300 W Washington StPhoenix AZ 85007-2932602-542-7130; Fax [email protected]
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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Arizona (Managing Agency: Arizona State Parks)
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
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New Mexico (Managing Agency: NMDOT-Statewide Planning Bureau
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps working on Salmon Run Trail, Heron Lake State ParkPhoto credit: New Mexico State Parks
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
NEW MEXICOAaron J. Detter, Recreational Trails Program CoordinatorNew Mexico Department of TransportationStatewide Planning [email protected]
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Oklahoma (Managing Agency: )
Bois D’arc Trail in Hugo Lake State ParkPhoto credit: Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
OKLAHOMASusan Henry, Grants CoordinatorConservation and Planning DivisionTourism & Recreation Department120 North Robinson Suite 600Oklahoma City OK 73102405-230-8490; Fax [email protected]
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Texas (Managing Agency: )
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
TEXASTrey Cooksey, State Parks Trails CoordinatorTexas Parks and Wildlife Dept4200 Smith School RoadAustin TX 78744-3291512-389-8743; Fax [email protected]
Dow Woods Unit, San Bernard NWRPhoto credit: Marty Cornell
44Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Recreational Trail Advisory CommitteeVolunteer Advisory Committee awards grants.
State employees insure compliance with Federal Recreational Trail requirements and manage their state program.
45Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Represents both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use.
Shall meet not less often than once per fiscal year.
9 volunteer members (Texas & Oklahoma), serve 4-year terms.
Recreational Trail Advisory Committee
46Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Bicycle Charles DukeDisabled Access VacantEquestrian Keith ColemanEnvironmental/Conservation Marion Hutchinson IIFour-wheel Drive Charles “Chuck” BattlesHiking David FranklinMotorcycles Chuck HowardAt Large Jerel CowenAt Large Scott Jordan
Oklahoma Trails Advisory Board
47Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
48Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Up to $200,000 for non-motorized trails ($250,000 total grant).
Smaller, ~$25,000 grants are often awarded.
49Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTPlease provide a clear and concise description of the proposed project in the space below. Include a description of the trail length, width, surfacing, and configuration (loop, linear, network); trailhead and trailside amenities. Detail all work to be performed; any right-of-way or easements to be acquired; the relationship between project and any other work planned or existing; partnerships and/or community involvement; and educational/interpretive aspects of the project. (Limit to 1 page).
Write this last!
50Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Project Description.This will form the first impression of the relative merits of your application vs. all other submissions.
For the last three years, Texas RTP received 80 to 83 Applications.
~1/3 get funded.
51Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 51
Project Description.Verbosity is not appreciated. Grant panels are people who must wade through piles of applications.
Succinctly answer the questions. Don’t ramble. Avoid jargon.
Write at a 10th-grade level.
52Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Project Description.
The hook tailors the description of the idea to the interest of the funder. It aligns the project with the purpose and goals of the funder. This determines how compelling the reviewers will perceive your proposal.
Use the Hook!
53Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
The budget should be in sufficient detail to reflect a well thought out proposal.
Avoid prohibited items, e.g. salaries.
54Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
“It is surprising how many applications fail to get this math right.” Trey Cooksey, TPWD
55Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Commitment letters from large donors have very positive impact!
56Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
10. MAINTENANCEIn the space below, briefly describe the identified commitment to continued operation and maintenance of the project. Please indicate who will be responsible for which tasks and who will finance them.
Trail maintenance is a refuge responsibility, but volunteers are often recruited.
Commitment letter from the NWR/Complex must be included with your application package. It should confirm consistency with the refuge land management plan.
57Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
11. PROJECT USE AND BENEFITSProvide in the space below a brief description of the benefits of the proposed project in terms of the project's quality, geographic scope, recreational needs that are to be met and expected amount of trail use or population to be served.
This is your impact statement. It must contain measurable items. How will success be quantatively measured?
Use and Benefits should be in sufficient detail to reflect a well thought out proposal.
60Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Applications should include:
Site map locating the trail A U.S.G.S. topographic map (7.5 minute series) with
the trail location drawn on map.Photographs of the site.Legislative district printout
61Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Common Defects in RTP ApplicationsDescription not clear (should pattern like a job
application).Budget doesn’t match Project Description. Often lacking location maps. State biologists,
historical commission, etc. need to know exact location.
62Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell 62
Common Issues with RT Project ExecutionScope changes made without consent of state
administrators. This jeopardizes reimbursement.
Invoiced materials not used for project. This will jeopardize reimbursement.
Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Tips in Executing Grant ProjectsBuild a Cash Flow Reserve to handle period
between invoice payment and reimbursement.Competitive bids for large items make a big
difference. e.g. 0.9-mile concrete trail: $69k to $492kDevelop detailed descriptive specification.Keep funder informed of progress, delays.
64Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
ReferencesGrant Proposal Writing Tips, Corporation for Public Broadcasting. http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/schatz/Articles/CPB__Grant_Proposal_Writing_Tips.pdf
Grant Writing 101, 102 http://www.guidestar.org/rxa/news/articles/2006/grant-writing
How to Write a Grant Proposal;http://nonprofit.about.com/od/foundationfundinggrants/tp/grantproposalhub.htm
Grant Writing Toolkit: The Needs Statement.; http://refugefriendsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Needs_Statement_Toolkit.pdf
65Peer-to-Peer Workshop for Friends in Region 2, USFWS, Bosque del Apache NWR, Sept. 5-7, 2014. Marty Cornell
Here’s to your success
in getting grants!