Grant Writing Basics For Library and other Non-Profits

Course Name

Grant Writing Basics For Library and other Non-Profits

Contact Hours: 3 (an estimated time frame devoted to a course of study from start to finish that can vary from student to student)

Course Description

Grants are not just free money, but require an investment in planning, resources, commitment, and sustainability. Applying for a grant can seem like a daunting task. Certainly, there is work involved, but with the help of this tutorial, you will know the steps that are necessary and find that success is not as hard to attain as you might think. Grants also have added benefits for the library in addition to funding, such as valuable partnerships, resolved community needs, and increased community support. This tutorial will cover each phase in the grant writing and submission process:

1. Prepare
2. Focus on Library Priorities
3. Develop the Grant Project
4. Research Funders and Find Appropriate Grants
5. Write the Grant Proposal
6. Implement, Evaluate and Continue the Process

This course addresses these issues and more in a web-based course designed to take about 1.5 hours to complete. This course is for 2 CE credits.

While specifically geared for library education, this course has applicability for anyone writing grants.

Outcome

After this Tutorial, you should:

1. Understand the basic process of grant work
2. Realize the importance of planning for grants
3. Recognize the steps involved in project development
4. Be encouraged and have the confidence to know that YOU can do it

Assessment

This course is self-directed and assessments are graded immediately upon completion.

Outline

Introduction	An introduction to the course objectives and an introduction to grant writing basics.
Preparing	This lesson covers the process of preparing to write the grant. Topics discussed include building a team, finding partners, and designing sustainability. Includes a checklist and the six phases of grant writing.
Focusing on Library Priorities	This lesson discusses how to focus on the priorities of your library, including identifying the needs and determining how your grant will make a difference.
Developing	This section covers the development of your grant. Includes elements of the project plan, evaluating the plan, and tools for evaluating the project.
Funding	This section covers how to find funds. Includes grant resources, tips for finding funds, and how to interview with a funder.
Writing	This section covers the process of actually writing the grant. Includes common components to be included in the grant and how to tell your story in the grant.
Implementing	This section covers the implementation of the funded project. Also included is how to evaluate the process and keeping up to date.