Step by step guide how win grant funding to build a website.
1) Develop your project idea
Of course, you have an idea in mind for your website, but the question is… Is your idea unique? Only those ideas that stand out in a crowd will get the attention of funding agencies. Some of the points you should address in your proposal include:
- Project goals and objectives
- Necessary personnel & project management
- Project timetable
- Necessary data- including collection and analysis
- Project evaluation
- Detailed project cost
2) Search for funding
Once you have a solid idea and the beginnings of a proposal, you can begin the search for a funding agency. The best choice will be an agency with a purpose similar to your proposed project idea. Some places to start this search are listed below.
- Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (www.cfda.gov)
- Federal Register (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html)
- Grants.gov (www.grants.gov)
- Community of Science (www.cos.com)
3) Consider government solicitations
Some government solicitations may support a project idea or concept. When reviewing solicitations, take note of the eligibility requirements, program purpose, selection criteria, funds available, and deadline. You might be able to tweak your idea into their guidelines- of course, you’ll need to decide if you can craft a proposal within the limited time frame required by the government.
4) Develop the grant application
College English 101- that’s right, grant writing is basically an essay contest. Persuasive writing is at the heart of grant writing’s form. Begin with a hook, or an attention- getter that draws your audience in to your cause. Then, insert a well- researched need statement. Why just tell when you can show? Give your potential funding organization reliable data to support the need for the project.
Proceed with a thorough description of the “why,” “what,” “how,” “who,” “where,” and “when” of your proposed project.
5) Make your budget as detailed as possible
In addition to the obvious cost of a website, you need to provide detailed budget information. Consider both direct and indirect (facilities and administrative) costs, ensuring your expenditures meet project objectives. Cost sharing may also be a grant application requirement; if so, address this in your budget.
Show sustainability. Do you have within your budget a plan for long term upkeep and ongoing expenses? Grant funding sources are more likely to fund grant applicants who demonstrate they can stay in the game. Because most grants will not pay for ongoing costs past the first year of the program, addressing this point will send your application the top of the pile.
6) Submitting the grant application
Once you have crafted your winning grant proposal, check the submission guidelines for proper delivery of your hard work. Some grants get tossed out because they don’t follow the margin guidelines. Also, some agencies require both paper and electronic submissions. Check, and then re-check to ensure you followed all detailed guidelines.
