Stephanie Rawlins Gerding and Pamela H. MacKellar
| ISBN: 9781555705350 Published: 2006 8.5 x 11 | 225 pp. | $99.95 |  WorldCat record
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As libraries cope with budget cuts and shortages, many institutions are turning to grants as means for funding new initiatives and sustaining services. This practical how-to---authored by two experts with in-depth knowledge and practical experience--outlines the grant-writing process and provides a proven step-by-step strategy for getting your grant. Chapters cover preliminary planning; defining the project; forming the writing team; choosing the best type of funder (government, foundation, corporate, and local organizations) to approach; and more. Core coverage focuses on writing and submitting the proposal including thorough explanation and examples the title sheet, cover letter, table of contents, overview, description, needs, methodology, timeline, budget, evaluation, and more. Additional sections explain how applicants should follow-up on their submission and what to do when your funding is approved. The CD-ROM includes a sample grant template that you can individualize and reproduce for your own grants, as well as model long range plans that can be modified and included in proposals. More than 15 successful grant stories from a variety of institutions and for various funding purposes are also on this invaluable CD for you to model, adapt, or incorporate into your own winning proposals.
"Librarians will find the worksheets, checklists, and templates excellent tools."
-- Children and Libraries, Spring 2007
"Although having a genie to grant all your funding requests might be handy, a better bet is to follow the advice of Stephanie K. Gerding and Pamela H. MacKellar."
-- American Libraries
"Grants for Libraries is like the Boy Scouts’ field manual when it comes to grant-writing and development: it is an essential, authoritative, step-by-step guidebook to securing the funding your library needs....this essential how-to manual makes a complex topic comprehensible. Grab it and go 'granting!'”
-- Library Journal, Starred Review
"An in-depth walkthrough of the grant process cycle and how to improve the odds of receiving sufficient funding for one’s library and its projects...[a] must-have resource.”
-- Wisconsin Bookwatch
-- Children and Libraries, Spring 2007
"Although having a genie to grant all your funding requests might be handy, a better bet is to follow the advice of Stephanie K. Gerding and Pamela H. MacKellar."
-- American Libraries
"Grants for Libraries is like the Boy Scouts’ field manual when it comes to grant-writing and development: it is an essential, authoritative, step-by-step guidebook to securing the funding your library needs....this essential how-to manual makes a complex topic comprehensible. Grab it and go 'granting!'”
-- Library Journal, Starred Review
"An in-depth walkthrough of the grant process cycle and how to improve the odds of receiving sufficient funding for one’s library and its projects...[a] must-have resource.”
-- Wisconsin Bookwatch
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List of Figures
xii
Foreword
xv
Preface
xvii
Acknowledgments
xxiii
I. The Grant Process Cycle
1
1. Making the Commitment and Understanding the Process
3
Overview of the Grant Process Cycle
4
1. Making the Commitment and Understanding the Process
4
2. Planning for Success
4
3. Discovering and Designing the Grant Project
5
4. Organizing the Grant Team
5
5. Understanding the Sources and Resources
6
6. Researching and Selecting the Right Grant
6
7. Creating and Submitting the Winning Proposal
6
8. Getting Funded and Implementing the Project
7
9. Reviewing and Continuing the Process
7
Implications to Consider
7
The Importance of Partnerships and Collaborations
8
Making the Commitment
8
Specific Commitments
9
Increase Your Odds
12
Additional Benefits
13
2. Planning for Success
15
Overview
16
Strategic Planning
17
Creating a Strategic Plan
18
Common Plan Elements
19
Vision Statement
20
Mission Statement
21
Organizational Values
22
Community and Library Profiles
24
Needs Assessment
25
Library Service Responses
29
Goals
30
Objectives
31
Activities
32
Monitor and Update the Strategic and Project Plans
33
Library Planning Checklist
33
Exemplar Library Strategic Plan
34
Vision
34
Mission
34
Library Service Responses to the Community
35
Goals, Objectives, and Activities
35
3. Discovering and Designing the Grant Project
45
What Does Project Planning Have to Do with Getting Grants?
46
What Is a Grant Project?
47
The Project Planning Process
47
Step 1: Clarify Your Library’s Goals, Objectives, and Activities
47
Step 2: Pull Together a Project Planning Team
55
Step 3: Start the Project Planning Process
56
Step 4: Discover the Project Idea and Goals
56
Step 5: Define Project Outcomes
60
Step 6: Plan Your Project
61
Step 7: Develop Project Objectives
61
Step 8: Define Project Action Steps
64
Step 9: Consult Previous Projects, Best Practices, and Similar Projects
67
Step 10: Make a Project Timeline
67
Step 11: Develop a Project Budget
70
Step 12: Create an Evaluation Plan
72
4. Organizing the Grant Team
79
Overview
80
Selecting the Grant Team Members
80
Possible Team Member Titles
81
Responsibilities of Each Team Member
81
Hiring a Professional Grant Writer or Researcher
83
Using Volunteers
84
Team Members’ Skills
85
Grant Team Meetings
85
Fundamentals of Teamwork
85
Initial Informal Meeting
86
The First Team Meeting
86
Ongoing Grant Coordinator Responsibilities
87
Implementation
88
5. Understanding the Sources and Resources
91
Types of Funding Sources for Grants
92
Government Funding Sources
92
Private Funding Sources
93
Resources for Finding Grant Opportunities
94
Government Funding Resources
94
Private Funding Resources
96
Local Funding Directories
100
Resources for Library Projects
100
6. Researching and Selecting the Right Grant
107
Internet and Library Research
108
Translate Your Project into the Language of the Resources
108
Work from the General to the Specific
109
Keep Your Research Findings Organized
110
Different Kinds of Grants
112
Researching Government Resources
113
Researching Foundation Resources
117
Researching Corporate Resources
118
Read Publications, Join Electronic Discussion
Groups, Blogs, and Use Electronic Alert Services
121
Local Resources
122
Talk with Funders
123
7. Creating and Submitting the Winning Proposal
125
Overview
126
Writing Style
126
Project Partners and Collaborators
127
Applying to Multiple Funders
128
Reviewers
128
Contacting the Funder
129
Questions to Ask Funders Checklist
129
Specifications
130
Types of Proposals
130
The Letter of Intent or Inquiry Letter
130
The RFP or Application
131
Online Proposals
131
Key Proposal Components
131
Title Sheet
132
Cover Letter
132
Table of Contents
133
Proposal Summary
133
Organizational Overview
134
Statement of Needs (Problem Statement)
135
Project Description
136
Approach/Methodology
137
Budget Request
137
Evaluation Process
139
Appendix
139
Authorized Signatures
140
Grant Proposal Checklist
140
Submitting Your Application
141
Grant Submission Checklist
142
Follow-Up
144
8. Getting Funded and Implementing the Project
145
After You Submit Your Application
146
Your Project Gets Funded
146
What to Do When Your Proposal Is Not Funded
147
Taking the Next Steps: Implementing the Project
150
Contacting the Funder and Talking to Your Program Officer
150
Start Your Project Evaluation
150
Understand Your Reporting Requirements
151
Setting Up to Implement Your Project
152
9. Reviewing and Continuing the Process
153
Debrief and Review
154
Participate in Ongoing Professional Development
154
Foster Partnerships
155
Subscribe to Current Awareness Services, Electronic Newsletters, and Online Discussion Groups
156
Search the Web and Visit Blogs
157
Join Groups and Associations
157
Keep Up-to-Date with Your Strategic Plan and Project Plan
157
10. Answering Five Essential Questions
159
Does Your Library Have the Capacity to Implement and Support This Project?
159
How Will This Grant Make an Impact?
160
Is Your Project Sustainable?
160
Do You Have Real Relationships with Funders and Partners?
161
How Will You Know That You’ve Been Successful?
162
II. Library Grant Success Stories
163
Introduction
163
Listening to the Desert: Living in Harmony with Xeriscape Landscaping
164
Glendale Public Library: Glendale, Arizona
Bridging the Gap
166
Athens Regional Library System: Athens, Georgia
Slammin’ Jammin’ Poetry
168
Des Plaines Public Library: Des Plaines, Illinois
Laurelton Library Youth Empowerment Initiative
170
Queens Borough Public Library: Laurelton, New York
Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation
172
Highland Park Public Library: Highland Park, Illinois
A Collage of Cooperation
174
Clermont County Public Library: Batavia, Ohio
Improving Student Success through Strengthening Library Collections, Archives, and Information Competence
176
Oviatt Library—California State University: Northridge, California
Holiday and Themed Books for Daycares
178
Dubuque County Library Media Center: Farley, Iowa
Library Expansion and Renovation
180
Clear Lake Public Library: Clear Lake, Iowa
Perspectives: Inside/Outside
182
Haines Borough Public Library: Haines, Alaska
The Maine Experience
184
Lawrence Junior High Library: Fairfield, Maine
Training and Equipment Enhancement
186
Northeastern University Libraries: Boston, Massachusetts
New Literary Borders & Boundaries: A Semi-Permeable Layer?
188
Harriet Cheney Cowles Memorial Library— Whitworth College: Spokane, Washington
190
Preserving Littleton’s Legacy
190
Reuben Hoar Library: Littleton, Massachusetts
Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library (NOVEL)
192
Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library—University of Utah: Salt Lake City, Utah
194
NO Walls: A Community Technology Center
194
Center for Development and Disability—University of New Mexico: Albuquerque, New Mexico
III. The Grants for Libraries Tool Kit and CD-ROM
197
A. Tools for Chapter 1: Making the Commitment
199
Tool A-1: Worksheet: Grant Partnership Agreement
199
Tool A-2: Checklist: Making the Commitment: A Checklist for Committing to a Grant
200
B. Tools for Chapter 2: Planning for Success
202
Tool B-1: Library Planning Checklist
202
Tool B-2: Links: Library Strategic Plans
203
C. Tools for Chapter 3: Discovering and Defining the Grant Project
203
Tool C-1: Template: Strategic Plan Goals, Objectives, and Activities
203
Tool C-2: Worksheet: Project Planning
207
Tool C-3: Template: Project Action Steps
210
Tool C-4: Template: Project Timeline
211
Tool C-5: Template: Personnel Budget
212
Tool C-6: Template: Nonpersonnel Budget
213
Tool C-7: Template: Evaluation Plan
214
D. Tools for Chapter 6: Researching and Selecting the Right Grant
215
Tool D-1: Worksheet: Keyword Selection
215
Tool D-2: Worksheet: Funder Summary
216
Tool D-3: Links: Funding Resources for Libraries
217
E. Tools for Chapter 7: Creating and Submitting the Winning Proposal
219
Tool E-1: Checklist: Questions for Funders
219
Tool E-2: Template: Grant Proposal
220
Tool E-3: Checklist: Grant Proposal
231
Tool E-4: Checklist: Grant Submission
232
Tool E-5: Example RFPs and Grant Announcements (CD-ROM only)
233
Tool E-6: Example Grant Proposals (CD-ROM only)
233
Bibliography
235
Glossary
239
Index
247
About the Authors
251
xii
Foreword
xv
Preface
xvii
Acknowledgments
xxiii
I. The Grant Process Cycle
1
1. Making the Commitment and Understanding the Process
3
Overview of the Grant Process Cycle
4
1. Making the Commitment and Understanding the Process
4
2. Planning for Success
4
3. Discovering and Designing the Grant Project
5
4. Organizing the Grant Team
5
5. Understanding the Sources and Resources
6
6. Researching and Selecting the Right Grant
6
7. Creating and Submitting the Winning Proposal
6
8. Getting Funded and Implementing the Project
7
9. Reviewing and Continuing the Process
7
Implications to Consider
7
The Importance of Partnerships and Collaborations
8
Making the Commitment
8
Specific Commitments
9
Increase Your Odds
12
Additional Benefits
13
2. Planning for Success
15
Overview
16
Strategic Planning
17
Creating a Strategic Plan
18
Common Plan Elements
19
Vision Statement
20
Mission Statement
21
Organizational Values
22
Community and Library Profiles
24
Needs Assessment
25
Library Service Responses
29
Goals
30
Objectives
31
Activities
32
Monitor and Update the Strategic and Project Plans
33
Library Planning Checklist
33
Exemplar Library Strategic Plan
34
Vision
34
Mission
34
Library Service Responses to the Community
35
Goals, Objectives, and Activities
35
3. Discovering and Designing the Grant Project
45
What Does Project Planning Have to Do with Getting Grants?
46
What Is a Grant Project?
47
The Project Planning Process
47
Step 1: Clarify Your Library’s Goals, Objectives, and Activities
47
Step 2: Pull Together a Project Planning Team
55
Step 3: Start the Project Planning Process
56
Step 4: Discover the Project Idea and Goals
56
Step 5: Define Project Outcomes
60
Step 6: Plan Your Project
61
Step 7: Develop Project Objectives
61
Step 8: Define Project Action Steps
64
Step 9: Consult Previous Projects, Best Practices, and Similar Projects
67
Step 10: Make a Project Timeline
67
Step 11: Develop a Project Budget
70
Step 12: Create an Evaluation Plan
72
4. Organizing the Grant Team
79
Overview
80
Selecting the Grant Team Members
80
Possible Team Member Titles
81
Responsibilities of Each Team Member
81
Hiring a Professional Grant Writer or Researcher
83
Using Volunteers
84
Team Members’ Skills
85
Grant Team Meetings
85
Fundamentals of Teamwork
85
Initial Informal Meeting
86
The First Team Meeting
86
Ongoing Grant Coordinator Responsibilities
87
Implementation
88
5. Understanding the Sources and Resources
91
Types of Funding Sources for Grants
92
Government Funding Sources
92
Private Funding Sources
93
Resources for Finding Grant Opportunities
94
Government Funding Resources
94
Private Funding Resources
96
Local Funding Directories
100
Resources for Library Projects
100
6. Researching and Selecting the Right Grant
107
Internet and Library Research
108
Translate Your Project into the Language of the Resources
108
Work from the General to the Specific
109
Keep Your Research Findings Organized
110
Different Kinds of Grants
112
Researching Government Resources
113
Researching Foundation Resources
117
Researching Corporate Resources
118
Read Publications, Join Electronic Discussion
Groups, Blogs, and Use Electronic Alert Services
121
Local Resources
122
Talk with Funders
123
7. Creating and Submitting the Winning Proposal
125
Overview
126
Writing Style
126
Project Partners and Collaborators
127
Applying to Multiple Funders
128
Reviewers
128
Contacting the Funder
129
Questions to Ask Funders Checklist
129
Specifications
130
Types of Proposals
130
The Letter of Intent or Inquiry Letter
130
The RFP or Application
131
Online Proposals
131
Key Proposal Components
131
Title Sheet
132
Cover Letter
132
Table of Contents
133
Proposal Summary
133
Organizational Overview
134
Statement of Needs (Problem Statement)
135
Project Description
136
Approach/Methodology
137
Budget Request
137
Evaluation Process
139
Appendix
139
Authorized Signatures
140
Grant Proposal Checklist
140
Submitting Your Application
141
Grant Submission Checklist
142
Follow-Up
144
8. Getting Funded and Implementing the Project
145
After You Submit Your Application
146
Your Project Gets Funded
146
What to Do When Your Proposal Is Not Funded
147
Taking the Next Steps: Implementing the Project
150
Contacting the Funder and Talking to Your Program Officer
150
Start Your Project Evaluation
150
Understand Your Reporting Requirements
151
Setting Up to Implement Your Project
152
9. Reviewing and Continuing the Process
153
Debrief and Review
154
Participate in Ongoing Professional Development
154
Foster Partnerships
155
Subscribe to Current Awareness Services, Electronic Newsletters, and Online Discussion Groups
156
Search the Web and Visit Blogs
157
Join Groups and Associations
157
Keep Up-to-Date with Your Strategic Plan and Project Plan
157
10. Answering Five Essential Questions
159
Does Your Library Have the Capacity to Implement and Support This Project?
159
How Will This Grant Make an Impact?
160
Is Your Project Sustainable?
160
Do You Have Real Relationships with Funders and Partners?
161
How Will You Know That You’ve Been Successful?
162
II. Library Grant Success Stories
163
Introduction
163
Listening to the Desert: Living in Harmony with Xeriscape Landscaping
164
Glendale Public Library: Glendale, Arizona
Bridging the Gap
166
Athens Regional Library System: Athens, Georgia
Slammin’ Jammin’ Poetry
168
Des Plaines Public Library: Des Plaines, Illinois
Laurelton Library Youth Empowerment Initiative
170
Queens Borough Public Library: Laurelton, New York
Forever Free: Abraham Lincoln’s Journey to Emancipation
172
Highland Park Public Library: Highland Park, Illinois
A Collage of Cooperation
174
Clermont County Public Library: Batavia, Ohio
Improving Student Success through Strengthening Library Collections, Archives, and Information Competence
176
Oviatt Library—California State University: Northridge, California
Holiday and Themed Books for Daycares
178
Dubuque County Library Media Center: Farley, Iowa
Library Expansion and Renovation
180
Clear Lake Public Library: Clear Lake, Iowa
Perspectives: Inside/Outside
182
Haines Borough Public Library: Haines, Alaska
The Maine Experience
184
Lawrence Junior High Library: Fairfield, Maine
Training and Equipment Enhancement
186
Northeastern University Libraries: Boston, Massachusetts
New Literary Borders & Boundaries: A Semi-Permeable Layer?
188
Harriet Cheney Cowles Memorial Library— Whitworth College: Spokane, Washington
190
Preserving Littleton’s Legacy
190
Reuben Hoar Library: Littleton, Massachusetts
Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library (NOVEL)
192
Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library—University of Utah: Salt Lake City, Utah
194
NO Walls: A Community Technology Center
194
Center for Development and Disability—University of New Mexico: Albuquerque, New Mexico
III. The Grants for Libraries Tool Kit and CD-ROM
197
A. Tools for Chapter 1: Making the Commitment
199
Tool A-1: Worksheet: Grant Partnership Agreement
199
Tool A-2: Checklist: Making the Commitment: A Checklist for Committing to a Grant
200
B. Tools for Chapter 2: Planning for Success
202
Tool B-1: Library Planning Checklist
202
Tool B-2: Links: Library Strategic Plans
203
C. Tools for Chapter 3: Discovering and Defining the Grant Project
203
Tool C-1: Template: Strategic Plan Goals, Objectives, and Activities
203
Tool C-2: Worksheet: Project Planning
207
Tool C-3: Template: Project Action Steps
210
Tool C-4: Template: Project Timeline
211
Tool C-5: Template: Personnel Budget
212
Tool C-6: Template: Nonpersonnel Budget
213
Tool C-7: Template: Evaluation Plan
214
D. Tools for Chapter 6: Researching and Selecting the Right Grant
215
Tool D-1: Worksheet: Keyword Selection
215
Tool D-2: Worksheet: Funder Summary
216
Tool D-3: Links: Funding Resources for Libraries
217
E. Tools for Chapter 7: Creating and Submitting the Winning Proposal
219
Tool E-1: Checklist: Questions for Funders
219
Tool E-2: Template: Grant Proposal
220
Tool E-3: Checklist: Grant Proposal
231
Tool E-4: Checklist: Grant Submission
232
Tool E-5: Example RFPs and Grant Announcements (CD-ROM only)
233
Tool E-6: Example Grant Proposals (CD-ROM only)
233
Bibliography
235
Glossary
239
Index
247
About the Authors
251
Also of Interest
Getting Your Grant
Peggy Barber and Linda Crowe Explore Related Titles On:
Fundraising
Other Books in This Series:
How-To-Do-It Manuals
Getting Your Grant
Peggy Barber and Linda Crowe Explore Related Titles On:
Fundraising
Other Books in This Series:
How-To-Do-It Manuals