Federal Grants Short CourseFederal Grants Short CourseAn IntroductionAn Introduction

By Sally Hintz, By Sally Hintz,

office of Senator Maria Cantwelloffice of Senator Maria Cantwell

Federal Grants Short Course GoalsFederal Grants Short Course Goals • To provide information and advice on

searching and applying for competitive federal grants.

• To educate constituents on the Congressional Delegation’s role in obtaining federal funding.

Grants staff from the offices of Grants staff from the offices of Senators Murray and CantwellSenators Murray and Cantwell

• Sheila Babb, Grants and Appropriations Coordinator

(206) 553-5545

Sheila_Babb@murray.senate.gov

• Melanie Mihara, Grants Coordinator

(206) 220-6400

Melanie_Mihara@cantwell.senate.gov

NW Regional Staff from the offices of NW Regional Staff from the offices of Senators Murray and CantwellSenators Murray and Cantwell

• Rita Beal, NW Washington DirectorOffice of Senator Patty Murray(425) 259-6515Rita_Beal@Murray.Senate.gov

• Sally Hintz, NW Washington Director• Office of Senator Maria Cantwell

(425) 404-0114Sally_Hintz@Cantwell.Senate.gov

Senator Cantwell’s Committee Senator Cantwell’s Committee AssignmentsAssignments

• Commerce, Science and Transportation• Chair, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere,

Fisheries and Coast Guard

• Energy and Natural Resources

• Finance

• Small Business and Entrepreneurship

• Indian Affairs

Researching GrantsResearching Grants• www.grants.gov

• Search for current funding opportunities• Apply for grants online• Receive electronic updates

Catalogue of Federal Domestic AssistanceCatalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance

• www.cfda.gov• Comprehensive list of all federal programs including

technical assistance and equipment.

How to read a CFDA AnnouncementHow to read a CFDA Announcement

• Objectives

• Types of Assistance

• Use and Use Restrictions

• Applicant Eligibility

• Obligations

• Range and Average of Financial Assistance

• Related Programs

Senator Murray’s Grants GatewaySenator Murray’s Grants Gateway

http://murray.senate.gov/grants/

Non-Profit and Philanthropy Non-Profit and Philanthropy Resource CenterResource Center

www.kcls.org/philanthropy/www.kcls.org/philanthropy/

Ways a Congressional Office Can Ways a Congressional Office Can Be of AssistanceBe of Assistance

• Letters of Support• Two weeks notice• Summary or Abstract of proposal• Who we should address letter to at federal agency• How we should get the letter to you (e-mail, hard

copy)Note: Some agencies prefer letters to arrive with the

grant, some prefer letters be sent to the agency’s Congressional Liaison.

Ways a Congressional Office Can Ways a Congressional Office Can Be of Assistance (Cont.)Be of Assistance (Cont.)

• Information Gathering• Identify agency contacts• Reiterate support• Check status of review process• Peer reviewer’s notes• Appeals process• Funding notifications

Three Grant DealbreakersThree Grant Dealbreakers

• The application came in late.• The application was longer than the

agency guidelines.• The dollar amount requested was over the

award ceiling.

Failure to comply with any of these three rules means the proposal will not even be read.

Four Grant MythsFour Grant Myths

• Anyone can get a federal grant

• Members of Congress decide who gets a grant and can review applications.

• If you get a grant, it will take care of everything.

• It’s easy to get grants—it’s free money.

Tips for a Successful Tips for a Successful ApplicationApplication

• Agencies like to fund partnerships• Get partnerships and in-kind donations in

writing • Don’t duplicate services already in a community• Don’t stretch what your organization is actually

capable of• Follow grant instructions precisely• You are responsible for the actions of your

grant writers, consultants and partners– you will be audited.

If your application is not If your application is not successful…successful…

• Learn from your mistakes. Review denied applications with agency staff

• Consider other funding sources available, including loans, equipment and technical assistance

• Consider attending an agency workshop on the program or online course.

ConclusionsConclusions

• Planning and patience are necessary when applying for federal funding.

• Information on federal funding is readily available.

• You must have realistic expectations.