ncompass live: continuing education/training and library improvement grants information session
DESCRIPTION
Do you have a program or project you would like to see funded? Are you considering applying for an upcoming Nebraska Library Commission grant to support this project? Anyone interested in providing continuing education and training for Nebraska library personnel or improving library and information services to Nebraskans is welcome to participate in this session. Kathryn Brockmeier will provide a grant information session leading up to the December 2009 grant deadlines for two of the Nebraska Library Commission’s grant categories: the Continuing Education/Training Grant and the Library Improvement Grant. Kathryn will be joined by Laura Johnson and Richard Miller, who will answer specific questions about Library Commission grant priorities and review. The session will provide the following: * An overview of two grant categories of the NLC: the Continuing Education/Training Grant and the Library Improvement Grant Eligibility requirements * A detailed study of the application process and grant review, including timelines and deadlines * Grant proposal writing hints NCompass Live - November 12, 2009.TRANSCRIPT
Continuing Education/Training & Library Improvement Grants:
Grants Information Session
NCompass Live – November 12, 2009
About the presenters
Laura JohnsonContinuing Education CoordinatorContinuing Education & Training GrantsLaura.Johnson@ Nebraska.gov402.471.2694
About the presenters
Richard MillerLibrary Development DirectorLibrary Improvement GrantsRichard.Miller@ Nebraska.gov402.471.3175
About you
Your role
Library DirectorTrusteeFriends/Foundation Board
Your credentials
About you, cont’d
Online Information
http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/grant.htmlhttp://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/Conedgrants/ Cegrant2010/index.htmlhttp://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/lsta/lsta.html
Please read very carefully through the information presented on these pages, to be
in compliance
NLC Grant Guidelines
Eligible entitiesPurpose and activities (priorities)Types of supportDeadlines
The Nebraska Unicameral will be meeting in a special session in November and is expected to approve budget cuts to state agencies. The amount of money available for grants is likely to be less. We will inform the library community of any such reductions.
Eligible Entities
CE / Training Grant
Accredited public libraries (may be in conjunction with recognized community organizations or agencies)Groups/consortia of public librariesRegional library systemsState-run institutions
Library Improvement Grant
Accredited Nebraska public librariesIdentified institutional librariesNebraska Regional Library SystemsOther organizations can partner with an eligible entity for purposes of submitting a grant application for a collaborative project.
Purpose and Activities (priorities)
CE / Training GrantAssist Nebraska libraries to provide improved library services to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters.Library board members, volunteers, advocates, and other supporters may be included in the training, as appropriate.
Library Improvement Grant
Facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska public and institutional libraries, by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.
Purpose and Activities (priorities)
CE / Training Grant
Applications from libraries cooperating with other libraries or entities will be given first considerationApplications from libraries which have never received a Continuing Education and Training Grant will also be given preference
Library Improvement Grant
Types of Support
CE / Training GrantProjects which develop the knowledge and skills of Nebraska library personnel in furtherance of the institution's mission.$250 to $5,000 will be awarded cost of academic education for individuals cost of attending statewide professional conferences
Library Improvement Grant
One or more of the six “LSTA purposes”
http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/lsta/lsta.html
Minimum grant award is $500
Deadlines
CE / Training Grant
Available Nov. 3, 2009Due Dec. 17, 2009Recipients announced Jan. 15, 2010
Library Improvement Grant
Available Oct. 20, 2009Due Jan. 6, 2010Recipients announced Feb. 16, 2010
Before the Application
Three organizing principles:ProgramMarketingFinancial
Org. Principle #1: Program
Problem statement / needs statementGoals & objectivesMethodology (Action / tasks / activities plan)Publicity planEvaluation planImpact statement
Problem / Needs Statement
Rationale – substantiateCommunity needs or patrons’ needs or even staff’s needs ( we need $)Describe the target audienceTell your storyStay focused on the need, not the solution
Org. Principle #1: Program
Goals & Objectives
Goals
Based on the vision of where you want the program or target population to be when the grant period is overCan you write it in one sentence?“To…” or “Will…”Include target population
ObjectivesMeasurements or timelines go hereSpecific, measureable outcomes of your programYour promised improvements in the situation you described in the problem statement“Reduce,” “increase,” “provide” Org. Principle #1: Program
Actions / Tasks / Activities
Clearly tell the reader what you will do (this is your solution to the problem)State reasons for selection of activitiesDescribe who will perform the tasks and what they are responsible for
Describe sequence of activitiesInclude a timeline; it demonstrates you have thought your program through; don’t forget to include evaluation/ reportingAgain…What – How – Who – WhenOrg. Principle #1: Program
Publicity Plan
How will you communicate with your target audience?How will you promote your program or service to your target audience (marketing)? How will you let others know about this program or project?
Org. Principle #1: Program
Evaluation
How effective is your program?Covers outputs, outcomes and processDescribes data gathering methods
Testimonials, success stories, observations, pre and post testing, questionnaires, interviews, activity logs, performance reports
Final report form as your guide?Org. Principle #1: Program
Impact Statement
Illustrates the impact your program will have on staff, library patrons, communityHow is the project significant or unique?How is the project addressing issues in the library or community?Can the funder’s money make a difference beyond the library?Can this project help you fulfill your own mission statement?Can others incorporate your program?Org. Principle #1: Program
Org. Principle #2: Marketing
IntroductionFormatting / presentationFunder researchAttachment items
Introduction (cover letter?)
Organizational backgroundMission and vision or purpose and goals of organizationDescribe library programs or previous training
About your patrons or staffCollaboration (incl. volunteers)InterestingFree of jargonBrief
(May add summary here?)
Org. Principle #2: Marketing
Formatting / Presentation
Provide what’s requested and follow directionsBe coherent, logical; have someone else read itPay attention to grammar and spellingUse bullet points or *’s to bring out important pointsSpeak their language: use funder’s vocabulary
Org. Principle #2: Marketing
Funder Research
Seek funding to meet your missionSeek funding to meet your goalsIs your project and the aim of the grant a good match?
Org. Principle #2: Marketing
Attachments
Cover letter – shine through!Letters of support; partnership lettersCertification statement if requiredSignature page if requiredEstimates from suppliersList of materials for purchaseRésumé/background of contracted personnelCourse descriptions Org. Principle #2: Marketing
Org. Principle #3: Financial
Project budgetBudget justification / narrativeSustainability / dissemination
Project Budget
Link dollar amounts to the components (what and who) that show up in actions/tasks/ activitiesSalaries/wages (your staff/personnel, your volunteers, contracted services) & benefits dedicated to this projectTravel and per diem*Training costs/ registration fees
Materials/supplies/ equipmentCommunications (printing, postage, ads)Grant funds – no more than 75% of total budgetLocal funds – at least 25% (in-kind & cash match)Cash match – minimum 10% of total budget
* Per diem = daily allowance (for example, meals, lodging)
Org. Principle #2: Financial
Budget: Job search assistance
Budget Items Explanation Grantor funds Cash match In-kind match
Personnel
Staff I 20 hrs @ $18/hr 300 60
Contractor 40 hrs @ $20/hr 800
Volunteers 10 hrs @ $16/hr 160
Publicity
Printing 25 posters @ $1 ea 25
Supplies
Workbooks 20 @ $7 ea 140
Total budget: $1,485Request from funder = $1,100, or 74% of total budgetTotal match = $385, or 26% of total budgetCash match = $165, or 11% of total budget
Budget: Leadership Institute
Budget Items Explanation Grantor funds Cash match In-kind match
Travel
Mileage 860 mi @ $0.55/mi 268 205
Per diem 2 days @ $30/day 60
Training
Institute Registration 450
Other
Dues 55
Total budget: $1,038Request from funder = $778, or 75% of total budgetTotal match = $260, or 25% of total budgetCash match = $260, or 25% of total budget
Budget Justification/Narrative
Amount you are requestingWhat percentage of the total budget are you requesting?Details behind the budget line itemsNarrate line items in the same order as your budget
Org. Principle #2: Financial
Sustainability
Funding sources want to know how you will continue/maintain/support your program after the funding runs outCan this program be replicated?
Dissemination – how will you share information about the activities and results?
Org. Principle #2: Financial
Writing a Summary
In cover letter?Write it lastBe briefGrab the most significant sentences from each section of the narrativeIf you can write this, you know you’ve made your point
Proposed initiativeProgram design/plan of actionProblem statement/ statement of needGoalsMeasurable objectivesImpact on problem
Cover letter?
Questions?
CE credits