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Want free money? Learn to write a grant proposal

PLYMOUTH, Ind. — For producers looking for a little extra cash to push a business idea or innovation along, Maria Marshall, professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University, recommends applying for a grant. “We all have ideas and could use a little cash. But you need to go through certain steps no matter where you’re getting money from,” she said, referring to the grant writing process.”

She explained that for a grant proposal to be successful it must refer to an important venture, it must match the call for the proposal and it must be well written.

“At times only two to 30 percent of all submitted grants are accepted,” Marshall added. “So if it’s your first time, don’t be discouraged, try again.”

While most already believe their business ventures are important and essential to the marketplace, Marshall explained “your goals must match the goals of the granting agency. A lot of times it’s about trying to fit a circle into a square hole. If you’re unsure about whether or not your goals match, don’t hesitate to call the program manager.”

She said one of the most important aspects of preparing a grant proposal is to carefully read the grant notice: “Read and re-read the notice, it’s a complicated and long document, but it’s critical, in order to prepare the best proposal. Confirm that your project fits the category of the grant, confirm your eligibility and know and meet all deadlines.”

Marshall said the next point to cover is to request a support letter from a potential partner. “The support letter is one of the first things you want to get together because it always takes the longest,” she said, adding the three main parts of any proposal are the project proposal, budget and reference or support letter.

Next in an applicant’s plan of attack is to make sure the project is important, that it shows previous work with a strong probability of success, develops linkage with appropriate partners and establishes a team with necessary expertise, and to prepare matching funds – as this is generally something every grant proposal requires. According to Marshall, by showing that “you’re willing to put up matching funds for the project, it will ensure that you and your group are really committed to this.

“It is essential to demonstrate in your proposal that you have an important project and that it is action-oriented,” she said.
Additionally, she encouraged applicants to “highlight any previous work to help demonstrate that your group is action-oriented and that you will make things happen.

“They want to know they’re going to get their money’s worth out of you,” she said.

Another important aspect of a grant proposal is to make connections with appropriate partners who will increase the likelihood the venture will be successful. “Simply, you must demonstrate that you have the appropriate links with key partners,” Marshall said – “partners that will enhance the venture and hopefully make it more successful in the long run.”

When it comes time to put the proposal together, she recommends going back and reading the notice one last time, to make sure everything the agency asks for is covered in the proposal.

“Now it’s time for the guts of the proposal – the writing and rewriting and rewriting – then, you should get comments from people outside of your group to make sure it makes sense and meets the objectives. Make it look wonderful,” Marshall said.

As for the budget requirements, “State the amount you are requesting, remember that for some grants you will receive extra points for smaller grants, while others you won’t. You want to note some specific items, and that the money associated with those are particularly important for this project.

“The budget has to make sense; you can’t show all the money provided through the grant is for your salary – what about equipment, travel, promotion, et cetera?” she added.

An additional key to a successful grant proposal is that all of the details and deadlines are met, including the page limit, font size and spacing on each page. “Also, I don’t recommend using ground postal service when you deliver the proposal,” she said. “Use FedEx or a courier service, especially for anything going to Washington, D.C.”

Marshall encouraged money-seekers to visit www.agecon.purdue.edu/newventures for more information on putting together a successful grant proposal. For those needing cash for their ideas, check with Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education at www.sare.org

Also, check with the USDA-Small Business Innovation Research at www.sbir.gov or the USDA-Rural Development Agency at www.ruraldev.usda.gov/in

2/23/2009