Preparing a Recovery Act or Government Grant Proposal

"Thanks so much; so many questions came up today about the stimulus among our deans so I’m glad I had the answers!" Deborah, Albany, NY

< back to VideoSeminars

The Recovery Act/Stimulus Bill has just changed the playing field.

Within the next 18 months hundreds of RFPs will be released to disburse billions of federal dollars to jump start our economy. And, you’re probably wondering how in the heck you can respond effectively.

Information about how to access the funds is coming out on a daily basis from a myriad sources. You know it could provide vitally needed money for your organization but it seems large and unwieldy, and quite frankly, overwhelming to figure it all out without making it a part-time job. And underneath it all is a nagging worry that if you don’t understand it now you’ll miss deadlines and your organization will miss out.

So, just what do you need to be doing to make sure that your organization is well-positioned to win? The economy is in deep recession, your organization is stretched to the limits, and the people you benefit desperately need the help that the federal government is offering. You want to do your best and help people but you need some help understanding how to navigate the Recovery Act.

You may have tried other solutions but they just haven't worked for you:

• blogs and the listservs are just too much to keep up with on a day-to-day basis;
• you’ve seen a couple of summaries of the Act but they only give the broad brushstrokes;
• you’ve been reading the papers but there aren’t a lot of details contained in the articles – and you’re concerned because awards are being made already;
• you clicked on the link for the 400 page act but simply don’t have the time to read it;
• raise money for programs but don't have access to the information that you need.

These things aren’t effective because the truth is that there is a lot happening and it’s changing day by day. But, it can be comprehended and it’s not as complicated as you may think once someone explains the nuts and bolts.

“Jane’s presentation is perfect for the grantwriter who has some experience under his belt and wishes to move to the next level. Jane’s information and discussion is so up to date participants will gain an accurate understanding of the immediate trends and challenges, which is one thing that sets Jane’s presentation apart from the others.

Without over generalizing, Jane delivers information, anecdotes, and tips in an amazingly straightforward, concise and easy to understand manner.

Jane’s years in the trenches show in the broad and deep understanding she displays of grant writing processes, yet Jane imbues her class with a unique enthusiasm for her craft and a positive attitude toward the work of grant seekers and grant makers alike. I’m in an arena glutted with tired, overly simplistic trainings. Jane’s stands out as a gem.”
— Deborah, Ohio

About the Recovery Act Webinar

This webinar is an overview of the Recovery Act and what you need to do to prepare to submit proposals. It is based on accurate, up-to-date information that will help you understand the big picture and position your organization to win.

The content is based on dozens of hours reading the Act, reviewing the OMB guidance, agency websites, state websites, RFPs as they are released, and interviewing sector experts to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Act and its implications and implementation to date. To understand it all, I’ve drawn on my years of experience in the grants field and training and expertise in grants development and grants management. There is a lot of information but I’ve condensed it clearly and concisely so that you learn what you need to know. Your time is valuable and my goal is to make sure that it’s well worth you attending this workshop.

There will be time for questions during the webinar – you can either send them in via the chat feature or I’ll open up the line and as long as you have a microphone on your computer we’ll be able to hear you. When I have given this presentation in person I’ve had some great questions. I’ve spent a lot time preparing for this so feel free to ask whatever is on your mind and I’ll answer to the best of my ability.

This webinar will cover:

• How the money in the Recovery Act is allocated
• The state’s role in disbursing funds
• How to find Recovery Act RFPs
• What to consider before applying for Recovery Act money
• Essential steps your organization should take now to apply for funds

This is a preliminary list and it changes as things develop.

This course is for you if:

• Your board or boss has asked you to apply for Recovery Act funds
• You have some ‘shovel-ready’ projects and wonder if they are eligible
• You think your organization is eligible but are not sure

Potential Attendees:

Staff, board and volunteers of all non-profit, government and public organizations interested in grant seeking and fundraising, especially grant writers, social workers, counselors, nurses, educators and clergy from beginner to expert.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how the Recovery Act is structured
• Ability to find information about Recovery Act grants
• Knowledge of key new initiatives in the Recovery Act
• Obtain the skills to start preparing to submit Recovery Act proposals
• A little peace of mind that you understand the big picture and know where to turn to for more information.

"Helped simplify a huge beast", Addy, Albany, NY

Where: Your desk. It’s a webinar. We’ll send you the login information when you register.

How does the webinar work?

It’s pretty simple. You just login to a website and will be able to hear my voice and see the presentation. If you want to ask question, you’ll need to use a headset or microphone. If you’re travelling or away from a computer, you’ll be able to use a long-distance telephone number to call in (its not toll-free). That’s it. Pretty simple.

“Jane was absolutely the best presenter on federal proposal writing that I have ever heard! I had never had a training on advanced grant writing. All are always for beginners. This was a great use of my day for very nominal fee.”
— Ritika, Ohio

BONUS # 1 IF YOU REGISTER BY JUNE 10TH: RECOVERY ACT GRANTS DATABASE

VALUE: PRICELESS

My team and I have spent hours compiling information and following events. To keep track of it all we’ve developed a database that gives links to RFPs, program websites, Funding Announcements and whether the funds are going through federal or state agencies and whether they’ll be open competitions or select through contracts or existing grantees.

The information is not complete because agencies are making decisions day by day – but it’s a pretty good compilation of information that I find incredibly useful to use. So far, the database includes over 180 government programs. I don’t guarantee in any shape or form that it’s 100% accurate. It’s simply impossible to do that right now given the state of flux. You shouldn’t use it as your sole source of information but it’s a helpful place to start and will give you an idea of which agencies and programs to look at more closely.

PREMIUM BONUS: PREPARING A GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL IN THE ERA OF THE RECOVERY ACT HOME STUDY COURSE

VALUE: $92

The thought of preparing several big proposals simultaneously can be daunting even for people who have lots of experience. Do you feel panicked at the thought of responding to all the Recovery Act RFP’s that are coming out with two to four week deadlines? Do you wonder if there is a more efficient way to prepare proposals? You know how it is, you've been asked to:

• write one or several 30 page proposals in a matter of weeks on top of your other duties;
• apply for a grant that isn't a good fit for your organization;
• raise money for programs but don't have access to the information that you need.

You love your work, and want to do your best to ensure that you help win vitally needed funds for important programs, but you’re just wondering how on earth it’s all going to get done.

Are you faced with writing your first government proposal and are feeling a little daunted? By the paperwork, the size, the scope, and most of all the responsibility that is resting on your shoulders. That’s OK. Even professional grant writers who consistently help organizations to win multi-million dollar grants take a gulp before embarking on each application.

You may have tried other solutions but they just haven't worked for you:

• you looked at grant trainings or national conferences but they were just too expensive or too far away for your travel budget;
• you took a course but it was too rudimentary or the instructor wasn't actively preparing grant proposals and lacked the depth of experience that you expected;
• in the daily whirl you simply don't have time to read all the grant writing books that are out there and still have a life.

"Clarifies a jumble of grant opportunities from the Recovery Act"

"Good tutorial on ARRA"

Workshop Attendee.

About the Home Study Course

This home study course is designed for people who have experience writing foundation proposals and need to tackle a government proposal. The class materials reflect recent trends in grant-making and give you the knowledge that you need to start preparing government proposals.

Competition is fierce right now and only the highest quality proposals will be funded in 2009. Taught by a seasoned expert, this home study course will show you some tips to craft an award-winning proposal and stay sane at the same time.

What you need to win: There are a few things that you need to consistently win federal or state grant funding. First, you probably know a lot more than you realize. Second, you need an understanding of how the funding process works. Third, you need systems to help you plan the proposal development process. Fourth, you need to create alignment between your heart and your work and have fun during the grant writing process so that you don't get burned out. Fifth, you need to be confident that your organization is well-positioned not only to win grant funding, but the implement great programs once the funding materializes. We call this our unique heart-centered grant writing approach.

What is "heart-centered grant writing?" Good question.

Heart-Centered grant writing is developing a strong alignment between your heart, your organization and your community. When that happens synchronicity flows and your community thrives. The core of this approach is helping your heart to feel the safety and love on which you can base your actions.

Without this feeling of home, you can have the best performance in the world, and the most comprehensive knowledge, but you never feel settled and never truly thrive.

I believe that when you write with power from your heart and top it off with a sprinkle of fun you’ve got a recipe for success. The heart-centered approach ensures that when you're slammed up against a deadline (or several) you can feel the depths that support you and help you through those frantic moments.

Bringing healing changes the game entirely. It enables us to create great communities, meet deadlines, remain cheerful, and still live a balanced life.

This course will cover:

• Questions to ask as you read an RFP
• Heart-centered grant writing techniques
• Creating public sector budgets
• Grants.gov submission
• Understanding the review process to maximize your chances of winning
• Qualities of outstanding proposals – the tricks of the trade

“Expertise was clear but Jane also presented information like “one of us” Very personal and reassuring.” — Nicky, Ohio

What the Audio/Video Course includes

• A 4-CD audio collection of the 3.5 hour course – if you’re like me your car is full of interesting CDs.
• A 4 DVD video collection of the 3.5 hour course
• A hard copy of the course handouts with plenty of space for notes

This course is for you if you:

• Your funding is dwindling and you need to diversify your funding base
• Your boss asked you start writing government proposals
• You write foundation and corporate proposals but need to tackle a federal proposal
• You see new opportunities for funding and need the skills to take advantage of them
• You’d like to learn in your own time while driving or doing busy work.

People who will benefit from this home study course:

Staff, board and volunteers of all non-profit, government and public organizations interested in grant seeking and fundraising, especially grant writers, social workers, counselors, nurses, educators and clergy from beginner to expert.

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn tips to craft an award-winning proposal.
• Understand recent trends in grant-making
• Obtain the skills to start preparing state and federal proposals

THE DETAILS

When: Recovery Act Webinar Tuesday June 16, 2009 12:30pm – 2.30pm EST.

It will also be available for download after the live event.

The Home Study Course will be mailed to you once you sign up.

TUITION

Regular Package

• Recovery Act Webinar Value: $175
• Recording of the Recovery Act for downloading
• Handouts for the presentation
  

Premium Package

• Recovery Act Webinar Value: $175
• Recording of the Recovery Act for downloading
  
• Handouts for the presentation

Preparing a Government Proposal in the Era of the Recovery Act Home Study Course Value: $92


• 4 CDs
• 4 DVD’s
• Course notebook including exercises
  

Early Bird Bonus:

Sign up by June 10th and receive the Recovery Act Grants Database as an added bonus.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee – with 2 questions asked.

We are in business to create a better world by providing excellent grant trainings. If you fully participate in the course and feel that it was not a sound investment of your time and money simply call us a call and we will give you a 100% refund. No quibbles. My only questions will be

1) what was your experience and

2) how can we do better. That’s it.