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GrantProse, Inc., Newsletter
North Carolina's leading newsletter on grants
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Vol. 5, No. 12
| October 9, 2013
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Dear Colleagues,
In this issue's feature article, we discuss how grant writers can prepare for surprise setbacks -- our jobs are always exciting, but life is better when you expect the unexpected.
We also congratulate a client on a win from the National Science Foundation, cover proposed changes for STEM education funding, and post two new Grant Alerts.
Be sure to visit our website for your daily Grant Alert and a list of current funding opportunities. And please join us on Facebook and Twitter. |
Expect the Unexpected
Three Ways for Grant Writers to Prepare
By Rita Lewis
Natural disasters, sequestration, government shutdowns... what's a grant writer to do?
Even if the federal government reopens for business by the time you receive this newsletter, don't get comfortable. Funding streams can dry up, hurricanes can prevent you from finishing your application, your dog can eat your narrative... Factors that affect our work are always changing, and grant writers can't afford to relax.
So how do you cope with circumstances beyond your control? Try these three strategies:
Watch the evening news. Pay attention to weather reports and, yes, the threat of a government shutdown. On the first day of the shutdown, a grant writer completing a proposal for the National Science Foundation needed to refer to its Grant Proposal Guide, the document that governs all NSF submissions. But most of NSF's website went dark, making the Guide inaccessible. She could have downloaded and saved it beforehand, but she assumed standing online information would be immune to a shutdown. (It wasn't.)
Keep working. The government shutdown also caused hair pulling among grant writers submittingRace to the Top District applications last week to the U.S. Department of Education. Although DOE has granted deadline extensions for natural disasters, it did not grant one for the shutdown. Attempted deliveries via FedEx and U.S. mail ran into snags because DOE staff weren't there to receive them, and applicants spent anxious hours trying to confirm delivery. (They succeeded.)
Even if a deadline is postponed, you can't afford to head for the Caribbean for the duration; as soon as the crisis is over, business will resume at breakneck speed. And normal, everyday deadlines? Aim to finish your proposal several days early to accommodate logistical surprises.
Consider other funding. Financial advisers tell you not to put all your investment eggs in one basket. Similarly, you shouldn't rely on just one type of funding. Earlier this year,GrantProse staff noticed that sequestration seemed to result in fewer announcements for new federal grants; the shutdown may have negative effects, too, even after it's resolved.
After a dip during the recession, foundation giving is trending upward in a "modest, but steady" fashion, according to a 2013 Foundation Center report (download the PDF). But foundation assets are tied to the economy and as such are subject to fluctuation -- which means foundation grants are as well. Grant seekers who want to diversify can look beyond foundation and government grants to corporations, associations, and other sources.
The takeaway: Be prepared, stay prepared, and don't let your dog anywhere near your narrative.
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Announcements Awards, events, training opportunities
Congrats to NCSU on $7.3M WinCongratulations to another GrantProse client! North Carolina State University has been awarded a five-year, $7.3M award from the National Science Foundation for a "citizen science" initiative to improve student outcomes and spark teacher enthusiasm around the world. The project, which aims to recruit 10,000 science teachers from North Carolina and beyond, is designed to get middle school students involved in scientific discovery; more details are available at yourwildlife.org. We were pleased to have assisted Dr. Rob Dunn at NCSU's Department of Biology, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and NCSU's Kenan Fellows Program in preparing this proposal; GrantProse will also act as the evaluator for the project. Proposed Changes in STEM Education Funding In its 2014 budget request, released in April, the Obama administration proposed a number of changes in funding for STEM education programs, including consolidating, eliminating, and expanding programs, as well as moving programs from one agency to another. A number would be shifted to the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Smithsonian. Changes would affect 140 programs, including the National Science Foundation's STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) and its Math and Science Partnership program. The government shutdown and critics of the proposed changes have caused additional uncertainty for STEM research and education funding. Free Capacity Building Workshop for NC Nonprofits Registration closes October 15 for BlueCross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation's Healthy Community Institute for Nonprofit Excellence. Scheduled for October 29-30 in Winston-Salem, the institute will focus on strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and more.
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Resources News you can use
Science Equipment Funding, Resources
Science teachers who lack the supplies or equipment to bring their program ideas to life can tap into free grant services from Ward's Science, which provides science supplies and services for K-14 teachers. Ward's grant services include grant writing help, a free grant-seekers' webinar, and in-kind match of science supplies.
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Grant Alerts Now updated on the GrantProse website
The sooner you know about a new grant, the more time you have to write the proposal! Visit our Grant Alerts webpage to view the latest funding opportunities, including the two below. We also post new Alerts several times a week on Twitter.
NEW
Deadline: 10/31/13 Program: Innovations in Rural Health Agency: Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Description: Funding for original, innovative solutions to drive health improvement in rural communities in North Carolina Award Amount: $7,500 - $25,000Website: KBR Charitable TrustEligibility: Nonprofits, for-profits, local and state government, individuals NEW Deadline: 11/22/13
Program: Rural Health Network Development
Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Description: Support for rural integrated health care networks of at least three health care providers.
Award Amount: Up to $300,000 Website: US DHHS (via Grants.gov)
Eligibility: nonprofits in rural areas, tribal governments, others
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GrantProse, Inc., assists institutions, agencies, and organizations in expanding fiscal resources and program operations, helping them locate and secure grant funds matched to their interests and needs. Please forward this email to colleagues using the link at the top right, and join us in social media to help us spread this valuable information.
We welcome feedback from our readers! Email questions and comments to Rita Lewis, newsletter editor.
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