This Resource Library is intended to give an overview of the grant writing process with templates and advice for each major section. While it is not an exhaustive list, it will familiarize you with the ins and outs of grant writing, and hopefully help you feel more secure as you begin your proposals. For those who have moved beyond the beginner world, a few advanced options will allow you to deepen your knowledge and further hone your skills. Con-GRANT-ulations on starting your funding journey!
The curated resources provided on this page are intended for informational purposes only. The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) does not endorse any of the referenced organizations or their viewpoints, nor does it make any guarantees about the quality, accuracy, or currency of the content provided. While we strive to update this page regularly, some content may have changed since it was selected for inclusion.
Please note that the Office of Grants and Funding is unable to offer direct grant writing or application preparation services to individuals or entities outside of OCDE. However, we are available to provide technical assistance to teams within the Orange County Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that we support.
If you have feedback or suggestions for improving this page, please contact the Office of Grants and Funding. We welcome your input!
Writing the Proposal
Reading the RFA
Nothing is more important than reading the Request for Applications (also sometimes a Request for Proposals - RFP - or Notice of Funding Opportunity - NOFO). This document from the Washington State Department of Commerce outlines program requirements, proposal specifications, due dates, and more.
Choosing an Opportunity
Not every grant is a good fit. You can put weeks of time into an application that has no chance of being awarded, because it simply isn’t a good fit. These factors from Grants Plus - and others - should be considered in an alignment check before you begin.
Goals & Action Planning
In writing a grant application, you must emphasize what the goals of your program are, and how each step of the program contributes to a specific outcome. This matrix from Funding for Good will help you finalize your program plans before your writing process begins.
Abstract
An abstract is a preview of coming attractions. Often placed forst in the proposal, this summary lets funders know what the program is about, why it is necessary, what the costs will be, and how you will measure success. The abstract is generally restricted to a single page, and this template from Funding for Good can help you write it.
Need Statement
Need statements are often what will make or break a proposal's success. Being able to communicate the heart of your proposal - the need in your community that your program will fill - is critical. This article from Instrumentl dives into some of the approaches to use, and what to watch out for.
Using Data
Data is necessary to support your statement of need, as well as your ability to meet that need. This short piece from The Grantmanship Center offers some loose guidelines, and data sources of particular use to Orange County are listed below.
Program Design
Designing a program is a careful balance of using things you already do well to stretch into things you would like to do better. You must examine the resources you have, and the ones you will need, in order to serve the purpose of the program and fill your stated need. This template from Funding for Good can help set you up for success.
Sustainability Plan
Key to any proposal is a sustainability plan, which details how the grant will remain active and funded once the grant money has run out. This template from Funding for Good has some excellent verbiage you may wish to use in crafting your response.
Budget
At the end of the day, grant proposals are about money. Your budget shows not only what existing resources you have, but that you have carefully planned how to use your funds for maxiumum efficiency and impact. This article from Instrumentl details the multiple types of budgets you may be asked for, and shares several free templates for your budgeting needs.
Grant Tips
This list from the Grant Professionals Association can help you check through your application and make sure that you have made the strongest case for your program.
Things You May Need
Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is used by funders who wish to narrow down the number of applications they receive, in order to curate those which best align with their mission and resources. This letter then becomes a way to introduce your organization's character and history, as well as your program plans. Instrumentl has created this template to help you maximize your chances of moving to the next step (the full proposal).
Roles and Responsibilities
This is another common grant section, in which everyone's work on the program is specifically detailed and sometimes quanitified (in hours worked). This can also refer to the roles of board members or other high-level staff in the organization. Instrumentl shares this overview.
Organizational Chart
In order to better understand your organization, some funders will request a chart detailing the hierarchy within your team. While non-profits are famous for constant restructuring, having a visual aide of how your team works can be invaluable to an outsider. Instrumentl provides a template, but be sure to work on this with a high-level officer at your organization, to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Financial Statements
Nearly all proposals require some form of financial statement, to ensure your organization is in good financial help before they give you more money. As there are several forms this can take, and you may not be familiar with your organization's financial history, read through these templates from Instrumentl before working with your organization's financial professional.
Data Sources
CDE Data Quest
This collection of data is curated by the California Department of Education.
CalSCHLS Data on School Conditions
CalSCHLS includes data on school environment, student mental health, and more.
Conditions of Children in Orange County
The Social Services Agency of Orange County releases this report annually with information on health care, economic resilience, scholastic achievement, and community safety.
California School Dashboard
Dashboard measures progress at the school, district, and county level in academic areas as well as suspension, attendance, and graduation rates.
Advanced Learning
Candid Learning Courses
Instrumentl Courses
Both organizations offer grant writing services, and also continuing education for grant writers. If you wish to go into further depth on any subject, review their list of offerings.
