The following are designed to answer common questions regarding the services offered by this website and the grant process in general. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please email us and a grant professional will get back to you. Based on your individual questions, the FAQ feature will be expanded as time goes on so check back often.
ABOUT ONE STOP GRANTS
What is One Stop Grants?
One Stop Grants is a service of Capital Region BOCES School Support Services. It is designed to aid educators, administrators, boards of education, students and parents in pursuing financial assistance for projects that support our youth and their education. One Stop Grants offers a reasonably priced subscription service during the 10-month school year (September through June) that empowers its users with the knowledge and resources necessary to locate appropriate funding opportunities, develop quality programs and write successful grants.
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How can I subscribe to One Stop Grants?
Though January 31, 2005 , One Stop Grants will be provided as a free service. Users will be able to access the following
features: What’s New; Searchable Grant Opportunities; FAQ's, Ask a Question; Feedback form; and Email
Alerts. Beginning February 1, 2005, services will be expanded and access will be through
subscription only. Schools will be able to subscribe to the level of service that
best meets their specific needs. Please see "Become
a Member" for more information on how to sign up
for this new service.
Please see the following page for
information on prorated
services and subscription prices for 2004-05.
What services are available to One Stop Grant subscribers?
The following features are available at no cost to anyone who visits the One Stop Grant website: What's New; Searchable Grant Opportunities; FAQ's; Ask a Question; Feedback form; and Email
Alerts. Subscribers at Level I have access to all of the above components plus detailed information available through the Searchable Grant Opportunities data base along with Request for Proposal (RFP) summaries and proposal worksheets with a limit of two summaries and worksheets per authorized subscriber. The 10-month cost for Level 1 is $1,500 per
user/subscriber.
Subscribers at Level II receive all Level I benefits plus the following:
1. Customized Research Service – One Stop Grant professional will research funding opportunities for your specific project idea(s) – up to 3 searches per authorized user/subscriber.
2. Editorial Services – One Stop Grant professional will review your draft proposal and provide guidance and suggestions – up to 3 draft proposal per user/subscriber.
Level II’s 10-month cost is $3,000 per
user/subscriber. The following additional services are offered to Level II subscribers
based on availability and at an additional cost of $55 per hour:
1. Partnership facilitation – One Stop Grants professional will provide expert advice in developing collaborations with your community that will enhance your ability to obtain funding.2. Proposal development facilitation – One Stop Grants professional will work directly with your proposal planning committee to develop specific grant applications.
2. Grant Workshops – One Stop Grants professional will present training on grant seeking and grant writing.
top Will One Stop Grants write my grant?
The services of the One Stop Grants website are designed to provide you with the technical assistance needed to write your own grant. It is not meant to provide full grant writing services.
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What other grant assistance does Capital Region BOCES offer?
Capital Region BOCES Grants Service also provides traditional services whereby a school district can retain a grant writer for 1 day per week per 10-month school year (330 hours) for the total cost of $15,375. The advantages of this traditional service includes free Level I and Level II subscription to One Stop Grants; guaranteed availability for One Stop Grants additional services at no extra charge; full service grant support including on-site meetings, and proposal development, writing and submission; and active and ongoing research for funding sources that are appropriate to the school district’s projects and needs.
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Is One Stop Grants costs BOCES aidable?
One Stop Grant subscriptions and traditional grant services are aidable under COSER 513.
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Can I subscribe if I am not a Capital Region BOCES component district?
If you are a component district of any BOCES located in New York State, you can subscribe to One Stop Grants simply by writing to your local BOCES to request this service. Next, complete the One Stop BOCES subscription form indicating the name of your local BOCES. Your BOCES will be billed for the service and they will, in turn, bill your district.
Please see "Become
a Member" for more information on how to sign up
for this new service.
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ABOUT GRANTS IN GENERAL
What is an RFP?
RFP stands for "Request for Proposal." The Foundation Center's User-Friendly Guide to Funding Research and Resources has a Glossary that defines an RFP this way:
"When the government issues a new contract or grant program, it sends out RFPs to agencies that might be qualified to participate. The RFP lists project specifications and application procedures. While a few foundations occasionally use RFPs in specific fields, most prefer to consider proposals that are initiated by applicants."
RFPs are becoming an increasingly popular vehicle for foundations to publicize new program initiatives.
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Where can I find examples of grant proposals?
Sample grant proposal can be difficult to find since they tend to be very specific to the applicant’s needs and proposal design may only be fundable based on those described needs. The Foundation Center (http://fdncenter.org) recommends the following sites:
- Collins, Sarah (ed.) The Foundation Center's Guide to Winning Proposals. New York, NY: The Foundation Center, 2003. Features twenty grant proposals that have been funded by some of today’s most influential grantmakers. Each proposal – reprinted in its entirety – includes commentary by the program officer, executive director, or other funding decision maker who awarded that grant. Proposals are included from large and small, local and national organizations, and for many different support purposes, including basic budgetary support, special projects, construction, staff positions, and more. Also includes actual letters of inquiry, budgets, cover letters, and vital supplementary documents needed to develop a complete proposal.
- Nonprofit Guides (http://npguides.org) has a sample proposal, proposal cover letter, letter of inquiry and budget, and other items that may be of use to you.
- School Grants (http://www.schoolgrants.org/Samples/samples.htm) offers a number of education-focused, successful, sample proposals. Most are directed to corporate or government funding sources and are downloadable in Microsoft Word Version 6.0.
top What should be included in a letter of inquiry?
Many funders now request applicants submit a letter of inquiry prior to submittal of a formal proposal. These letters of inquiry are used to determine if they have an interest in a project. Upon review of the letter of inquiry, a funder may then request further information in the form of a complete proposal. As a result, a well thought out and written letter of inquiry is essential to securing funding for your project. A letter of inquiry should be brief (2-3 pages) and follow the format, if provided by the funder. As with a full proposal, the letter of inquiry should include: a summary of your project; a description of the needs it will address; overview of your project design including goals, objectives, timelines and outcomes; management plan; and budget. It is important to connect your project to the funder’s priorities. Include attachments only if the potential funder requests them.
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Where can I find information on online grant writing training opportunities?
The Foundation Center (http://fdncenter.org) offers an array of online training courses to help you succeed in your grant writing efforts. You can find these online courses listed in the Center's "Virtual Classroom," located in the Learning Lab.
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What components produce a strong proposal?
A strong proposal describes a program that will respond specific needs. When discussing the problem you intend to solve, go beyond merely describing its existence. Prove it exists with statistics, case studies, testimony, and other measurable data. A strong program design will include outcomes and measurable objectives to attaining your goal(s). Make sure your objectives are realistic and can be achieved within a specified timeframe. Present your budget separately from the rest of the application. Use tables to convey the information concisely, yet completely. A short narrative may be helpful to explain unusual line items in the budget. Make sure the figures are correct and the budget accurately reflects your needs. Remember that often the key to a strong proposal is simplicity.
In general, be sure to follow funder’s instructions for the submittal of your letter of inquiry or proposal. Be concise – don’t waste words. Keep things clear, factual, supportable, and professional. Be succinct. Volumes of documentation are imposing not impressive.
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Are there some standard writing tips for developing a successful proposal?
Following are some general tips to keep in mind when writing your proposal:
Be sure that proposal is neatly typed and
readable; Use plenty of white space in layout; Use heading and topics listings as indicated in
guidelines; Adhere to guidelines and instructions on font, line spacing, margins, paper size/color,
etc.; Be certain to submit required number of copies;
Proposal should be clear, concise and direct. Do not use jargon or poor grammar/spelling;
Opening of proposal is like a first impression — rambling and unclear language will frustrate reviewer and result in a poor
score; Write in a positive manner—try to convey enthusiasm and energy for
project; Write in active, rather than passive voice; Write in third
person; Remember, this is not the time to be modest—tell reviewers why you are the best organization/person for the project;
Write at least one complete draft prior to submission to allow time for colleagues to review.
top What is a 501(c)(3) organization?
IRS Section 501(c)(3) is the section of the tax code that defines nonprofit, charitable (as broadly defined), tax-exempt organizations; 501(c)(3) organizations are further defined as public charities, private operating foundations, and private non-operating foundations. Most foundations require 501(c)(3) status of their grantees to fulfill the IRS charitable purpose requirements. But, in rare instances some foundations will fund other types of organizations if they demonstrate "expenditure responsibility" to the IRS.
Tax-exempt organizations do not pay federal corporate income taxes. Being designated as a tax-exempt nonprofit also can qualify the organization for lower postal rates. The negative part of incorporating is increased paperwork, record keeping and reporting requirements.
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Are public schools considered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states the following regarding "instrumentalities" (including public schools) on page 15 of its Publication 557 under the heading Section 501(c)(3) Organizations:
Instrumentalities: A state or municipal instrumentality may qualify under section 501(c)(3) if it is organized as a separate entity from the governmental unit that created it and if it otherwise meets the organizational and operational tests of section 501(c)(3). Examples of a qualifying instrumentality might include state schools, universities, or hospitals. However, if an organization is an integral part of the local government or possesses governmental powers, it does not qualify for exemption. A state or municipality itself does not qualify for exemption.
top How do we establish ourselves as a 501(c)(3) non-profit?
Incorporating as a nonprofit is very similar to incorporating as a for-profit. Each nonprofit corporation must file articles of incorporation specifically stating the purpose of the organization. Each must establish by-laws and consider regulations and operational requirements. As each state has independent regulations regarding incorporation, it is wise to consult an attorney. While this may not be necessary to complete the paper work, the advice of an attorney can speed the process and reduce potential conflicts that will delay or deny your ability to proceed. Many books are available that provide state-specific information regarding incorporating as a nonprofit. Check your local bookstore or online book resource. Further information is available at www.nonprofit-info.org/npofaq/02/.
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