Grants are not just free money, but require an investment in planning, resources, commitment, and sustainability.

Applying for a grant can seem like a daunting task. Certainly, there is work involved, but with the help of this tutorial, you will know the steps that are necessary and find that success is not as hard to attain as you might think. Grants also have added benefits for the library in addition to funding, such as valuable partnerships, resolved community needs, and increased community support.

This class will cover each phase in the grant writing and submission process:

* Prepare - This lesson covers the process of preparing to write the grant. Topics discussed include building a team, finding partners, and designing sustainability. Includes a checklist and the six phases of grant writing.

* Focus on Library Priorities - This lesson discusses how to focus on the priorities of your library, including identifying the needs and determining how your grant will make a difference.

* Develop the Grant Project - This section covers the development of your grant. Includes elements of the project plan, evaluating the plan, and tools for evaluating the project.

* Research Funders and Find Appropriate Grants - This section covers how to find funds. Includes grant resources, tips for finding funds, and how to interview with a funder.

* Write the Grant Proposal - This section covers the process of actually writing the grant. Includes common components to be included in the grant and how to tell your story in the grant.

* Implement, Evaluate and Continue the Process - This section covers the implementation of the funded project. Also included is how to evaluate the process and keeping up to date.

This class addresses these issues and more in a web-class designed to take about 2.0 hours to complete.

You must Register by 2/20/2012 to receive your webinar materials.

***REASON WHY TO TAKE THIS CLASS BELOW***

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Each year, the City of Chicago receives a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The funding is provided to the City to serve the needs of low- and moderate-income people, families and communities. CDBG is the largest annual federal grant to the City that addresses human service needs.

The City’s Office of Budget and Management administers the CDBG grant funds. Lead departments manage the contracts executed between the City and not-for-profit "delegate agencies" throughout Chicago.

The delegate agencies serve needs ranging from public health, housing and homelessness, to workforce training, seniors, the disabled and more.

By partnering with delegate agencies, the city can provide effective services and support community based programs and solutions.

Delegate agencies must apply annually in May for CDBG funding, stating their qualifications and their proposal for services. 

Following the federal guidelines for distribution of CDBG funds, OBM works with the Community Development Advisory Committee and the appropriate City departments to determine the level of funding each delegate agency will receive.

The decision is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: previous experience and accomplishments; capacity; collaborations and linkages; proposed goals/outcomes; comprehensive distribution of funds geographically, and; respect to population needs.

The City then notifies delegate agencies who have been recommended for funding when the annual budget is submitted to the Chicago City Council, generally in mid-October.  The contracting process for successful delegate agencies begins in December for the following calendar year of funding.