Guide to Obtaining Grants

Finding Grant Money

The first rule of grant writing is to be aggressive. You want to think outside the box, and do what others are not doing, obtaining a grant is not impossible. You want to be subscribing to trustworthy grant newsletters and other sources of information on grant money. You may also want to Google every grant keyword you can think of. There are many grants available and they can range from Federal, State, and Local governments as well as Corporations and Foundations.

Grant Writing Tips

A human element needs to be involved (Making phone call / networking)
Make sure your needs match the grants requirements and what they are asking for
Mention significant accomplishments as an organization
Information on other collaborative support with donors or organizations
Follow their directions to a T, no deviations (ask for double space, 12 font, aerial style, DO IT!)
When funder knows the organization they are working with, they will be inclined to look at you harder
VERBAGE is Key! Make sure wording matches what the grant is asking for
Sentences should be a maximum of 20 words and direct about what and how you will be using the money for.
Be direct and ask for the amount you need, you are asking for money anyway by writing the grant letter
Make sure outcome based objectives are direct, while minimizing the risk to your organization
Important things to incorporate are logic, emotion and credibility (Credibility is huge, make sure it has some impact)
Credibility can be community leaders or elected officials that endorse your kind of program (Always think your organization, not you)
Speak of your organizations needs, not the communities (People Fund People, Not The Community Need)
You can start with a delayed start, which means you are going to tell a short story of a person or situation in your department that is directly related to the grant topic then go into who, how much, what for.
REMEMBER: Less Is Sometimes More, be direct with what you are asking for or explaining

DUNS Number

Duns Universal Numbering System allows the government to track where federal money is being distributed and how it’s being used. In 2003, the federal government starting requiring all applicants and recipients to obtain a DUNS number. If you need a DUNS Number you can call 1-866-705-5711 or apply online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform

Grant Money

Once you receive the grant money, it is recommended that you read the documentation carefully before spending the money. You must abide by their rules; they may require a separate bank account as opposed to depositing the grant money into the city’s general fund.

Spending Grant Money

Write down everything and don’t step over the line one bit. When it comes to grant money, be more rigorous in how you spend it than what is required by the grant. The quickest way out of the grant game is to get caught spending it on something that wasn’t specified in the grant.

Grant Reports

Most of the time you will have to submit a report back to where it came from, telling them how you’ve spent the grant money. This report is as vital as the grant proposal. The next year you might ask for grant money again and the next step they’ll take is reviewing how you spent the grant money from the year before. Keep a record of everything that your department does and keep it updated regularly. In addition, maintain reporting to state and federal agencies are necessary components in the grants process.

Last Thoughts

Grant money is always a plus and nothing is better than free grant money. Please find on our Grants and Funding page some links for grants to apply for. I hope this guide has helped and informed you with your grant process.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG program provides critical funding to support a wide range of components within the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, technology improvement and training.

Grant Writing Manual

The Bureau of Justice Assistance offers a Guide to Grants (FY10 edition) to aid in the process of finding, writing and submitting BJA Grant Applications. Download the Manual here: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/resource/GrantWritingManual.pdf

Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)

The UASI program focuses on enhancing regional preparedness in major metropolitan areas. The UASI program directly supports the National Priority on expanding regional collaboration in the National Preparedness Guidelines and is intended to assist participating jurisdictions in developing integrated regional systems for prevention, protection, response, and recovery. Consistent with the 9/11 Act, states are required to ensure that at least 25 percent of UASI appropriated funds are dedicated towards law enforcement terrorism prevention-oriented planning, organization, training, exercise, and equipment activities, including those activities which support the development and operation of fusion centers.

COPS Secure Our Schools (SOS) Grant Program

The COPS Secure Our Schools (SOS) grant program provides funding to law enforcement agencies to assist with the development of school safety resources and provide improved security at schools and on school grounds.

Congress Approves Nearly $10 million for Campus Public Safety Initiatives

WEST HARTFORD, CT (December 14, 2009) – Achieving one of its major legislative priorities, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Inc., is pleased to inform its members that Congress has approved nearly $10 million in grant funding for campus public safety initiatives as part of its omnibus funding package that will be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature.

US Dept of Justice 1122 Program

The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1994 contained Section 1122, which allows state and local governments to purchase new law enforcement equipment for counter drug activities through the federal government. The discounts the federal government enjoys because of its large-volume purchases are passed on to state and local law enforcement agencies. These discounts may be particularly attractive when dealing with high tech equipment and newer technologies.

DHS Funding

Patriot3’s product line is listed on the Department of Homeland Security’s “Authorized Equipment List”, commonly known as the “Responders Knowledge Base (RKB) and is available for viewing at www.rkb.us. This database helps state, local and municipal agencies identify and select products that can be purchased through the DHS Grant Program (HSGP), and other state and federal funding programs. Our AEL/SEL # for shields is 01LE-01-SHLD and for the Ramps the # is 20TE-00-NTRY

GSA Contract No. GS-07F-0432U

Patriot 3’s products have been awarded GSA pricing and are available for purchase on GSA Advantage. Our GSA contract and products can be viewed at www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov