MODULE 6

More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

FACILITATOR'S GUIDE

Published by:

U.S. EPA Region 4
Environmental Justice and Children's Health Section

Environmental Justice Academy

A rnA United States

Environmental Protection
m m Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Table of Contents

Preparation Materials	1

Workshop Synopsis	2

Learning Objectives	2

Overview of Lessons/Materials	2

Facilitator Tips	4

Facilitator Icon Key	5

Agendas	6

Module 6 Day 1	6

Module 6 Day 2	7

Module 6 Day 1	9

Module 6 Day 1: Welcome Back	10

Module 6 Day 1: Close the Gap Recap: Module 5	11

Module 6 Day 1: Lesson 1: Defining Financial Management	12

Module 6 Day 1: Lesson 2: Budget? What Budget? Developing a Realistic

Budget	14

30-Minute Break	22

Module 6 Day 1: Activity: Budget Outline	23

Module 6 Day 1: Closing	23

Module 6 Day 2	24

Module 6 Day 2: Welcome Back	25

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 3: Show Me the Money: Developing a Plan for

Obtaining Funds	25

15-Minute Break	29

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 4: Defining the Grant Process	30

30-Minute Break	32

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 5: Crossing Your T's and Dotting Your I's	32

Module 6 Day 2: Activity: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Grant Applications	41

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 6: Financial Sustainability	42

Module 6 Day 2: Summary: Synopsis of Days 1 and 2	46

Homework Assignment	46

Bonus Activity	47

Module 6 Day 2: Closing	48

Appendices	49

Appendix A: Additional Resources	50

Appendix B: Glossary	53

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendix C: Activity: Budget Outline	55

Appendix D: Activity: Identify Potential Funding Sources	56

Appendix E: Homework: Piranha Bowl	57

Appendix F: Sample Organizational Budget	60

Additional Notes:

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Preparation Materials

Background Information and Suggestions for the Facilitator

vvEPA

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Workshop Synopsis	

Funding is an immediate need when beginning any campaign or project. Understanding
how to seek funding and properly manage funds is essential to a successful initiative.
Previous modules have covered how to develop action plans and engage relevant
stakeholders. In this module, participants will learn basic financial management skills,
including how to determine community financial resources and compete for grants. This
module will help participants identify underutilized financial resources in the community
to address environmental justice concerns. This module will also provide essential
grant writing skills, from seeking grant opportunities to completing applications. Finally,
once funding is secured, we will highlight how to properly manage funding for long-term
operations.

All case studies and field trips listed in this module are included as suggestions and
examples. You may adapt the case studies and field trips to suit your/the participants'
needs and location.

Learning Objectives	

After completing this module, participants will be able to:

•	Describe a plan for financial management.

•	Identify their organization's expenses and develop a budget.

•	Collaborate and communicate with other community organizations to identify
partnership opportunities.

•	Identify ways to secure financial resources for their organizations.

•	Search for grants and prepare a grant application.

•	Create a budget for the upcoming year that takes into consideration the
community vision and goals they identified in module 2.

Overview of Lessons/Materials	

Lesson 1—Defining Financial Management

Participants will learn to define financial management and understand why it is
necessary to community development.

Lesson 2—Budget? What Budget? Developing a Realistic Budget

Participants should develop a clear understanding of what a budget is, what to include
in a budget, and why it is important.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

2


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Activity—Creating a Sample Budget

Each participant will look at a budget template and determine an appropriate list of
items to include in the budget. They will brainstorm to develop the components of the
budget.

Lesson 3—Show Me the Money: Identifying Funding Sources

Participants will learn the importance of looking at local, regional, and national funding
sources. The purpose of this exercise is to brainstorm about possible community
sources.

Lesson 4—Defining the Grant Process

Participants should develop a basic understanding of the grant process and learn the
information necessary to begin the application process.

Activity—The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Grant Applications

Review two sample grant applications with the participants and discuss the pros and
cons of each one.

Lesson 5—Crossing Your T's and Dotting Your I's

Participants will develop a financial sustainability plan for continuing their community
organization's goals. There are two options for this lesson:

•	Option 1: Tour a local community.

•	Option 2: Develop a plan for obtaining and managing funds.

Lesson 6—Financial Sustainability

This lesson emphasizes attention to detail and will help participants complete all parts
of the grant application. Encourage the participants to discuss which grants are right for
their community projects. You should give examples of each application proposal
element as they present the topic.

Homework Assignment

Each participant should create a budget to determine their organization's needs. Each
participant should develop a list of internal financial resources and programs with
financial support. Bonus: Find and attend a grant writing workshop or webinar in the
regional area.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

3


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Facilitator Tips	

Some people learn more from hands-on experience than they do from listening to
information. Therefore, as the facilitator, your role will be to guide the participants
through a process of self-learning. The following tips have been provided to assist you
in preparing for your session.

Preliminaries

•	Prepare in advance. Make sure you are familiar with the material to be
presented.

•	Consider the needs, expectations, and experiences of your audience.

•	Make sure all materials are in the class and that all equipment is working
properly.

•	Arrange seating. Round tables seating five to 10 people are recommended.

Key Responsibilities

•	Group participants with different levels of knowledge together in small groups.

•	Involve all participants in the completion of the class logic model exercise.

•	Establish the benefits of the module early in the session.

•	Remain open, objective, and flexible.

•	Keep the group on track and moving forward.

•	Create an interactive participatory environment; involve the group in
discussions.

Group Discussion Tips

•	Ask open-ended questions.

•	Demonstrate active listening skills.

•	Allow for silence. People need time to process what has been said and to put
their own thoughts in order.

•	Invite group participation; encourage students to be involved with questions and
answers.

•	Refocus the group if discussion gets off track.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

4


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Facilitator Icon Key

Icon

Title

Meaning

0



Instructions to
the facilitator

This icon means there are specific instructions for the
facilitator. This content should not be read aloud.





Background
for the
facilitator

This icon indicates that there is background information the
facilitator should be aware of when covering this topic. This
information is presented in the facilitator's guide.

U

1

Facilitator
says

This icon means the facilitator should read the content
nearly verbatim, interjecting thoughts when appropriate.

a



Key point

This icon indicates an important point that the facilitator
should communicate to the audience in their own words.

E



Questions

This icon means the facilitator should allow time for the
audience to ask questions or the facilitator should ask the
audience questions.

Lt



Activity

This icon indicates an activity that the facilitator should
explain. The activity can be either a group or individual
activity.

C
¦



Assessment

This icon indicates the facilitator will conduct an
assessment.



Multimedia

This icon indicates the facilitator will have students watch a
video.

|y



Computer

This icon indicates the facilitator will have students visit an
online resource.

E
-



Handouts or

resource

materials

This icon indicates the facilitator will give students a
handout or other resource material.



Homework

This icon indicates a homework assignment.

¦



Transition

This icon indicates the facilitator will provide a transition
from one topic to another.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

5


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Agendas

Module 6 Day 1	

More Than a Little Change: Identification of Financial Sources

Date:

Time:

Location:

Contact:

Time

Day 1

Facilitator



Close the Gap Recap: Module 5

•	Overview of module 5

•	Short review of homework

•	Select a specific community concern

•	Identify key stakeholders

•	Identify potential resources

•	Questions and answers





Lesson 1—Defining Financial Management

•	Definition of financial management.

•	Brief guidance on the objectives and functions of a
well-developed financial management plan





Lesson 2—Budget? What Budget? Developing a Realistic Budget

•	Define a budget

•	Why is it important to create a budget?

•	How do you develop a realistic budget?





Break





Lesson 3—Show Me the Money: Identifying Funding Sources

•	Outlining financial resources

•	Where to find resources

•	Ways to get money





Closing

•	Short introduction to day 2

•	Thanks and closing of session



United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

6


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 2	

More Than a Little Change: Identification of Financial Sources

Date:

Time:

Location:

Contact:

Time

Day 2

Facilitator



Welcome Back

•	Sign in

•	Housekeeping





Lesson 4—Defining the Grant Process

•	What is a grant?

•	What is a grant proposal application?

•	What is a request for proposal?

•	When should you write a grant application?





Break





Lesson 5—Crossing Your T's and Dotting Your I's

•	Identify the problem or goal area for which funds
will be sought

•	Thoroughly search the field for available grants

•	Know the types of support available to you

•	Consider whether your proposed project fits with
the identified funder's goals

•	Focus on the type of support you want

•	Know the grant guidelines and follow them
exactly





Activity—The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Grant Applications
• Review different grant applications





Lesson 6—Financial Sustainability

•	What is financial sustainability?

•	Why should you complete a plan for financial
sustainability?

•	How should you plan for financial sustainability?



United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

7


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Time

Day 2

Facilitator



Summary





• Review of all topics discussed





• Interactive discussion and questions





Homework Assignment





• Complete the appropriate column in the action





plan





• Complete budget template





• Prepare for piranha bowl



United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

8


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 1

More Than a Little Change: Identification of Financial Sources

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

9


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 1: Welcome Back	

Time:	Allow approximately 15 minutes for this section.

Objective: Welcome participants back to the EJ Academy.

Instructions

The participants will sign in. participants should receive their student manual for
module 3. During this time, focus on housekeeping issues such as helping
participants that missed information and answering any questions participants have.

homework assignments, and distribute module 6 contents. Participants should sign the
class roster and ensure that the points they have earned are annotated on their
participant points matrices.

Materials Needed

•	Post-it Notes: Place a stack of multicolored Post-it Notes on each table where
participants will be sitting.

•	Name tents.

•	Music: Soothing background music for group activities.

•	For presentations: Laptop, overhead projector, computer speakers, large format
easel/paper, markers, and any additional materials requested by the presenters.

•	Module 6 contents:
o Agenda

o Presentation slides (that the facilitator will create) that should include:

-	Financial management

-	Grant process

-	Financial sustainability

-	See also: the "Module 6 Financial Leveraging" and "Defining the Grant
Process" PowerPoint presentations.

o Group activities

-	Brainstorm activity

-	Grant application activity
o Homework sheets

-	Budget template

-	Piranha bowl presentations

«Sign In

The purpose of the sign-in is to greet and orient early arrivers, collect

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

10


-------
More Than a Little Change:

Identification of Financial Sources

- S.M.A.R.T. action plan worksheet

Module 6 Day 1: Close the Gap Recap: Module 5	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for this recap.

Objective: Participants should be able to identify key stakeholders, both internal
and external, who can help the community address issues. Ideally, the
key stakeholders can offer informational resources, technical and
financial assistance, and assistance with potential policy changes.

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Instructions

Provide an overview of module 5 using an interactive activity and conduct a
short review of the module 5 homework.

Module 5 Overview

In module 5, the participants developed skills to promote constructive dialogue
between stakeholders and partners. In addition, the participants identified what they
need to enhance community initiatives, as well as stakeholders and partners who can
provide those needs.

In module 5, participants were provided tools to identify key stakeholders, both internal
and external, who can help the community address issues with informational resources,
technical and financial assistance, and policy changes. Participants were also provided
with tools to promote constructive dialogue and assess the outcomes of community
engagement with stakeholders to promote lasting relationships. These tools helped the
participants develop skills to determine who can bring ideas and resources (i.e., money,
time, meeting space, knowledge, marketing, supplies) to solve community problems.

H

Module 5 Homework Discussion

Each participant should select an existing environmental justice issue in their
community and evaluate the role of key stakeholders in addressing the issue.
Participants should identify key stakeholders (internal and external), their roles, and the
potential resources they bring. The finished project will be added to their portfolios.

7

Solicit questions and ask either EJ Academy Team members and/or
participants to answer those questions. Additionally, help the participants
identify the key points addressed during the homework and the technical
assistance consultation.

What was the most important concept you learned from module 5?

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

11


-------
More Than a Little Change:

Identification of Financial Sources

•	What concepts were easy to understand?

•	What concepts resonated with you?

•	How can you use this information within your community?

Module 6 Day 1: Lesson 1: Defining Financial Management	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for this lesson.

Objective: Participants will learn to define financial management and understand
why it is necessary for community development.

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Facilitator Note

Emphasize the definition of financial management. Discuss the functions of
financial management using examples from community organizations.

What Is Financial Management?

Financial management encompasses planning, organizing, directing, and
controlling financial activities, such as procurement and use of funds. It means
applying general management principles to financial resources.

Objectives of Financial Management

Financial management concerns procurement, allocation, and control of
financial resources for a community project. Its objectives can include:

•	Ensuring a regular and adequate supply of funds to the projects.

•	Ensuring optimum use of funds with the least cost impact.

•	Ensuring certainty on investment (i.e., funds should be invested in specific goals
and projects).

Functions of Financial Management

To determine how much money is needed, a financial manager should make an
estimate considering the capital requirements of the community project. This
will depend upon the project's initial costs, operations, maintenance, future programs,
and policies.

Determine how much money is desired. This will depend upon the proportion of equity
capital an organization or community possesses and the quantity of additional funds
that must be raised from outside parties.

Brainstorm available funding possibilities. For additional funds to be procured, an
organization or community has many choices, including:

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

12


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Leveraging shared positions and resources.

•	Becoming a line item in an existing budget.

•	Combining your activities and resources with organizations with similar
missions.

•	Applying for grants.

•	Using existing personnel resources.

•	Soliciting in-kind support.

•	Fundraising.

•	Using third-party funding.

•	Developing a fee-for-service structure.

•	Acquiring tax revenue.

•	Securing endowments and giving arrangements.

•	Establishing membership fees and dues.

•	Developing a business plan.

•	Creating a for-profit corporation to help pay for the nonprofit side.

•	Having programs be "picked up" by other organizations.

Tracking your various in-kind volunteer services, number of hours, and in-kind resource
support can help you qualify for certain grants, especially where there is a cost-share
(i.e., there are ways to calculate the monetary equivalents). More importantly, this can
persuade new funders. Showing that you have a volunteer base who are donating
unpaid, pro bono time to solve community challenges demonstrates community
enthusiasm.

Organizations need to find funding from partners. Choice of funding will depend on
relative merits and demerits of each source and the period of financing.

The financial manager must make decisions about cash management. Cash is required
for many purposes, including wages and salaries, bills, payments to creditors, current
liabilities, maintenance, community cleanup, revitalization, and health programs.

The financial manager has to plan, procure, and utilize the funds, but must also
exercise control over finances. A financial sustainability committee can:

•	Bring in resources to help their organization survive and thrive.

•	Ease the transition from one source of funding to another, such as at the end of
a grant period.

•	Help find money or goods from many different sources. A financial committee
that has members with connections will create a diverse funding base for the
organization, ensuring sustainability.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

13


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Meet funders' requirements. Sometimes, the existence of a financial
sustainability committee is a requirement for receiving a grant.

Allow group members to focus their time and energy on the jobs they were hired
for. Too often, members of organizations spend so much time finding resources
that they are unable to do what they volunteered or were hired to do.

I Facilitator Note

The presenter should ask participants the following questions as a follow-up to
the presentation.

Discuss

•	What is financial management?

o Financial management means planning, organizing, directing, and controlling
financial activities, such as procurement and use of funds. It means applying
general management principles to financial resources.

•	What are the objectives of financial management?

o To ensure regular and adequate supply of funds to the projects.

o To ensure optimum use of funds. Once the funds are procured, they should
be utilized in an efficient way.

o To ensure certainty on investment (i.e., funds should be invested in specific
goals and projects).

•	What functions should you consider when planning for financial management?

o Determine how much money you need.

o Decide how much money you want.

o Brainstorm available funding possibilities.

o Take care of the money. The finance manager must make decisions with
regards to cash management.

0 Control the finances. The finance manager not only has to plan, procure, and
utilize the funds, but they also must exercise control over finances.

Module 6 Day 1: Lesson 2: Budget? What Budget? Developing a
Realistic Budget	

Time:	Allow approximately 60 minutes for this lesson.

Objective: Participants will understand what a budget is, what to include in a
budget, and why it is important.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

14


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Facilitator Notes

Provide guidelines to help participants develop a community organization
budget. Emphasize what a budget is, its purpose, how it functions, and how to develop
and sustain a budget.

What Is a Budget?

•	An amount of money for spending that is based on a plan for how it will be
spent.

•	A plan used to decide the amount of money that can be spent and how it will be
spent.

•	An official statement from a government about how much it plans to spend
during a period and how it will pay for the expenses.

The Importance of Budgets

It is important to create accurate and up-to-date annual budgets to maintain control
over finances and show funders exactly how their money is being used. The specificity
and complexity of the budget depends on how large it is, the funders' requirements,
and how many programs or activities the money funds.

Budgets can sharpen your understanding of your goals. They also provide a financial
reality check by showing you what you can afford and where the gaps in funding are.
Budgets can help you plan to meet future needs and decide what can be done each
year. In addition, budgeting:

•	Encourages effective ways of dealing with money. By showing you what you can
or can't afford with the known income, a budget can motivate you to be creative
in seeking out other funding sources.

•	Fills the need for required information. A complete budget is a necessary
element of funding proposals and reports to funders and the community served.

•	Facilitates discussion of the financial realities of an organization.

•	Helps organizations avoid fiscal surprises or pitfalls and maintain fiscal control.

Budget Elements

•	Projected expenses. The amount of money expected to be spent in a fiscal
year, broken down into expected categories such as salaries, equipment, office
expenses, and travel.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

15


-------
More Than a Little Change:	Module 6

Identification of Financial Sources	Facilitator's Guide

•	Projected income. The amount of money expected to enter the organization for
a fiscal year, broken down by sources. These sources might include grants,
contracts, fundraising efforts, memberships, and the sale of goods or services.

•	The interaction of expenses and income. Usually, funding is conditional.
Funders may provide money for specific positions, activities, or items. If funding
comes with restrictions, it's vital to build those restrictions into the budget to
follow funder agreements.

•	Adjustments to reflect monetary fluctuations. Budgets usually begin with
estimates, and as time progresses, those estimates will need to be adjusted.

Develop a Realistic Budget

•	Create a calendar for the budgeting process. This calendar should include
milestone dates, check-ins with a review team, monitoring, and internal
reporting.

•	Plan early—at least six months before the next fiscal year.

•	Have separate calendars for monitoring, internal reporting, and other aspects of
financial management.

What to Consider When Developing a Budget

Setting financial goals should be one of your first priorities. You will need research and
data to assign costs to various items. Donated items, volunteers, and in-kind services
should be included, as these items vary each year.

Determine monetary needs for the following year, using these steps to estimate your
expenses:

•	List yearly expense totals for absolute necessities.

•	List estimated expenses for conducting organizational activities.

•	List estimated expenses for miscellaneous costs.

•	Total all defined expenses.

Estimate the organization's income following these steps:

•	List all actual figures or estimates of income expected from funding sources.

•	Estimate the amount to be raised in the next fiscal year from fundraising.

•	Estimate the amount to be received from items that may be sold.

•	List and estimate the amounts from any other income sources.

•	Total the listed items to determine the total projected income for the fiscal year.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

16


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Follow the five steps of analyzing and adjusting budgets:

•	Lay out figures in an easy-to-follow format.

•	Compare total expenses to total income.

•	Know what to do if the budget is balanced.

•	Know what to do if there is a surplus.

•	Know what to do if there is a deficit.

Your project team should review the completed budget. Refer to the calendar to ensure
that reporting and quarterly meetings are included in the timeline. Confirm that the
budget is aligned with the S.M.A.R.T. actions.

Some Practical Considerations

Sometimes budgeting and financial management can prove challenging for
organizations. You can find professional financial management help by hiring a
bookkeeper, accountant, or chief financial officer (CFO). Organizations like the U.S.
Small Business Administration (sba.gov/fundinq-proqrams/loans) and the Service
Corps of Retired Executives (score.org) can assist with budgeting, business plans, and
loan searches. Local universities, community and technical colleges, or government
agencies may have offices that assist with financial planning. Sharing an accounting
position with another organization is another possibility.

The Preliminaries: Funds for the Next Fiscal Year

It is important to know what the priorities are and what makes the most sense for the
organization at each stage of development. Determining how monies will be spent
involves an organization-wide planning process.

Consider These Questions:

•	Which activities or programs will do the most to advance your mission? Can you
carry out these programs with your projected income and resources?

•	How many positions will it take to run those activities or programs well?

•	How will staff members be compensated (e.g., hourly wages, salaries,
consultant fees, benefits), and how much? What funding sources will you use to
compensate them?

What else is needed to run the organization and its activities (e.g., space, supplies,
equipment, utilities, insurance, transportation)?

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Estimating Expenses

Step 1: List estimated yearly expenses for the organization's absolute
necessities.

For most organizations, these expenses may include, but aren't limited to:

•	Salaries or wages for all employees, listed separately by position.

•	Fringe benefits for all employees, also identified by position. Even without formal
fringe benefits, taxes, compensation, and unemployment insurance for regular
employees must be paid. These costs can be considerable payroll additions.

•	Rent and/or mortgage payments for the organization's space.

•	Utilities (e.g., heat, electricity, gas, water).

•	Phone service.

•	Internet provider or server costs, depending on your organization's needs.

•	Insurance (e.g., liability, fire, theft).

Step 2: List the estimated expenses for things vou need to conduct the
organization's activities.

•	Program and office supplies (e.g., pencils, stationary, software, educational
materials).

•	Program and office equipment (e.g., peripherals, copiers, fax machines). Be
sure to figure in the annual estimated costs of repairs or service contracts in
addition to purchase or lease costs.

Step 3: List estimated expenses for anything else the organization is obligated to
pay or can't do without.

•	Loan payments.

•	Consultant services. These may include annual auditing, accounting, or
bookkeeping services, or payments to other organizations for specific services.

•	Printing and copying, if not done within the organization.

•	Transportation, including travel expenses for staff, participants, and volunteers
and vehicle upkeep and expenses for any organization-owned vehicles.

•	Postage and other mailing expenses.

Step 4: Total all the expense items vou have listed.

This total represents your organization's projected expenses for the coming fiscal year.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

18


-------
More Than a Little Change:	Module 6

Identification of Financial Sources	Facilitator's Guide

Estimating Income: Where Are We Going to Get All That Money?

Use last year's figures, if available, as a baseline. Estimate conservatively
rather than being overly optimistic, which could lead to disappointment.

Step 1: List all actual figures or estimates from expected funding sources.

This list should include sources of already promised monies for the upcoming year.
These sources may include federal, state, or local government agencies and private
and community foundations.

Step 2: Estimate the fundraising amount for the next fiscal year.

Fundraising efforts might include community events (e.g., a raffle, a bowl-a-thon), more
ambitious events (e.g., a benefit concert by a world-class performer), media
advertising, or phone or mail solicitation.

Step 3: If members pay yearly dues or fees, estimate the amount yielded from
them.

Step 4: List and estimate the amounts from any other expected income sources.

Step 5: Add up all the income items vou have listed.

This total represents the money available, or your organization's projected income for
the next fiscal year.

Analyzing and Adjusting the Budget

Step 1: Lav out your figures in a useful format.

A useful budget must be organized to inform the reviewer of exactly how much is
available to spend in each expense category.

It is beneficial to use a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet should list funding sources along
the top and list expense categories on the left-hand side. Each column represents a
funding source, and each row represents an expense category. Where each column
and row meet (cell), the number represents the amount of money from that funding
source (the column) that goes to that expense (the row).

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

19


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Step 2: Compare total expenses to total income.

•	If projected expenses and income are equal, then the budget is balanced.

•	If the projected expenses are less than the projected income, there is a budget
surplus. This allows for the possibility of expanding or improving the organization
or putting money away for when you need it.

•	If the projected expenses are greater than the projected income, there is a
budget deficit. In this case, you will need to find more money or cut expenses to
run the organization in the coming year.

Step 3: For balanced budgets, make sure the money can be used as planned.

•	If you've filled in the numbers in accordance with your funding restrictions, your
spreadsheet should immediately let you know whether you have enough in each
of your expense categories. If there are discrepancies, there are several ways of
addressing them.

•	Consider negotiating an arrangement with the funder that allows you to use the
money in other ways.

•	Consider reassigning expenses from one category to another. If you don't have
enough money to pay an assistant director, for example, it may make sense to
make them the coordinator of a specific program and pay part of their salary with
funds allotted to that program.

•	Consider rethinking your priorities so that the money can be spent in accordance
with funding obligations.

•	It's important to remember that the mission, philosophy, and goals of an
organization should drive funding, not the other way around. Creating a program
or project simply to make use of available funding usually doesn't help you meet
organizational goals.

Step 4: Be aware that a budget surplus may not show up as cash until the end of
the coming fiscal year.

•	A conservative course is sticking to the budget and investing the excess money
at the end of the year. This provides something to draw from in emergencies, or
money for something the organization really wants or needs in the future.

•	"Invest" doesn't necessarily mean putting money in the stock market.

Certificates of deposit give high interest rates in return for keeping money in the
bank for a set period (generally from six months to five years). Money market
accounts, which give a high interest rate for keeping a large balance, are easy
ways for organizations to earn interest while keeping money available for
emergencies.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

20


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	A surplus can be used to improve working conditions within the organization by
raising salaries or adding benefit packages. It is important to remember that
once this type of change has been promised, you are obligated to fulfill it.

•	A surplus can also be used to purchase items that you haven't been able to
afford previously.

•	Consider adding positions or starting a program or initiative that has been
planned for a long time. When starting a new program, commit to maintaining it
for years so it will have enough time to be successful.

•	Consider a long-term capital investment, such as buying a building. You could
lock in your rent for the duration of the mortgage, and you might be able to
provide the organization with income by renting parts of the building to other
organizations.

•	The surplus may not be large enough for the organization to make significant
changes, but it may help you collaborate with other organizations to achieve a
goal.

Step 5: For budget deficits, consider combining several or all the following
possibilities to make your budget work.

•	If there is enough money in the bank or in investments from prior years, you can
use it to fill the gaps in your budget.

•	Try to raise money by writing grants, fundraising, or increasing fees for services.
If your organization has a plan for raising money, list it with your estimated
income, but be aware that a projection isn't "real" money until you reach the
financial goal it represents.

•	Collaborate with another organization to share the costs of services, personnel,
materials, or equipment.

•	Try to cut expenses by reducing some costs—use less electricity, use recycled
paper, or try to get items you plan to buy for less money.

•	Cut expenses by eliminating some things from the budget.

•	Borrow the money your organization needs, being sure to add loan payments to
the projected expenses and figure them into the revised budget.

Creating the Budget Document

While a spreadsheet will be used to track the organization's finances, it is also
beneficial to put the budget in a form everyone in the organization can
understand.

A simple budget document lists projected expenses by category and projected income
by source, with totals for each. This can help readers see how much the organization

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

21


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

intends to spend, how much it intends to take in, and what the difference is, if any.
Refer to Appendix F for an example budget.

The spreadsheet itself can also be the budget document, for those who want to see
exactly how the money is allocated. Many organizations provide their boards with both
a simple budget and a spreadsheet. This ensures that board members eager to
understand the organization's finances can see the full picture, while others can simply
see whether the budget is balanced.

Working With Your Budget

Most organizations review their budgets regularly—once a month is usually
reasonable—and revise them to keep them accurate. If the organization gets
unanticipated monies or spending estimates are off, these things should be figured into
the budget.

The budget becomes the basis for financial documents you might prepare during the
year (e.g., balance sheets), which give an up-to-date picture of the organization's
financial status.

Your Budget Should:

•	Show you if there are any gaps in funding, and exactly where they are.

•	Show you exactly what needs to occur to close those gaps.

•	Allow you to carefully track money, adjust to changes, and avoid overspending.

Direct the presenter to open the floor to questions from participants as
a follow-up to the presentation.

30-Minute Break	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for a break.

Objective: Participants will take a break before the activity.

Give the participants a 30-minute break.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

22


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 1: Activity: Budget Outline	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for this activity.

Objective: Participants will practice preparing a budget.

Provide the participants with a budget spreadsheet, a flip chart, and markers
before the brainstorming activity. Encourage the participants to think about
what elements they need to identify for their budgets. An example budget
spreadsheet can be found in Appendix C.

Participants will brainstorm with others at their table about what should be
included in a complete budget. Remind them that the goal is not to develop
numbers (i.e., costs). Instead, they should think about what their specific goals are and
what they need to achieve them.

Module 6 Day 1: Closing	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for this section.

Objective: Close out day 1 of module 6 and give a short introduction to day 2.

~ Introduction to Day 2

A budget process that examines an organization's priorities produces an
accurate, balanced budget, helps you control the organization's finances, and
helps guide the work. A rational and accurate budget allows organizations to give
accurate reports to funders and spend their money as they have promised. The budget
will also provide clear guidelines about what can be spent and when.

Discuss the need to develop a list of financial resources, seek funding through
grants, and obtain financial sustainability using a financial management plan.

Thanks and Closing of Session

Thank the participants for devoting their time to attending the EJ Academy. We hope
that once the program is completed, each leader will return to their communities to
impart their newly developed skills to other members, spreading the influence of the EJ
Academy and empowering them from within.

Close the session as participants leave for the evening.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

23


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 2

More Than a Little Change: Identification of Financial Sources

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

24


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 2: Welcome Back	

Time:	Allow approximately 15 minutes for this section.

Objective: Welcome participants back to day 2 of module 6.

/ The participants will sign in. Provide participants with any handouts or

homework sheets. Focus on housekeeping issues such as helping participants
who missed information and answering any questions participants have.

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 3: Show Me the Money: Developing a Plan for
Obtaining Funds	

Time:	Allow approximately 45 minutes for this lesson.

Objective: Participants will learn to research and develop a list of financial

resources. They should also research non-monetary resources to
support community development.

Facilitator Note

Compare different types of resources (e.g., community, government, private,
grant, fundraising) for the participants. Give examples of each resource and explain the
differences between them. Emphasize that this lesson is not only for grants, but any
funding source.

Resources

Resources (or assets) can include individuals, organizations, institutions,
buildings, landscapes, or equipment. A resource is anything that can be used to
improve the quality of life for community members.

Community Resources

Community resources are the people and places that members of a community or
community organization can depend on to help fill unmet needs. Community resources
can include people, physical structures or places, community services, and local
businesses.

Government Resources

Government resources include local, state, and federal government programs, staff,
and internet tools. These resources provide guidance, answers, and financial
assistance for individuals and organizations. Government resources include schools,
colleges, libraries, post offices, and recreational facilities and their staff. Because tax

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

25


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

dollars support these structures, these resources tend to be available to all members of
the public. Government resources are not merely restricted to grants. Some
environmental justice communities have attained congressional appropriation line items
for community-based projects by working closely with their elected representatives in
Congress.

Other public resources are targeted to certain segments of the community, such as
mental and physical health services, food and housing assistance, and child and elderly
care services.

Below are examples of government resources:

•	https://www.usa.gov/

•	https://www.epa.gov/

•	https://www.usa.gov/monev

Private Resources

Private nonprofit organizations also provide a range of services to the community.

Unlike public organizations that exclusively employ paid staff, these organizations may
rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their missions. Civic organizations and even groups
of employees from local businesses who band together to volunteer are community
resources. Any individual who volunteers time to help one of these nonprofit groups is a
community resource.

Grant Resources

A grant resource can be a private or government entity that gives based on subject and
geographic region. Grant seekers are encouraged to match the funders' interests to
their organization's mission, programs, populations, and locations served. We
recommend using grants.gov to find and apply for federal grants.

Fundraising Resources

Fundraising is the process of requesting contributions of money or other resources from
individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or government agencies. Although
fundraising typically refers to gathering money for nonprofits, it is sometimes used to
solicit investors or other sources of capital for for-profit enterprises. New forms of
fundraising, such as online fundraising, have emerged in recent years. Below are
examples of fundraising resources:

•	Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP): www.afpglobal.org

•	National Council of Nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

26


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Network for Good: https://www.networkforqood.com/resources/quides-
templates/

•	Foundations. Refer to www.philanthropy.com and
https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/ and subscribe to
https://philanthropvnewsdiqest.org/. Be sure to build direct relationships with
foundations, know their values, and research what they funded previously.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the practice of raising money for a cause by harnessing the power of
social networks to drive awareness and donations from all over the world. The
crowdfunding model is fueled by three types of actors:

•	The project initiator who proposes the idea and/or project to be funded.

•	Individuals or groups who support the idea.

•	A moderating organization (i.e., the "platform") that brings the parties together to
launch the idea.

There are two main models of crowdfunding.:

•	Donation-based funding. Funders donate via a collaborative, goal-based
process in return for products, perks, or rewards. Below are examples of
donation-based funding:

o GoFundMe: https://www.qofundme.com/
o Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/
o Indiegogo: https://www.indieqoqo.com/
o RocketHub: http://www.rockethub.com/

•	Investment crowdfunding. Businesses seeking capital sell ownership stakes
online in the form of equity or debt. In this model, individuals who fund become
owners or shareholders and have a potential for financial return, unlike in the
donation model. Below is an example of investment funding:

o Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfundinq.com/

Identifying and Communicating with Potential Funders

• Determine appropriate funding sources,
o Find out what funding sources exist that might support the project,
o Research funders' websites or listings to find more information about them

and the grants they provide,
o Identify funders with grants that match the organization's needs.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

27


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Before contacting funders, identify the program administrator or program officer
for the specific grant program.

•	Identify potential supporters for the project.

o Who are the key players that can help generate support among others?
o Who are the individuals and groups that need to sign on?
o Create a community map with connection lines among various individuals
and groups to identify connections.

We also recommend these tips for writing grants and securing funding:

•	If your organization lacks "programmatic capability" (i.e., history to manage a
grant), partner with an experienced, eligible entity, such as the local or regional
government, a nonprofit, or an academic institution.

•	Research a few recent grant proposals that received funding from the funder to
review and reference as a "go-by." This will help you see the techniques of
award-winning proposals. Reach out to successful previous grant recipients—
many of them would be happy to share their proposals.

•	Realize that many grants are highly competitive. Be open to partnering with
successful grant writers, such as environmental consultants. Some cities enroll
high-quality grant writers to give their communities the highest competitive
advantage.

•	Enlist pro bono help from environmental consulting companies or more
experienced nonprofits with successful grant writing experience.

•	Be familiar with all proposal guidelines and answer all questions thoroughly,
ensuring space dedicated to criteria is proportional to scoring percentages while
staying with the maximum page length. Do multiple rounds of proposal editing
and solicit both internal and external feedback to create a persuasive proposal.

Activity: Identify Potential Funders for Your Project

•	Brainstorm potential funding sources.

•	Use the internet and other sources (i.e., networking with similar community-
based organizations) to identify possible grant sources and gather relevant
information.

•	Communicate directly with potential funders to establish relationships. Be sure
to have an "elevator speech" ready (refer to Appendix E) to succintly describe
your organization, your top projects, and your funding needs.

•	Consider factors such as:

o Eligibility for funding under the funder's guidelines,
o The timing of the application and funding,
o The funder's reporting and other requirements.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

28


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

o The restrictions on the funder's grants,
o The funder's priorities and examples of past funded projects.

•	Create a chart to compare different opportunities (see Appendix D).

•	Complete the chart by recording details of funders that appear to have grants
that match your needs.

Facilitator Note

The presenter should ask participants the following questions as a follow-up to
the presentation.

Discuss

•	What do we mean by resources?

o Resources (or assets) can include individuals, organizations, institutions,
buildings, landscapes, and equipment—anything that can be used to improve
the quality of life.

•	What type of resources are available?

•	Community, government, private grant, and fundraising resources are available
to your communities.

•	How can resources be identified?

o Research websites for funding sources,
o Brainstorm with community members.

15-Minute Break	

Time:	Allow approximately 15 minutes for a break.

Objective: Participants will take a 15-minute break prior to the next lesson.

Give the participants a 15-minute break.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

29


-------
More Than a Little Change:	Module 6

Identification of Financial Sources	Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 4: Defining the Grant Process	

Time:	Allow approximately 75 minutes for this lesson.

Objective: Participants should have a clear understanding of the grant process and
the information they need to begin the process.

/ Facilitator Note

Explain what a grant is, when to apply for a grant, what types of grants are
available, and provide examples of potential funding sources. Walkthrough the
different steps for preparing a grant.

Grants

A grant is a financial award given to an organization to carry out a public
purpose through addressing a problem. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Grants are used to carry out an authorized purpose or project and are usually not
provided as personal benefits or assistance. Grants are typically awarded to
universities, researchers, law enforcement, cities, states, counties, and nonprofit
organizations.

Grants are not loans. Loans are different than grants because they are awarded to an
organization or individual as a personal benefit or assistance. One is required to pay
back a loan, often with interest.

What Types of Grants Are Available?

There are three main sources for grant funding:

•	Governments—often federal, sometimes state, and occasionally local.

•	Private businesses and corporations.

•	Foundations, which distribute millions of dollars each year to community
organizations like yours.

What Is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

An RFP is an invitation by a foundation or funding agency for bidders to submit
a proposal for money for projects that reflect the agency's values, interests, or
research priorities.

a

When Should You Apply for Grants?

You might apply for grants when:

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

30


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	You are invited to apply or are responding to an RFP.

•	You want to start a new project or expand an existing project, and financial costs
cannot be covered in the current budget.

•	You know of a specific granting agency that awards money for the types of costs
you envision.

•	Your community meets the eligibility standards for such awards.

•	There is time to commit to the grant writing process.

Note that some grants have prerequisites, such as attending public meetings or
participating in public engagement activities well before the grant deadline. You might
start anywhere from three to 12 months in advance, using the previous year's grant
guidelines, as they often don't change much from year to year.

*

Focus on the Type of Support You Want
General Purpose or Operating Support Grants

Operating grants can be used to support the general expenses of operating an
organization. An operating grant means the funder supports the organization's overall
mission and trusts the organization to make good use of the money.

Program or Project Support Grants

Most other grants come in the form of program or project support. A project grant
supports a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end, explicit
objectives, and a predetermined cost. When a funder gives a grant for a specific
project, it is generally a restricted grant and must be used for that project.

Grant Proposal Application

A grant proposal application is the written document submitted by the
requesting agency or individual to a funding agency as a means of requesting
grant money.

Standard Components of a Grant Proposal

Common elements in a grant proposal:

•	Cover letter, title page, and abstract.

•	Statement of the problem/needs statement.

•	Project description (e.g., goals, objectives, methods, activities).

•	Evaluation plan.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

31


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Budget request and budget justification.

•	Applicant qualifications.

•	Future funding plans and plans for sustainability.

•	Appendices, which may include:

o A marketing or dissemination plan schematic.

o A project staffing flow chart.

o A timeline of proposed activities.

o An evaluation instrument (e.g., a survey).

o Any existing educational or printed materials to be used.

o Description or resumes of key project personnel, including advisory board

members and any consultants already identified,
o Letters of support/participation.

•	Features of a strong proposal that enhance the likelihood of funding:
o Well-organized proposal sections.

o Well-researched and -documented statement of the problem,
o Creative or innovative strategies for addressing the need/problem,
o Feasible and measurable goals and objectives,
o A sound evaluation plan.

30-Minute Break	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for a break.

Objective: Participants will take a 30-minute break.

Give the participants a 30-minute break.

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 5: Crossing Your T's and Dotting Your I's

Time:	Allow approximately 60 minutes for this lesson.

Objective: Participants should have a clear understanding of the necessary
components to include in a winning grant application.

Facilitator Note

Emphasize the importance of attention to detail and completing all parts of the
application. Encourage discussion about which grants are right for the participants'
concerns. Give examples of each application proposal element as you present the
topic.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

32


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Guidelines for Submitting a Good Grant Application

•	Before beginning a grant proposal, the organization should identify the problem
or goal area for which funds will be sought. Thoroughly search the field for
available grants for the problem/goal area.

•	Understand which types of support are available. This allows you to focus on the
funding that fits with your goals.

•	Know the grant guidelines and follow them exactly. If you have any questions,
consider meeting with the funding source, or have others contact funding
sources on the organization's behalf.

•	Form a working group that includes an expert in the field or someone with grant
writing experience. Use a successful application as a model when building your
application.

•	Once the application is complete and submitted, follow up with your partners,
the community, and the funding source. This ensures that all the information has
been received and builds a resource network.

4

Common Elements in a Grant Proposal

The discussion that follows will give you guidelines for each element in a grant
proposal:

•	Cover letter, title page, and abstract.

•	Statement of the problem/needs statement.

•	Project description (e.g., goals, objectives, methods, activities).

•	Evaluation plan.

•	Budget request and budget justification.

•	Applicant qualifications.

•	Future funding plans and plans for sustainability.

•	Appendices.

^ Cover Letter. Title Page, and Abstract

Instructions for the cover letter and title page will be included with the RFP. The
cover letter should be on your organization's stationery and signed by the appropriate
organizational official. The cover letter—usually limited to one page—should:

•	Describe the organization's interest and capacity to successfully implement the
proposed project.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

33


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Have an upbeat tone that makes it stand out in a positive way.

•	Summarize the project.

•	Designate a contact person for any questions about the project.

Once again, a well-written letter is likely to get you extra points in the reader's mind.
Make certain that all your spelling and grammar is correct.

Typical title page contents include:

•	Project title.

•	Name and address of the organization submitting the grant proposal.

•	Name of the prospective funder.

•	Beginning and ending project dates.

•	The total amount requested.

Some RFPs require a letter of intent that precedes the submission of a grant proposal.
These can be challenging to write, as they are basically an abstract for the proposal.
Therefore, it is helpful to have a clear purpose, identified need, and a strategy for
addressing that need ahead of time. Have those things in mind as you research RFPs
so you can identify agency missions and grant opportunities that match the interests of
your program or project.

An abstract is related to, but different from, the letter of intent. The abstract includes a
summary of the problem/need, overarching goals, and implementation and evaluation
methods, as well as a final paragraph describing the organization's capacity for carrying
out the proposed project. An RFP may limit the number of pages an abstract can be,
but a good rule of thumb is no more than two pages.

jr* Statement of the Problem/Needs Statement

The needs statement is one of the most powerful components of the grant
proposal. This is where you can grab the reviewer's attention and make the case for
funding needs. So, do your homework before writing this section. Know the community
(e.g., demographic and socioeconomic characteristics), the extent of the problem, and
if any previous or existing efforts have targeted the same problem.

The problem or needs statement should:

•	Document the problem you want to address. You can use text, statistics, graphs,
and charts.

•	Describe the causes of the problem or the circumstances creating the need.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

34


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Identify approaches or solutions attempted to date, based on a review of
literature when possible.

Use existing data sources to document the problem, such as city, county, state, and
national census data. If the existing local data for your needs/problem statement is not
easily available, you may need to conduct qualitative research (e.g., telephone
interviews, focus groups, self-administered surveys).

Project Description

Once you have captured the reviewers' attention by clearly documenting the
need for funding, present the details of the program implementation plan. This section
of the proposal should guide the reviewer through all the activities needed to
accomplish your goal. Furthermore, refer to your project description over the course of
program implementation. Even if program staff changes overtime, the project
description should provide a road map to follow.

The project description should include three main pieces of information: goals,
objectives, and methods.

Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives are a very important piece of your grant proposal. Goals are
broad statements with a long-term, ideal outcome. Most proposals do not have more
than three goals.

For each goal, develop numerous corresponding objectives. Objectives are specific
statements that will show the reviewer exactly how you plan to achieve your goals. The
best objectives have several characteristics in common.

Well-written objectives are:

•	Specific. They specify what you want to achieve, by how much, and when.

•	Measurable. Information concerning the objective can eventually be collected,
detected, or obtained from records.

•	Achievable. Not only should the objectives themselves be possible, but the
organization should also be likely to pull them off.

•	Relevant to the mission. The organization should have a clear understanding of
how these objectives fit with the overall vision and mission of the group.

•	Timed. The organization should develop a timeline (a portion of which is made
clear in the objectives) for achieving goals.

•	Challenging. They encourage the group to set its aims on significant
improvements that are important to community members.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

35


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Once you are comfortable drafting objectives, determine whether they are "process"
objectives or "outcome" objectives. A process objective measures the tasks completed
as part of the implementation of a program, while an outcome objective measures long-
term results or a program's impact.

Methods

A sense of clarity and specificity will come after you draft the proposal objectives. The
next step in the proposal writing process is to break down each objective into a series
of activities needed to achieve it. The methods section describes in detail how to carry
out the goals and objectives over the course of a project.

When writing the methods section, be sure to:

•	Keep the sequential order of tasks in mind.

•	Make sure that the activities described are cohesive, so reviewers see that you
know how all pieces of the puzzle fit into the big picture.

•	Include a flow chart of the sequence of events, if applicable to your situation, in
addition to a timeline chart, which is usually required.

^ Evaluation Plan

The purpose of the evaluation plan is to show how you will measure the
success of process and outcome objectives. Be sure that the plan includes details
about how information will be collected and analyzed. Describe how and when
evaluation findings will be shared with the funder.

The Need for a Program Evaluation Plan in a Grant Proposal

There are two main types of evaluation: process and outcome. Your project will dictate
which type of evaluation you use. Use a combination of both approaches depending on
the types of objectives you draft. Process evaluation assesses the implementation of a
program, emphasizing activities to be completed. Outcome evaluation assesses the
short- or long-term impact of a program.

Evaluations can be complex and time intensive. Unless you can afford to budget for an
evaluation consultant, design the evaluation plan within the strengths and limitations of
program and staff resources.

Budget Request and Budget Justification

The detailed information for the goals and objectives, methods, and evaluation
plan will serve as the foundation for the budget request. You will now need to assign
corresponding dollar amounts to staff positions and activities.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

36


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Common budget line items for budget requests include:

•	Staff salaries

•	Taxes

•	Fringe benefits

•	Indirect costs

•	In-kind items

•	Rent and utilities

•	Equipment and supplies

•	Postage

•	Travel

In the budget justification, clearly describe the need for each line item total requested.
In one or two sentences per budget line item, show the reviewer exactly how you
arrived at the total for an item.

Tips to consider when making the budget:

•	Make sure the budget does not exceed the maximum amount stated in the RFP.

•	Ensure that the numbers in the proposal narrative and budget justification text
match those in the line-item budget.

•	If you are required to submit budget projections for multiple years, include cost
of living raises in staff salaries and allow for inflation among supplies and
utilities.

•	If you are inexperienced with a proposed activity (e.g., conducting focus groups),
talk with someone who has done this to learn how much to budget for. You may
learn about costs that you did not anticipate. It is better to discover those before
you submit your grant proposal than after you are working within a set budget
that could require that you reduce the total number of activities or exclude some
altogether.

^ Applicant Qualifications

Use this section of the proposal to convince the reviewers why this project
should be funded. You may be requesting funding for a problem or need that is already
well documented. While reviewers may need no convincing that the issue is important
or timely, they have a limited amount of funds to award. What makes your
qualifications, approach, or strategy better than the competitors'?

Include the following information in the applicant qualifications section:

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

37


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Describe the organization's mission, history, and existing experience.

•	Emphasize the organization's strengths and current contributions to the field or
community in the relevant topic area.

•	Highlight links to community collaborators and other resources. Obtain letters of
support (or letters of participation) for the proposal appendices from the same
collaborators you mention in this section.

jr* Future Funding Plans/Plans for Sustainabilitv

Funders often want to see a long-term plan for the self-sustainability of a
project. The reasons for this vary. For example, funding may only be available for a
couple of years. Some programs require a match of funding from the beginning.

Funders will want to know how grantees' matching funds will be provided and
sustained. Some initiatives will need to be in place for years if they are to have a long-
term impact on outcomes such as health status indicators.

Appendices

Appendices are supplemental materials that do not belong in the body of the
proposal, but nevertheless are important pieces of information, such as:

•	A marketing or dissemination plan schematic.

•	A project staffing flow chart.

•	A timeline chart of proposed activities (include this in the body of the proposal
instead of or in addition to here).

•	An evaluation instrument (e.g., a survey).

•	Any existing educational or printed materials to be used.

•	Bios, resumes, or curricula vitae for key project personnel, including advisory
board members and any consultants already identified.

•	Letters of support and/or participation.

One-page letters of support/participation should be submitted on official letterhead from
each partnering organization that you have proposed as a collaborator. Letters should
be signed by an executive director or chief executive officer of the collaborating agency.
You may want to draft the letters for each collaborator (in fact, they may request that
you do this), but make sure each letter is unique to your working relationship and
shared interests. Highlight the significance of the proposed collaborative relationship in
the context of proposal goals and objectives. Most grant evaluators will want to know
each individual partner's specific commitment and added value towards the grant
project, so be sure these are not "chain letters," per se (otherwise, this could hurt
instead of help). Make sure to summarize the collaborating agency's capacity and
strengths for addressing the problem or need identified in the proposal.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

38


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

^ Grant Review Process

Reviewers will analyze and rate the quality of each grant application based
upon the application requirements and selection criteria.

What Is Reviewed in a Grant?

When applying for a grant, it is important to follow the funders' specific guidelines
exactly. Here's a general checklist you may wish to use:

~	1. Be sure to format and organize the grant headings exactly the way the RFP

requests. Answer all the questions in the order listed and use the headings,
subheadings, and numbers provided. Be sure to submit the number of
copies the funder requests.

~	2. Include a cover letter to introduce your organization and your request, and to

make a strategic link between your proposal and the funder's mission and
grantmaking interests.

~	3. Grant proposals should be typed and look professional. Make sure the grant

is easily readable (e.g., the font size is not too small).

~	4. Keep an electronic copy of the proposal for future reference. This can be

adapted or modified for future proposals.

~	5. Find out if you need to register to apply. Contact the funder to let them know

the organization is applying or set up a profile before submitting a grant. For
example, federal grants need a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
number. If any of these steps are required, make sure you complete them
well in advance of the grant's due date. If you contact the funder's agency,
be sure to state not only your name, but also the group you are with.

Q 6. If the funder conducts pre-assistance calls or webinars on the funding

opportunity and the application criteria, attend one or more of those. This will
help your organization gain a stronger understanding of the grant/funding
opportunity. Being incorrect on one requirement (e.g., page length, one
criteria) could cost you, as funding opportunities can be extremely
competitive.

~	7. Find out if the grant needs a letter of intent and submit one by the due date if

required.

~	8. Determine if you need letters of support or if you need potential partners to

sign a memorandum of understanding.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

39


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

~	9. Pay attention to how reviewers are going to score various aspects of the

grant and give higher priority to areas that are more heavily weighted (e.g.,
proposal length).

~	10. When writing the grant, use bold or italics to emphasize key points.

~	11. Note that you may need to include the following in the appendices: proof of

nonprofit status, a staffing overview or organizational chart (including board,
staff, and volunteer involvement), and an audited income or expense
statement.

~	12. Once the grant is written, review it for clarity and consistency. Although grant

applications are often a team effort, the final grant application should have
one voice. It should read as if it were written by one writer.

~	13. Make a strong case for the overall significance of the proposal and

prospects for success. State why this project should be done 1) at all, 2) in
this community, 3) at this time, and 4) by this organization.

~	14. Ask the funder questions, if needed—but read the application thoroughly and

think before asking.

~	15. Be very thorough and careful when uploading your grant package to the

funder's website. Submit it well before the deadline to allow for unexpected
problems (i.e., internet is down). We suggest never submitting your package
at the last minute (i.e., 11:59 p.m. the day the grant is due). If you catch a
mistake after the deadline, then all the hard work of writing the grant is lost.
Most foundations and federal agencies will not allow you to resubmit if pages
or grant elements are missing or uploaded incorrectly. Depending upon
when the next grant cycle is, you may have to wait up to one to two years to
apply for it again.

~	16. If your organization is granted funding, there will likely be periodic reporting

requirements to the funding agency.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

40


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 2: Activity: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Grant
Applications	

Time:	Allow approximately 45 minutes for this activity.

Objective: Review different applications to determine whether they meet the grant
requirements.

/ Facilitator Note

Emphasize the importance of attention to detail and completing of all parts of
the application. Encourage discussion about which grants are right for the participants'
concerns. Give examples of each application proposal element as you present the
topic.

Instructions

Present several grant applications that have been reviewed and
processed. For each grant application, have the participants identify what is correct and
incorrect in the application.

jq Criteria for a Good Grant Proposal

Most funding agencies apply similar criteria to evaluating proposals. It is
important to address these criteria directly in the case for support. A proposal that fails
to meet them will be rejected regardless of the quality of its source. Otherwise, there is
a danger of unfairly favoring well-known applicants.

Major Criteria

Here are the major criteria against which many proposals are judged. Read through
your case for support repeatedly and ask whether the answers to the questions below
are clear, even to non-experts.

•	Does the proposal address a well-formulated problem?

•	Is it a research problem, or is it just a routine application of known techniques?

•	Is it an important problem? Will its solution have useful effects?

•	Is special funding necessary to solve the problem, or to solve it quickly enough?

•	Could it be solved using normal laboratory resources?

•	Do the proposers have a good idea on which to base their work?

o The proposal must explain the idea in sufficient detail to convince the reader

that the idea has substance,
o It is not enough to merely identify a wish list of desirable goals (a very
common fault).

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

41


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

o There must be significant technical substance to the proposal.

•	Does the proposal clearly explain what work will be done?

•	Does it explain what results are expected and how they will be evaluated?

•	How will one judge whether the work was successful?

•	Is there evidence that the proposers know about the work others have done on
the problem?

•	This evidence may take the form of a short review or representative references.

•	Do the proposers have a good track record of doing research and publishing it?
o Cite a representative selection of relevant publications by the proposers.

o Absence of a track record is not a disqualifying characteristic, especially in
the case of young researchers, but a consistent failure to publish raises
question marks.

Module 6 Day 2: Lesson 6: Financial Sustainability	

Time:	Allow approximately 60 minutes for this lesson.

Objective: Participants will develop a financial sustainability plan for continuing
their community or organization's goals.

~ This section pulls together concepts discussed previously. Completing a
budget, developing a list of potential funders, and gathering data to apply for a
grant are steps towards a sustainable effort. Emphasize the necessity for each
component to be fully developed to have a successful project.

Participants will learn about financial sustainability and why it is important. They will
learn to develop a plan for financial sustainability. Teach participants the basics of
financial management. This section is designed to help leaders gain skills to keep their
organizations financially stable for years to come.

jQ Financial Sustainability

A financial sustainability plan is a tool used to help an organization or initiative
reach its goals and thrive. It will also assist in creating a sustainable community
initiative. A plan allows for easier transitions, makes you more competitive in your field,
and provides increased focus on your "real" work.

•	Have the team that developed the budget to develop the sustainability plan.

•	Let supporters, funding agencies, and members know what is being done. This
allows for a more transparent process, and partners may provide good
suggestions for your plan.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

42


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Conduct an internal audit to determine the amount of money needed and current
projects.

•	Set objectives, review available possibilities, and follow up on the most
promising options.

•	Develop a draft to give to the partners initially notified of the sustainability plan.

•	Review and incorporate comments into the plan.

•	Remember that implementation, review, and evaluation are continuous, as
planning never stops.

Who should plan for financial sustainability?

•	Individuals

•	Businesses

•	Governments

•	Communities

•	Organizations

•	Churches

Why should vou complete a plan for financial sustainability?

•	To ensure finances are secure.

•	To increase focus on the real work. Your organization can do more of what it set
out to do because it can focus on the mission, not just on finances.

•	To become more competitive in the field. More money allows you to hire more
and better staff, which allows you to do more more work towards your mission.

•	To ease transitions. A plan can assist the organization in successful transition
when current funding is depleted.

•	To follow guidelines. Some funders require a plan for financial sustainability as a
condition of their grants. By having a plan already developed, you will be one
step ahead.

When should vou plan for financial sustainability?

•	The earlier the better!

•	Start from the beginning.

•	If your organization has been around for a while, a complete overhaul may be
needed.

•	Periodically look over the plan and revise it to fit your current needs.

How should vou plan for financial sustainability?

•	Think about what the organization really needs and wants.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

43


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

o Set goals.

o Think about what taking or earning money in different ways will say about the
organization. For example, will a high membership fee deter lower income
people from joining?

•	Decide who will develop the plan.

o Designate a sustainability committee, board members, or a temporary
working group.

•	Be transparent to members about activities,
o Build trust.

o Receive suggestions.

•	Conduct an internal audit.

o How much money is currently available?

o How much money do you expect to have in the coming year, two years, etc.?
o Where is the money coming from?

o What will you do with it? How much money will go to programs, staff, etc.?
o How much debt do you have?

o Note that some funders or grants require an independent financial audit.

•	Determine how much money you need.

o Look at what the organization is currently doing,
o Think about what the organization hopes to do in the future,
o Make a list of essential things the organization should be doing.

- Determine a bottom dollar amount of the things that must be done for the
organization to be successful.

•	Decide how much money the organization wants,
o Dream about the future of the organization.

o Talk with others about the goals they want to accomplish through the

organization,
o Make a wish list.

o Write down a list of what the organization will need over what period to make
the vision happen. What will it take (in terms of resources) to accomplish
these goals? Does the organization need more staff and/or better trained
staff? A new building? Next to each item, write down an estimate of what that
would cost. Break the list down into first year costs, second year costs, etc.
Write this down over a five-year period of time, or even longer.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

44


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

^ Tips for Continuing Financial Sustainability

•	Network to stay informed about what's going on and develop connections with
others.

•	Designate someone in the organization to take on the task of scouting and
tracking opportunities that might be available.

•	Consider hiring someone to write grants for the organization. This can be worth
the expense if the grant writer is good, especially if they are willing to work at
least partly on commission. You might also find a sympathetic local professional
with a background both in grant writing and in the content area to review the
proposal for form and content. This being said, ensure you have numerous
internal and external editors to supplement the grant writer to help with quality,
clarity, and obedience to the grant criteria.

•	If tax exemption is needed and you are not tax-exempt yourself, find another
like-minded, tax-exempt organization to make a formal grant application for the
organization. That same group, often called a lead agency, may also manage
grant funds received.

•	Make everyone's roles and responsibilities very clear.

•	Get to know your local politicians well enough that they return your calls and
understand your issue and its importance.

•	Diversify your funding so you aren't completely dependent on any one form of
support.

•	Ensure continuity. Stick to the mission and keep doing what has been done. It's
helpful to have consistent people, consistently going out doing the same things.
Consistency helps create a local base of support.

•	Successful fundraising often depends upon being in the right place at the right
time, over and above the actual merits of the proposal. Funding deadlines are
often short. Stay connected with possible funding sources, and develop ideas
and action plans so that you can be ready to move quickly when the right
opportunity comes your way.

about the grant process and financial sustainability.

I

Discuss

Open the floor to the participants to ask questions and/or relay experiences

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Module 6 Day 2: Summary: Synopsis of Days 1 and 2	

Time:	Allow approximately 30 minutes for the summary (20 minutes to review

topics and questions, 10 minutes for discussion questions).

Objective: Review key topics and learning objectives.

Provide a summary of the topics that were presented and share key points from
the module. Understanding and planning for financial sustainability is key to

moving an initiative forward.

The goal of module 6 was to provide the participants with a clear understanding
of what to include in a budget and the need for financial management. After
completing module 6, the participant should be able to:

•	Describe a plan for financial management.

•	Create a budget for the upcoming year that takes into consideration the
community dreams identified in module 2.

•	Collaborate and communicate with other community organizations to enhance
their organization's resources.

•	Identify ways to develop financial resources for their organization.

•	Sustain the organization by ensuring effective leadership during transitions,
managing funds wisely, staying organized, communicating with stakeholders,
and retaining committee members.

Homework Assignment	

Time:	Allow 15 minutes for this section.

Objectives: Complete the appropriate columns in the action plan. Prepare for the
piranha bowl presentations.

Explain the following homework assignment and bonus activities.

Background

There is a reality television show that has aspiring entrepreneur contestants make
business presentations to a panel of investors. The show features a panel of potential
investors who consider offers from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking investments for their
business or product. The entrepreneur can make a deal on the show if a panel member
is interested. However, if all the panel members opt out, the entrepreneur leaves
empty-handed.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

46


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

The investors often find weaknesses and faults in an entrepreneur's concept, product,
or business model. Many deals made on the show are never enacted due to the
investor's vetting process, which includes product testing and reviewing the
contestants' finances.

Applying the Concept to the Piranha Bowl

Like the show, EJ Academy participants will be placed in front of potential investors.
Instead of participants pitching their next business venture or product, they will be
persuading these stakeholders to invest in their plan for their community. This exercise
will prepare the participants to pitch their action plan to actual investors and
stakeholders in the future.

Participants will prepare for this activity in the module 6 homework. Participants will
complete a budget for their project plan and search for potential grants to apply for
investors. They will imagine that the panel consists of the grant reviewers or investors
they identified for homework. Furthermore, they will work with their accountability
partner to develop their 2-minute pitches for their community's environmental justice
challenge.

The piranha bowl will be a 90-minute activity in which each participant will present their
pitch for 2 minutes and the panel of "piranhas" will have 2 minutes to ask questions and
make comments. This activity will be held in two sessions and participants will have
time beforehand to prepare their presentations or set up necessary materials. The
presentation may also be recorded to provide better feedback if necessary later.

Participant Instruction
Module 6 Homework

The instructions for the participants and the piranha scoring table can be found
in Appendix E.

Bonus Activity	

Time:	Allow approximately 5 minutes for this section.

Objective: Attend a grant writing workshop or training.

Explain to the participants that although we covered the grant application
process and financial sustainability, there is much more to learn.

H Find and attend a grant writing workshop in the regional area.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

47


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Provide participants with a list of trainings or workshops regarding grants or financial
management.

Module 6 Day 2: Closing	

Time:	Allow approximately 10 minutes for this closing.

Objective: Close out day 2 of module 6 and give a short introduction to module 7.

^ Thanks and Closing of Session

Thank the participants for being dedicated. Remind them that they are in the
home stretch and acknowledge the progress they have made as individuals and as a
group.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

48


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendices

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

49


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendix A: Additional Resources	

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box. Generating, Managing, Sustaining
Financial Resources, Chapter 42, Section 1: Developing a Plan for Financial
Sustainability: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/grants-and-
financial-resources/financial-sustainabilitv/main

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box. Generating, Managing, Sustaining
Financial Resources, Chapter 42, Section 5: Writing a Grant:
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/qrants-and-financial-
resources/writinq-a-qrant/main

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box. Generating, Managing, Sustaining
Financial Resources, Chapter 43, Section 1: Planning and Writing an Annual
Budget: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/manaqinq-
finances/annual-budqet/main

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box, Module 14: Applying for Grants:
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/applvinq-for-qrants

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box. Managing Your Money:
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/manaqinq-finances/manaqe-
monev/main

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box. Developing a Plan for Financial
Sustainability: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/qrants-and-
financial-resources/financial-sustainabilitv/main

•	University of Kansas Community Tool Box. Planning and Writing an Annual
Budget: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/finances/manaqinq-
finances/annual-budqet/main

•	Dictionary of History and Ideas, edited by Philip P. Wiener. Published by Charles
Scribner's Sons, 1968-73.

•	Definition of financial management: http://manaqementstudyquide.com/financial-
manaqement.htm

•	Capital requirement definition:
http://www.investopedia.eom/terms/c/capitalrequirement.asp#ixzz3pnAEcPnA

•	Sample organizational budget: https://eiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Sample-
Orqanizational-Budqet.xls

Federal Sources

•	Circulars on grant management for nonprofit organizations:
https://www.wh itehouse.qov/omb/information-for-aqencies/circulars/#educational

•	EPA resources for businesses and nonprofits: https://www.epa.gov/resources-
small-businesses

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

50


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

•	Information for grant seekers: https://candid.org/improve-vour-nonprofit7fcrefHr

•	Tax exemption information for registered nonprofits: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-
pdfZp557.pdf

•	Common types of grants: https://mcf.org/common-types-grants

Health

•	Grantmakers in Health (GIH) is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated
to helping foundations and corporate giving programs improve the health of all
people. You must become a member to get full access to information:
https://www.gih.org/

•	Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria:
https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/

Poverty

•	Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support (WINGS). Dedicated to
philanthropy and a culture of giving, they provide mutual learning, support, and
knowledge sharing: https://wingsweb.org/

•	Administration for Children and Families. Responsible for federal programs that
promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals,
and communities: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/

Women's Health and Development

•	Women in International Development. A compilation of web pages with funding
opportunities for women in international development: https://womenindev.com/

•	Global Fund for Women. International network committed to equality and social
justice for women by awarding grants to women's groups around the world:
https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/

Regional Funding Sources: United States and North America

•	Candid. Maintains a comprehensive database on U.S. grantmakers and their
grants. Provides access to free resources through five regional libraries and a
network of over 400 funding information centers: https://candid.org/

•	Grants.gov. This website, run by the U.S. government, is a central storehouse
for information on over 1,000 grant programs. It provides access to
approximately $500 billion in annual awards.

Agriculture

•	United States Department of Agriculture. Contains information on research, as
well as tips on grant writing and updated information on requests for applicants:
https://www.usda.gov/

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

51


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Environmental

•	Environmental Grantmakers Association. Helps member organizations become
effective environmental grantmakers through information sharing, collaboration,
and networking: https://eaa.ora/

•	Grantmakers Without Borders. Dedicated to increasing funding for international
social justice and environmental sustainability initiatives:
http://www.internationaldonors.org/

•	Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Contains research and information
related to the environment that can aid in the grantmaking process:
https://www.epa.gov/

•	Echoing Green. Provides seed money to social entrepreneurs who want to make
a positive social change: https://echoinggreen.org/

Grant Writing/Grant Seeking

•	Foundations: Refer to www.Philanthropy.com

•	Fundsnet. A compilation of grant writing and fundraising services at no cost;
includes various categories of interest: https://fundsnetservices.com/

•	The Grantsmanship Center. Offers grantsmanship trainings and earned income
strategies for nonprofits: https://www.tgci.com/

•	National Service Resources. Provides general grant resources as well as grant
opportunities by category: https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.isp

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

52


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendix B: Glossary

Accounting

The method by which one keeps track of and manages money. There
are various accounting systems that an organization can use, but the
goals of all of them are to assure accurate records and help
organizations know exactly how its money is being spent and how its
financial position compares to its budget.

Audit

A certified public accountant (CPA) checks organizations' financial
records to make sure they are accurate and works with organizations to
correct errors and solve problems. The CPA then prepares financial
statements using the organization's books, and either certifies that the
organization follows acceptable accounting practices and that its
financial records are in order or explains any problems with the
financial records and suggests corrective measures.

Balanced budget

Projected expenses and projected income are approximately equal.

Budget deficit

Projected expenses are significantly greater than projected income.

Budget surplus

Projected income is significantly greater than projected expenses.

Budget

An amount of money available for spending that is based on a plan for
how it will be spent; a plan used to decide the amount of money that
can be spent and how it will be spent; or an official statement from a
government about how much it plans to spend during a particular
period and how it will pay for expenses.

Capital requirement

The standardized requirements in place for banks and other depository
institutions. These requirements determine how much liquidity is
required to be held for a certain level of assets through regulatory
agencies such as the Bank for International Settlements, the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Federal Reserve Board. These
requirements ensure that these institutions are not holding investments
that increase the risk of default and that they have enough capital to
sustain operating losses while still honoring withdrawals.

Conservative
estimation

Using the highest reasonable figures when estimating expenses and
the lowest reasonable figures when estimating income, so you will be
more likely to create a budget that will keep you from overspending.

Financial manager

A financial manager provides financial advice and support to clients
and colleagues to help them make sound business decisions.

Financial
management

Planning, organizing, directing, and controlling financial activities, such
as procurement and use of funds in an enterprise. It means applying
general management principles to the financial resources of an
enterprise.

Fiscal year

This term means financial year. It is the calendar you use to figure your
yearly budget (e.g., July 1 to June 30) and which determines when you
file tax forms, get audited, and close your books.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

53


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Fund accounting

The practice of keeping a separate record of the expenditures for each
separate grant or contract administered by an organization. For
example, a grassroots AIDS prevention initiative might keep separate
records for funds they receive from the Department of Health, the
Department of Social Services, the Department of Welfare, a local
community foundation, and the AIDS Action Committee.

Grants

Monetary awards to a group or organization to carry out a community
project they have proposed. In real life, grant awards are sometimes
given in resources other than cash (e.g., travel expenses, time off).
Occasionally, especially for research, grants are made to individuals as
well as groups.

Line item

An expense category (e.g., salaries, phone bills, office supplies).

Line-item budget

Generally, a budget that specifies how much of the funder's money will
be spent on each line item. It could also refer to any budget that is
broken out by line item.

Projected expenses

The amount of money you expect to spend in the coming fiscal year,
broken down into the categories you expect to spend it in (e.g.,
salaries, office expenses).

Projected income

The amount of money you expect to take in for the coming fiscal year,
broken down by sources. In other words, the amount you expect from
each funding source, including grants, contracts, fundraising efforts,
memberships, and sales of goods or services.

Procurement

The act of getting possession of something; the act of obtaining or
buying goods and services. The process includes the preparation and
processing of a demand as well as the end receipt and approval of
payment.

Spreadsheet

A grid format for creating a budget to see expenses, income, and the
ways they interact all in one place. In a budget spreadsheet, each
vertical column represents a funding source, and each horizontal row
represents an expense category. In the space where a column and row
meet (called a cell), a number represents the amount of money from
that column's funding source spent on that row's expense category.

Sustainability

Involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy resources,
including financial resources; able to last or continue for a long time.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

54


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendix C: Activity: Budget Outline

Budget Outline Activity

Sample Spreadsheet

M-J M f\ f \ y~i f~v •» •





J-jO /lL UUt /lly | START | 1/1/2M6 | PERIOD LENGTH {IN DAYS] | a | END DATE | JfaS/ZDB



oi-J AN 31-JAN cz-MAR oi-APR oi-MAl" 31-MAY 30-JUN 30-JUL 29-AUG 28-SEP 28-OCT 27-NOV 27-DEC 26-JAN

25-FEB 2-MAR 26-APR 26-MAY

TOTAL TREND

NET INCOME $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ ¦ $ - $ $ - $ - $ - $ ¦ $ - $

- $ $ • s - $



income

$



$

s

000

000

TOTAl INCOME $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $

$ - $ - $ - $



expenses

$



000





000





000

000

000

000

000

000

000

000





000





000

000

000





000





000

000

TOTAl EXPOSES $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $

- $ - S - $ - 5



A	United States

Environmental Protection
^1 l m Agency

55


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendix D: Activity: Identify Potential Funding Sources	

Potential Financial and Community Resources

Resource

Purpose/Grant
Program

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

Contact
Information

Website

















































































































A	United States

Environmental Protection
^1 l m Agency

56


-------
More Than a Little Change:	Module 6

Identification of Financial Sources	Facilitator's Guide

Appendix E: Homework: Piranha Bowl

Participant Instructions

You should include the following in your pitch to the panel:

•	Mission or vision	<	

-	Reference module 2

•	Highlight current project/plan

-	Goals

-	Action steps

-	Reference module 2

•	Why is it important?

-	Why is your project important to you
and your community?

-	Reference module 2

•	Current partners (optional)		

-	Mention at least one potential partner

-	Describe how they will assist with goal

-	Build credibility

-	Reference module 5

•	Budget/financial investment

-	Create a budget for your project

-	Research actual costs

-	Determine three potential grant or financial investors
(do not mention in presentation)

-	Reference module 6

Time: 1 minute

Time: 1 minute

We recommend that participants bring visual aids such as diagrams, posters, or short
PowerPoint presentations. They should bring a one- to two-page document that
includes the required points for their community to give to the panel and review before
the presentation. The participants should have their pitch memorized; however, they
can have note cards as a reminder of their talking points.

Piranha Instructions

Use the following evaluation criteria to score each participant on their presentation
skills. The participants will be scored on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 represents "needs
improvement" and 5 is "excellent." Participants will be allowed to see their comments
and scores from the panelists, therefore, all comments should be highly constructive
and the scores should accurately reflect performance. The feedback from judges will
allow participants to be prepared for their action plan presentation at the end of the
program. Judges will also make additional comments after all the presentations are
done to give additional positive feedback.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Note: You may not have time to complete this evaluation table during the participant's
presentation, so you should jot comments that relate to criteria to help them complete
the table during the allotted break time.

Piranha Bowl
Evaluation Criteria

Comments

(If you need more space, please attach a separate
sheet of paper noting the participant presentation
number, date, and your name)

Score

Persuasive
presentation





Well-developed plan





Clear, concise
explanation





Inclusion of required
elements

(mission/vision, project
plan, importance, and
budget/financial
investment)





Volume





Eye contact





Confidence/poise





Total





United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

58


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Closing: Lessons Learned and Tips

The event will close with the piranha investors making their last comments to
participants and asking participants questions to help them further develop their action
plans. The participants will also be able to ask the panelists questions to receive further
feedback. The facilitator should provide additional tips for a strong pitch and start an
open discussion about the activity and new-found knowledge.

Here are some example pitches:

Bad (because it requires translation for those people outside the nonprofit
community): I'm the executive director for the Stop Homelessness Coalition of the
greater District of Columbia metropolitan area, which maintains facilities that provide
shelter for homeless constituents. Our client-focused educational process creates an
environment that fosters dignity and provides value for not only our clients, but also
stakeholders and the community at large. Application of these principles... [continuing
for 30 seconds].

Worse: Anything that goes over a minute—even if it isn't using lofty "nonprofit-ese"
wording.

Good: I'm the executive director for a nonprofit that runs homeless shelters. [Pause.]
We help about 1,300 people per night get out of the cold during the winter months and
team up with other nonprofits to provide food for them. [Collect a thought.] What makes
us different is that we have a successful job training program that helps many homeless
families get back on their feet. Here's my card. If you'd like to see what we do, check
out our website.

Handing off the card is also vital, especially if you have a great website that really tells
your organization's story in words, pictures, and videos.

The keys to a good elevator pitch are brevity, plain language, and repetition.

Write it down. Rehearse it. Practice it on the other staff members or volunteers. Get
feedback. Ask to hear their elevator pitches. Make it fun.

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

59


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Appendix F: Sample Organizational Budget	

See this link for another copy of the sample budget: https://eiusa.org/wp-
content/uploads/Sample-Orqanizational-Budqet.xIs

Organization Name:

Fiscal Year (FY) Period: 	

Current Current Previous Previous

Org. YTD FY FY
Budget Actuals Budget Actuals
Revenue		

Government grants and

contracts		

Foundations	

Corporations	

Religious institutions	

United Way, combined federal,
and other federated

campaigns	

Individual contributions	

Fundraising events and

products		

Membership and program

income		

Other		

Total cash revenue

Total in-kind revenue

Total Revenue

Expenses
Personnel

Salaries
Director

Victim advocate
Clerical support

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

60


-------
More Than a Little Change:
Identification of Financial Sources

Module 6
Facilitator's Guide

Organization Name:

Fiscal Year (FY) Period: 	

Previous

FY
Actuals

Benefits

Federal Insurance
Contributions Act (FICA) tax
Worker compensation
Insurance
Benefits total

T ravel
Travel total

Office supplies
General office supplies
Office supplies total

Equipment

Computers
Vehicle maintenance
Equipment total

Other

Rent/lease
Meeting space
Internet and phone service
Website hosting
Other total

Total Expenses

Personnel total

Current

Org.
Budget

Current

YTD
Actuals

Previous

FY
Budget

United States
Environmental Protection
kl a m Agency

61


-------