Grantwriting for Farmers and Ranchers: Funding Your
On-farm Research Projects

Margaret Krome

A successful federally funded project is no different from any other good project. It has tightly defined purposes, a clear strategy to accomplish them on a realistic timeline, the necessary people, money, and other resources, a basis for evaluating the process when done, and an effective means of communicating results. Many projects are improved by a thoughtful effort to build supporting coalitions. A funder will often favor, and may require, local matches of funding, usually in the form of existing staff salaries and other "in-kind" contributions, as well as actual dollars.

In designing a good project, be sure that you have included the right people in the planning process itself. Here are some starting questions to consider in developing your proposal:

• What is the problem you seek to address?
• What is your principal strategy to resolve that problem?
• Why is this strategy better than other approaches you might consider?
• Have other people, locally or otherwise, addressed this problem? If so, what have you learned from their work, and how does your effort relate to theirs?
• Who else might be concerned about your issues? Should they be involved in your project?
• What's a realistic timeline for action?
• What resources do you need to implement your project? What resources can you use for a non-federal match?
• Would others profit from knowing about your initiative? If so, how do you plan to get the word out?
• How will you measure and evaluate your project's outcomes?

One reference for identifying federal programs offering potentially useful resources is the "Guide to USDA and Other Federal Resources for Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Enterprises," published in 1998, which describes program resources in value-added and diversified agriculture and forestry; sustainable land management; and community development.

Starting with a well-designed project, prepare a proposal supporting it so that it stands the greatest chance of being approved. Make your central points clearly, including how your proposal addresses a program's key goals. Be precise and accurate; don't be tempted to exaggerate the need or over-promise results. Use clear, concise language to make your application or proposal readable. It's smart to have it reviewed by someone whose editing skills you trust. Is it clear? Readable? Grammatical? Pay close attention to formatting, deadline, non-federal monetary match and other stated requirements. Be sure that your budget is accurate, clear, and accompanied by a budget narrative to clarify any points you think could be misunderstood. And, of course, be prepared to readjust your proposal for each program to which you submit it.

Make sure you understand the review process. Is it based on only a few people, or is it comprehensive? If the contact person makes funding decisions, get to know them and their preferences. Under any circumstances, be pleasant and non-combative in discussing your project. Finally, but very important - don't be discouraged! Many successfully funded grants and applications for federal resources are the result of earlier failed attempts. Understanding why your earlier efforts were rejected is likely to help in future ones.

Preparation of the "Guide to USDA and Other Federal Resources for Sustainable Agriculture" has been supported by the SARE program, the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

Margaret Krome
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
2524 Chamberlain Ave
Madison, WI 53705
Tel: (608) 238-1440
mkrome@inxpress.net

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