FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do funders look for in a Grantee?

Funding officials will first determine whether the purpose of an organization or project matches their interests. They will want to see that the project/program is well designed, effectively managed (both programmatically and fiscally), and has a proven record of success.

For related information, visit the Foundation Center's Online Orientation to the Grantseeking Process at: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/gfr/.

How can I get started?

Begin by identifying potential grantmakers and determining whether they might be interested in supporting your project by examing their funding priorities and history of grantmaking. This information is typically available on the funders' websites. As well, prior grants and grantees are listed on a foundation's Form 990 which is submitted to the IRS annually (990 Finder).

Then, determine the funder's process and timeline: what are the application deadlines, is a letter of inquiry required, what are the narrative and budget requirements? Once you have found a funder you'd like to approach, set up a meeting with the Office of Grants and Programs to determine how we can best assist you.

How can I locate potential grantmakers?

American University and WCL have several resources available. SPIN (Sponsored Programs Information Network) is a searchable database service that can be accessed from any computer once your password-protected account is create. The database can be queried to do a specific search or results can be delivered on a regular basis to your email once you have established a personal SMARTS profile. Instructions are available from the Office of Sponsored Programs. We can help you create your account at our regular office hours every Tuesday afternoon.

Grant Advisor Plus also allows users to conduct searches of its grants database or peruse its monthly listings of upcoming funding opportunities in federal agencies and private foundations. Users can access the webstie from any computer on campus.

You can also search the Foundation Center website for information on private foundations, corporate grantmakers, grantmaking public charities, and community foundations. As well, this website provides valuable information on the grantmaking process and training opportunities. Please visit the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)on main campus to utilize this serivce.

How can the Office of Grants and Programs help?

The WCL Office of Grants and Programs provides comprehensive services throughout the pre- and post-grantmaking process.

  • Help you register and set up your SMARTS profile
  • Profide feedback and guidance throughout the funding process during our regular Office Hours
  • Review and provide feedback on proposal narratives
  • Help develop budgets
  • Route compted proposals and award letters through WCL and AU for appropriate approval
  • Coordinate the proposal submission process
  • Act as your liaison with OSP, FInance, and other WCL and AU offices
  • Ensure that reports are submitted to funders by deadlines.

How long does the grantmaking process take?

The proposal process varies considerably amongst funders and can take as little as six weeks or as long as eighteen months. The majority of proposals will require at least two to three weeks for you to develop. The proposal will then be routed through WCL and AU for approval, taking approximately one week. Funders often provide a timeframe as to when they will respond to submissions, though most will be within three months from the application deadline. Once a grant is awarded, it may be several months before funds are available for use against project expenses. Therefore, with all of these necessary steps, we encourage you to begin planning at least a year in advance of the date that funding is needed.

What else does the Office of Grants and Programs do?

In addition to providing WCL faculty and staff with assistance throughout the grantmaking process, our office handles a variety of programmatic services for the law school.

Where is the Office of Grants and Programs located?

Our office is located at 4910 Massachusetts Ave. This is one block north of the WCL main building. We are in suite 16 in the lower level of the building.

When and where are the Office Hours held?

Every Tuesday afternoon the Office of Grants and Programs, along with the Office of Sponsored Programs, hosts office hours from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. We typically meet in room 106, suite 16 (Lower Level) at 4910 Massachusetts Ave.

Office hours provides you with the opportunity to meet directly with staff of both offices and discuss aspects of your funding interests. To ensure that we are able to meet with you on a particular Tusday, please contact Diana Dority (dority@wcl.american.edu or 202-274-4219) to schedule an appointment.

What other resources does WCL or AU provide?

AU's Office of Sponsored Programs' website offers answers to common funding questions, links to online resources, and explanations of the grantmaking process.

Post award administration information can be found here.