HOW TO
WRITE A WINNING GRANT FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
by Ryan Shaffer I
F YOU OWN or manage an ice rink, capital projects are at the forefront of
your thinking and planning. Nearly all of us have multiple projects that we are actively trying to prioritize and secure funding for. Refrigeration systems, in-floor plumbing replacements, lighting up- grades and roof repairs are some of the major mechanical and structural elements of our buildings that can individually cost more than one year’s gross revenue.
Public and private grants
can drastically reduce the financial burden of capital projects, but many managers fail to take advantage of them. Since I began working in the recreation industry, a large portion of my job has been applying for and administering grants to rehabilitate and build new public recreation facilities. Trough this article, I aim to provide key grant writing tips that will help you become more successful applying for and executing grants.
1
SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH!
Te grants are out there, but it is up to you to find them. Te challenge is discovering the ones that best suit your capital projects. Opportunities for ice dividers, gear starter kits and ADA adaptive equipment are abundant and easy to apply for, but we are all desiring opportunities that will contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to our projects; therefore, these types of grants are highly competitive.
A great place to begin
your search is with local elected officials and their staff. Te majority of capital project grants are created and funded by federal, state and local government entities earmarked to improve
16 SPRING 2020
recreation. Te officials who legislate and support tax- subsidized grants will help you narrow the search because it will help their political aspirations when you improve your facility. Most of the time, tax-subsidized grants are intertwined with green incentives, which is great because our industry has a heavy carbon footprint. Grant opportunities come and go, so it will be up to you to stay current and find grants that fit your short and long-term facility goals.
writing, you must begin early and devote a considerable amount of time and energy during the application process. If an entity is willing to give you a large chunk of money, they are going to expect a lot of details in your application. Grants are typically graded based on a specific criteria by a panel of professionals, who wrap the applications in red tape. Navigating all of the requirements and restrictions is often the most difficult part of the process, so researching grant criterion and attending seminars are crucial to avoid disappointment. Once you understand all of the elements entailed in the application, start early and allocate time to fulfilling each criterion outlined in the application. For example, I am currently administering an $800,000, 50 percent in-kind matching grant (meaning we have been given $400,000) from the State of Pennsylvania to renovate our ice rink. Te application required the following five significant items:
• Feasibility study with a five-year financial statement.
• A recreation needs assessment to gauge the level of support from the community at large.
2
START EARLY AND MAKE TIME
We are all busy juggling employees, facility schedules, budgets and more. However, to be successful at grant
• An engineering study to determine the physical state of our facility, including areas where we could be more energy efficient.
• Key clientele roundtables to determine our primary customers’ needs.
• An intricate proposed project budget and line items.
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