Caribbean Times Newspaper 07.20.2016

10
Caribbean TImes, July 20-26, 2016
Ask Valerie
Q
. Our organization is primarily
involved in fundraising to raise that amount. Note that the estimated range of
package, do not request funds in excess of
money but we have never tried to obtain
grants. What advice do you offer for getting
started with the grant writing process?
awards is not a limitation.
Do not request funds for “miscellaneous”
purposes.
A
Do not request funds for anything that
. Writing grant proposals can be is not directly related to the
fun, and often times may even
program you
be time consuming. However, here are
d e s c r i b e d
some basic tips for you to consider before
in the
getting started. Good luck!
narrative
portion
of your
Grant Writing Tips
• Allow plenty of time to
prepare your proposal carefully
and thoughtfully. Do not
rush through the process.
• Read the application
package in its entirety before
starting to write. Be sure you
are an eligible applicant and
your proposed project addresses
the funding priority
for Fiscal Year 2016.
• Follow the formatting
guidelines carefully
and precisely. For example,
if guidelines request
a font size of 12-point or
larger, do not use 10-point
size. Also, if page limitation
is set at 25 pages, do
not exceed this number.
Structure your narrative
according to the
selection criteria. This
helps to ensure that
you cover all required
information and also
makes it easier for
reviewers to evaluate
your proposal.
• Be clear,
concise, and
specific in
your responses
to the selection
criteria.
• Justify
your funding
request in accordance
with project
activities keeping in
mind that all costs
must be reasonable
and necessary
to carry out
your project. Be
specific about
how the funds
will be used
and link them
to items
in your
p r o g r a m
n a r r a t i ve.
Here are
some things
to avoid:
If there
is a limitation
on the award
amount noted in
the application
application.
Entertainment expenses are usually
unallowable.
Gifts and incentives for program participants
are usually unallowable.
• Check your budget figures for consistency.
The amounts on the application
face sheet, the Budget Information
Form, and in the narrative justification
for your budget request must be identical.
• Proofread your proposal. Ask a colleague
or hire our team www.valeriesamuelsnonprofitcenter.com
who has not been involved
in its development to read the proposal. Reviewers
will not give your proposal the benefit
of the doubt if information is missing, spelling
errors change the meaning of sentences, or information
is presented in a confusing manner.
• Use the checklist printed in the application
package to ensure that all required
information is included. Make sure that
your organization’s authorized representative
signs all required forms. This is usually
not the executive or project director.
• Submit your proposal by the deadline
date. Extensions for individual applications
failing to meet the deadline will
not be granted, except as indicated in
the e-Application instructions.
Valerie W. Samuel
York College Small Business
Development Center
94-50 159th Street
Jamaica, New York
11451
(718) 262-2880
Visit our website: www.
york.cuny.edu/sbdc
Bermuda
voters reject
same-sex
marriage in
non-binding
vote
By (CNS)
HAMILTON, Bermuda, A strong majority
of voters in Bermuda have opposed
same-sex marriage in a non-binding referendum
in the British island territory.
Results showed large majorities voting
against same-sex marriage and civil
unions in separate questions, but the referendum
was invalidated because turnout
was below 50 percent, officials said Friday.
Premier Michael Dunkley said his government
was evaluating the results of Thursday’s
vote, in which 69 percent opposed same-sex
marriage and 63 percent rejected civil unions.
He said the results mean those supporting
same-sex marriage in Bermuda will likely go
to court to challenge the ban on its recognition.
“This has been and will continue to be
a highly sensitive matter,” he said. “Despite
our differences we must progress forward.
And my hope is that as we move forward
as a country, we move ahead with
greater tolerance, understanding and respect
and appreciation for one another.”
Dunkley’s government scheduled the
non-binding referendum after it considered
legalising same-sex marriage in May
2015 amid strong opposition in the Atlantic
Ocean island territory. Officials held several
public meetings ahead of the referendum
that Dunkley said were aimed at educating
the public and fostering discussion.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister
Walter Roban urged everyone
to respect the referendum’s results.
“We must unite and come together
and heal our divisions,” he said in a
statement. “There was much energy expended
on this issue by both sides.” (AP)