Getting Started

Grant or gift?

Grants differ from gifts in that grants require reporting on results from the investment of funds. Gifts generally come with no such strings attached. Employees of Goshen College are encouraged to pursue grants to support special projects and research efforts. 

Rules for approaching funders

Grant proposals often respond to a request for a proposal (RFP) from a funding agency.  However, sometimes a project does not fit any existing program, requiring some initiative to find a source of funding.
Goshen College employees should not contact individual donors, businesses or churches unless they have first consulted with the grants coordinator and obtained authorization from the development office.
Although most foundations may be approached after simply notifying the development office, contacts with Lilly Endowment Inc. must be approved by the President's office.

How to use this site

This site contains information to help you develop a successful grant proposal. The "Process" and "Development" tabs above contain instructions, hints and resources.
If you are developing a proposal of your own, information on this site can help you to make a convincing case for funding.
If you are responding to a request for proposal (RFP), instructions in the RFP should be followed closely as well.

Grants coordinator

The Goshen College grants coordinator, Rebecca Horst, is available to consult with teaching faculty and academic departments during the proposal planning and writing process. She collaborates closely with the development office.

The following services are available from the grants coordinator:

• Helping you to identify appropriate, viable funding sources for your project idea
• Alerting you when an appropriate grant opportunity arises
• Guiding you through the internal approval process
  
• Shaping the tone and direction of your proposal
  
• Offering advice and institutional guidelines on budget issues
• Providing institutional information
• Editing and proofreading
• Obtaining necessary cover letters and signatures
  
• Photocopying and mailing
• After funding is received, planning for appropriate accounting
  
• Reminding you when grant reports are due
  

Please contact Horst if you have any questions. E-mail or call 535-7206.