UIC's Great Cities Institute Neighborhoods Initiative and the University of Illinois-Extension are working together on this project supported by a grant from Grand Victoria Foundation to reach communities across the State of Illinois
how to guides heading

How-To Guides

Download Resources & Get Started
acrobat Federal Grant Writing

         Learn where to look for funding opportunities, how to plan ahead,    
         what are some common federal grant components, and how to
         increase your chances of success

acrobat Collaboration and Stimulus Funds

         Learn about how to work with collaboratives to tackle the inherent
         difficulties posed by the federal grants process, and how to access   
         federal money “left on the table”

acrobat Gaining An Edge Through Collaboration

         Learn how working with a collaborative can get your organization
         closer to funding

acrobat The Budget Purpose

         Learn how to design a budget for a well managed organization

acrobat Budget Review

         Learn how to successfully and consistently blend your narrative and  
         budget together by following a six point review

acrobat Cheesebook

         Learn how to prepare before a grant’s application deadline

acrobat Sustainability

         Learn how to finance your project after intitial funding period has 
         concluded

acrobat Place -Based Grants Matrix

         Learn how to create a timeline of expected release dates of federal
         grant programs relevant to your organization to increase the
         competitiveness of your applications by allowing pre-grant planning
         and continuous proposal building

acrobat Developing a Strong Program Logic Model

         A step-by-step explanation of the logic model development process

acrobat Sample Grants Work Plan

         A step-by-step explanation of a work plan developed for a scenario in
         which the  proposal is due in 60 days/9 week

acrobat Data Resources for Grant Applications

         Learn where to access resources to sites that provide data for the
         development of a quality proposal