10 Tips for Crafting an Outstanding Agility Grants Application

Agility Grants offer a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to make a positive impact in providing problem gambling prevention programming. Whether you’re a seasoned grant applicant or a newcomer to the process, crafting an outstanding Agility Grants application requires careful planning and attention to detail.

NCPG offers these ten tips to consider while preparing your Agility Grant application.

Tip #1: Understand the Timeline and Objectives of the Agility Grants Program

Begin by thoroughly understanding the objectives and strategic priorities outlined in the Agility Grants program. Familiarize yourself with the meanings of primary and secondary prevention efforts and explore the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework. Note the grant application deadline and set your own deadline for a couple of days before that.

Tip #2: Clearly Define Your Project

Clearly articulate the purpose, goals, and expected outcomes of your project. Identify the audience you seek to reach and explain how your initiative is specifically tailored to appeal to them and meet their unique needs. Include details outlining the activities that will be implemented and the timeline for doing so.

Tip #3: Demonstrate Innovation and Creativity

Agility Grants are designed to encourage innovation. Showcase the unique aspects of your proposal that set it apart from other programs. Highlight any creative strategies, technologies, or approaches that you plan to implement to enhance your prevention activities or messaging.

Tip #4: Build a Detailed Budget

Develop a comprehensive and realistic budget for your project. Clearly outline how the grant funds will be allocated and justify each expense. Ensure that your budget aligns with your project’s proposed activities and objectives. Keep in mind that overhead and indirect program expenses cannot make up more than 15% of your total grant expenditures. Don’t leave this until the last step; you might want to start with it!

Tip #5: Highlight Collaboration and Partnerships

Demonstrating collaboration with other organizations, community stakeholders, or experts in the field can strengthen your application and show a collective commitment to problem gambling prevention. If you are planning to work with a partner on the delivery of the program, you will be required to submit a letter of support from that partner as part of your Agility Grant application. NCPG has developed a template to ensure that the letter includes the necessary partnership details.

Tip 6: Show Evidence of Need

Provide compelling evidence that supports the need for your project with the intended audience. Use statistics, research findings, and real-world examples to illustrate the elevated risk or prevalence of problem gambling in your target community.

Tip 7: Emphasize Measurable Outcomes

Clearly define measurable outcomes and objectives for your project. Explain how you will track and evaluate the success of your initiative. A well-defined evaluation plan adds credibility to your application and demonstrates accountability, and if you receive a grant, is key to being able to complete your impact report at the end of your project. For help in understanding and planning your program evaluation, consider watching The Basics of Program Evaluation webinar recording.

Tip 8: Address Sustainability

Outline a plan for the sustainability of your project beyond the grant period. Discuss how you will secure additional funding, community support, or partnerships to ensure the continued success of your program after the grant period concludes.

Tip 9: Align with NCPG’s Values

Demonstrate a strong alignment with NCPG’s values and principles. Showcase how your project reflects your organization’s commitment to prevention within the problem gambling spectrum.

Tip 10: Seek Feedback and Revise

Before submitting your application, read it aloud to yourself or others. Seek feedback from colleagues, stakeholders, or mentors. Use their insights to revise and strengthen your proposal. A fresh perspective can help you identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall quality of your application. NCPG also offers Agility Grants Office Hours to answer questions.

Crafting an outstanding Agility Grants application requires a strategic and thoughtful approach. By following these ten tips, you can increase the competitiveness of your proposal and position your organization to make a meaningful impact in the field of problem gambling prevention.

More information about Agility Grants can be found at ncpgambling.org/agility.