Q. Why does ASGC (successor to NSIIC) have a grant program?

A. The NSIIC first developed a low interest loan program as a result of field hearings held in 1997. The National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA)www.nlpa.org through an intermediary arrangement with NSIIC (now ASGC) continues to administer this program with oversight of the ASGC Board.  
The NSIIC Board began holding annual "Listening Sessions" in 2001 with sheep and goat industry groups and from these sessions the following needs were identified:

·         Small grants

·         Grants that could compliment the NLPA low interest loans.

·         Activities that help coordination between all segments of the sheep and goat industries

Q: How much money is available?

A: In the past the Board  has approved  approximately $300,000 each year

Q: Is there a maximum amount for each proposal?

A: Yes, at present the maximum amount for any one proposal is $50,000.

Q: Who is eligible?

A: Individuals are not eligible. The requirements set forth by Congress were that grants had to be made only to entities.  Entities include partnerships, coops, Corporations, LLC etc. ASGC continues to follow that mandate.

Q: What should I put on my cover page?

A: An application page will be available from ASGC offices for your use.  You will be able to download it from the web.

Q: How should I organize and present my proposal?

A. Follow the guidelines in the notice of availability carefully. The guide may not be fascinating reading, but it does detail how your proposal will be scored and what format to use.

Q: Do I need a Dunn and Bradstreet number (DUNNS)

A.  A Dunn and Bradstreet number is not required.  You may omit it or put N/A.

Q: Do you have any suggestions on how best to write my proposal?

A: The Board of Directors will use the selection criteria outlined in the Availability  Notice to review the proposals. Each member of the Board of Directors reads each and every proposal. The Board is made up of individuals with backgrounds in the goat and sheep industries and you should write your proposal as if you were addressing someone with an extensive depth of knowledge and background. It is usually helpful to have your proposal reviewed by someone familiar with the issue you are addressing.  This will help you make sure that your proposal is clearly written and identity areas that could be strengthened.

In addition, NSIIC sponsored a grant writing session during their annual meeting in 2005.  The presentation material from that session can be found by going to Grant Writing Advice.

Q: Can I have a member of the Board or staff review my proposal before I submit it?

A: No, that could give an unfair advantage to those that were reviewed. Board members or staff can not, and will not review or give guidance to an applicant before the selection process begins.

Q: How will my proposal be selected?

A: The Board of Directors will use the Scoring Criteria advertised to make the selection.

Q: These are competitive grants, what does that mean?

A: There is approximately $300,000 available and each grant is competing with other grant proposals for the available funding. The Board will use the Selection Criteria to select those that will be funded.

Q: If I previously submitted a proposal that was not funded, can I submit it again?

A. Yes, Keep in mind that your proposal will be competing against an entirely different set of proposals this time. Also Board members change and the needs of the various industry segments change. You may also find it helpful to look at the types of projects that have been funded and have your proposal reviewed by others in the industry.

Q: If I previously submitted a proposal that was funded, can I submit another proposal for funding?

A. Yes

Q: Should I pad my budget?

A: It helps to be realistic about your budget. The Board of Directors will take a common sense approach and it really is not helpful to your overall project if they suspect that the budgeted expenses are inflated.

Q: Can I put in-kind costs in my budget as matching funds?

A: Yes, In-kind contributions such as labor and material can be included in your budget. Identify it as in-kind and be realistic about the value.

Q: What does it mean that the proposals must be received no later than ---?

A: Proposals must be received in the ASGC office on or before the deadline date before 5:00 PM EST. Proposals received after that time and date will be returned without review or consideration.  We strongly recommend you do not wait until the deadline date for submissions.

Q: When will I find out what decision the Board made regarding funding?

A:  Notifications will be sent to the contact person identified on the Application by traceable carrier or USPS certified, return receipt mail.

FINAL SUGGESTION: Writing a grant can be time consuming and those that are not selected can find it a very personal let down. DON’T, It is not personal and can be a good learning experience for writing a successful grant in the future.