the 4-1-1 | Keeping you dialed in

This is part two of a four part series on how to successfully obtain free grants.

How to Write a Grant Proposal

Before starting to write your proposal, be sure you understand these basic principals of grant writing: Read the Request for Proposals (RFP) carefully! You may neglect to do something important that might immediately disqualify you.

1. Organize your proposal according to the RFP. These instructions are for you. They are designed to make it easy for you to prepare a winning grant proposal. Use them!

2. Pay attention to the point allocation before you begin writing. Be sure to cover the areas that will award you the greatest number of points.

3. Explain things, don’t DECLARE them! Explanations make things more believable.

4. Don’t make assumptions of your reviewers. Don’t assume they understand what your project and organization is about. Tell them clearly what you want to do and why you want to do it! Essentially, be a straight shooter.

5. Avoid jargon and A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.S. They are hard for outsiders to understand. In your grant proposal you want to be understood!

6. Don’t simply reiterate buzzwords. Explain in Standard English language what you mean.

7. Be innovative. Describe how your project will reach new audiences or use new techniques, etc.

8. Be passionate. Use language that expresses the excitement you feel for your project. If you are not excited, why should your reader be excited?

9. Be realistic. Your monetary goals should not exceed what the grant maker can give. The goals of your project should fit the amount of money you are requesting.

10. Be specific. Give detailed accounts of times, places, numbers of people to be served, numbers of hours and dollars to be spent. Tell exactly what your organization will do with the money.

11. Show the grant giver the return on its investment. Grant givers will give money to projects that most efficiently accomplish the goals of their funding organization. Show them exactly what they will get for their money!

12. Check grammar, spelling, and typos. These are unprofessional and should not be tolerated.

13. Ask someone else to review it. A second set of eyes will help you focus the language and proof your proposal for errors.

14. Solicit partners. Partnerships with other organizations can help give your proposal credibility and legitimacy.

15. If the grant giver says “no,” ask why. Find out how you could change it or improve it.

16. Volunteer to be an evaluator. This gives you insight into the grant giver’s mindset.

It is important for an applicant to become familiar with eligibility requirements and other criteria related to the organization and grant program from which assistance is sought.

Applicants should remember that the basic requirements, application forms, information, deadlines, and procedures will vary for each grant maker. Since funding information changes, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the funding source before preparing any application.

NOTE: An applicant should follow the directions in the grant application. A general example of how to prepare a proposal is included here. Some tips and points are also included.

Points to understand before you start

The following are important points to be considered before starting to write a grant proposal:

1. Rule #1: Believe that someone wants to give you the money!!

2. Project your organization into the future. Show the grant maker a track record of success and a plan for future accomplishments. Create a plan not just a proposal.

3. Start with the end in mind and look at your organization’s big picture. Who are you? What are your strengths and priorities?

4. Do your homework: Research prospective grants. Try and search locally first.

5. Target funding sources that have interest in your organization and program. Don’t waste time on organizations that do not specifically fund your type of activity.

6. Start at least two years before you need the money. If you need the money now, you have started too late.

7. A successful grant proposal is one that is thoughtfully planned, well prepared, and concisely packaged.