I’ve written hundreds of grant proposals for arts organizations, and I know that the process can seem overwhelming. There are so many details to remember, from the correct format to using appropriate language.
But at its core, grant writing is just like any other kind of writing: it’s about getting your ideas across in a clear and compelling way.
So don’t worry with practice and some advice from this article (and my upcoming book), you will be able to write grant proposals that funders love receiving!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Embrace creativity and innovative thinking in grant proposals. |
| 2. Consider unique angles and perspectives to capture attention. |
| 3. Balance tradition with fresh ideas to stand out from the rest. |
| 4. Don’t shy away from addressing challenges in a novel manner. |
| 5. Highlight the potential for unconventional solutions. |
If You Have A Small Budget, Focus On A Few Foundations That Are Close To Your Interests
For example, if you are a teacher in an urban school district, consider applying for grants from foundations that support education and youth development in urban communities.
It can also be helpful to focus on one or two foundations with whom you have a good relationship and/or have funded similar projects in the past. If one particular foundation has been helpful in the past, it may be worth considering them first when looking at funding options.
When venturing into the world of grant writing, having the right tools at your disposal can greatly streamline the process. Explore our article on 14 Tools for Writing Grant Proposals to discover valuable resources that can enhance your grant proposal writing experience.
Don’t Assume That Foundations Want To Fund Challenging And Cutting Edge Projects
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that foundations will only fund projects that are pushing the envelope, but in reality, many foundations prefer more traditional approaches.
Remember: You want your proposal to be as appealing to a funder as possible so they can easily see how it fits with their mission and funding priorities.
If you want your application to get funded, you need a solid case for why your project is worth supporting and how it will generate impact (both financial and otherwise).
So focus on communicating clearly what exactly your project is going to accomplish and don’t get distracted by crazy ideas just because they sound cool!
Be Honest About What You Can And Cannot Do With The Money
The first step is being honest about what you can and cannot do with the money. For example, if your project is to train 10 teachers in an area where there are no schools, then it’s best not to promise that all 10 teachers will be able to teach in a classroom of their own within 12 months.
If there are no schools, the local government probably doesn’t have any money set aside for building classrooms.
You’ll also want to be sure that whatever grant you’re applying for will allow you enough time and resources (financial, human resources, equipment) to accomplish your goal.
Nonprofit organizations often rely on successful grant proposals to secure essential funding. If you’re looking to increase your chances of securing grants, check out our insights on Getting More Grant Money with Nonprofit Proposal Writing. These tips could help your organization thrive.
Think Of Your Proposal As An Advertisement For Your Project
You want your proposal to be as effective as possible. That means you need to use the right words, the right order, and the right tone.
You can do this by thinking about your grant application like an advertisement for your project. When you write a grant proposal, you’re selling yourself and your project to the grant reviewers.
And just like in any sales pitch, you want them to buy into what YOU have to offer. Your goal is for them to think: “Wow! I WANT this!”
In your cover letter, speak directly to the individual who will be evaluating the proposal.
Writing a cover letter is an opportunity to speak directly to the person who will be evaluating your proposal. To write a successful cover letter, you need to know as much as possible about this individual.
Use The Evaluator’s Name And Title (E.G., Dr. Jill Smith)
Describe what makes that individual important and influential in your discipline or field of study (e.g., Dr. Smith has been on the faculty at XYZ University since 2000).
Include information about the evaluator’s background in your area of interest (this tells them why they should be interested in funding this research). For example, if you are writing a grant proposal on early childhood education.
Include information such as: “Dr. Smith has two children under six years old; she is also actively involved with preschool education programs through her church.”
This indicates that she may be particularly interested in funding projects related to early childhood education because she can personally relate them back to her own experience as a parent and community leader.”
Winning a grant-funded competition requires a strategic approach and a unique perspective. Learn how to stand out from the competition with our guide on How to Win a Grant-Funded Competition. Uncover strategies that could turn your unconventional ideas into funded projects.
Always Have Someone Else Read Your Proposal Before You Send It Out
You should always have someone else read your proposal before you send it out. This is an informal, but extremely helpful process that can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
The ideal reader will be familiar with your work and research, as well as the grant that you are applying for. They should also understand how the grant writing process works this way they can help catch any errors or inconsistencies before they become problems later on.
Get Feedback From People In Other Organizations About A Draft Version Of Your Proposal
As you prepare to submit your grant application, you should get feedback from people in other organizations who have applied for grants.
These could be friends or colleagues who have already written successful proposals, but it’s better to find someone who won’t be too involved with your organization or project.
The idea here is to get a reader’s perspective on your writing style and content. You can also ask them if they see any potential problems with the proposal and how you might solve those problems if they do arise during the review process.
Remember That People Don’t Have To Like Every Part Of Your Proposal To Fund It
Most grant writing experts will tell you that the key to a successful proposal is having a clear, logical structure and flow. But in some cases, you don’t need to follow typical guidelines for how your proposal should be organized.
If your project is unconventional enough and has an interesting narrative, some funders may not even notice that your proposal doesn’t follow their standard format (and if they do notice, they might actually appreciate it).
In fact, being bold and creative could even help you stand out from other competitors vying for funding!
Crafting an exceptional grant proposal involves more than just the basics. For 11 essential tips that can take your grant writing to the next level, take a look at our article on Writing an Exceptional Grant Proposal. Elevate your grant writing skills and increase your chances of success.
Keep A Scrapbook Of Ideas That You Can Use Again And Again (Especially Photos)
It’s useful to keep track of ideas that worked well for other organizations, especially if they were able to raise grants or gain press coverage. You can use these notes in your proposal writing plan as inspiration, or even just as a reminder of what works!
Use photos that are relevant to your project. If you need help with this step, ask someone who knows how to make good-looking images for the web like maybe the person who taught you how to write grant requests in the past?
Make Sure That The “Boilerplate” Or Background Information Is Up-To-Date And Accurate (Even Check Dates)
One of the first things people notice about grant applications is that they contain more than just the proposal.
There’s some background information, which tells the reader a little bit about you and your organization, as well as allows them to see how you’re similar to other organizations they’ve funded in the past. This material provides context for what you’re asking for funds for.
The most important thing to remember when writing boilerplate is that it should be current and accurate.
Make sure that you have up-to-date contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses for everyone involved in your organization (the grant officer will want these).
If any changes are going on with your organization, such as an executive director leaving or an organizational name change, make sure those are reflected in this section too!
Improving your grant writing abilities is a continuous journey that pays off in the long run. If you’re seeking ways to refine your grant writing skills, delve into our insights on Tips to Improve Your Grant Writing. Small improvements can lead to significant outcomes in your grant writing endeavors.
Use Language That Is Interesting, Fun, And Different
Use active voice. Active voice helps your writing sound more interesting, fun, and different.
Use specific and concrete language. In this way, you can be sure that all readers will understand what you mean.
Use short sentences and words that are easy to understand. This is especially important when writing grants for non-profits or community organizations because many people may be reading it who have not had much experience with grant writing before (or even reading English at all).
Write in familiar language – avoid using complicated phrases or words that might make it difficult for a reader to understand what you are trying to say (e.g., “The proposed project will…” instead of “We propose…”)
Conclusion
I hope that you’ve found this post helpful in your grant writing endeavors. The most important thing to remember is that writing grants is a skill that takes time and practice to master.
If you find yourself struggling with some of these tips, don’t give up! Keep working at it until you find what works best for you.
Then, when it comes time to apply for funding, remember: the more information we provide about why our causes are worthy of attention and support, the better chance we have at getting funded by someone who cares about those same issues!
So whatever type of organization or project you’re considering applying for funding from whether it’s government grants or private donations you should take some time now before approaching your potential backers about their motivations behind giving money away.”
Further Reading
JSTOR – Strategies for Effective Grant Writing Short Description: Explore strategies for enhancing your grant writing skills and increasing your chances of success.
SAGE Journals – Mastering Grant Writing Short Description: Delve into the art of mastering grant writing through insightful perspectives and practical advice.
Nonprofit Megaphone – Crafting a Compelling Grant Proposal Short Description: Learn how to create persuasive and compelling grant proposals that stand out to potential funders.
FAQs
What are the key elements of an effective grant proposal?
An effective grant proposal typically includes a clear problem statement, well-defined goals and objectives, a detailed plan of action, a budget outline, and a strong case for the project’s significance and impact.
How can I make my grant proposal more compelling?
To make your grant proposal more compelling, focus on telling a compelling story that highlights the need your project addresses and the positive outcomes it aims to achieve. Use data and evidence to support your claims.
Are there specific strategies for writing successful grant proposals for nonprofits?
Yes, successful grant proposals for nonprofits often require demonstrating a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, the project’s alignment with that mission, and a clear plan for measuring the project’s impact on the community or cause.
What should I consider when seeking grants for research projects?
When seeking grants for research projects, it’s important to emphasize the novelty and significance of your research, outline the methodology you’ll use, and provide a detailed breakdown of how the grant funds will be utilized.
How can I improve my grant proposal writing skills over time?
Improving grant proposal writing skills involves consistent practice, staying updated with the latest trends and guidelines, seeking feedback from experienced grant writers, and learning from both successful and unsuccessful proposals.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.