Writing grant proposals can be a daunting task and one that most nonprofits avoid at all costs. However, when you decide to take on the challenge of writing your grant, you will find that it is not only beneficial for your organization but also for yourself as a writer.
In this post, we will go over some tips for how to write effective grant proposals without getting lost in the process.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. The timing of grant proposal writing can influence success. |
| 2. Certain seasons may have higher competition and lower success rates. |
| 3. Evaluating your organization’s schedule can help you identify optimal times. |
| 4. Balancing grant writing efforts with peak funding periods can enhance results. |
| 5. Being aware of application deadlines and planning accordingly is crucial. |
| 6. Adapting your approach based on funder preferences and cycles can improve outcomes. |
| 7. Flexibility and preparedness are key for submitting strong proposals on time. |
1- Avoid Procrastinating
You may be thinking that you can’t control your procrastination, but the truth is that most of us could. Procrastination is not a random habit but rather a learned behavior. It can be unlearned and replaced with new habits that help you stay on track.
Grant writing isn’t for procrastinators because it requires discipline and self-discipline two traits that are often lacking in people who let themselves get away with procrastinating for too long.
When you write grant proposals promptly, you will find yourself more productive and less stressed out than if you wait until the last minute to get started on them.
The bottom line is this: if your job involves writing lots of grant proposals (and especially if they include complex applications), then it’s best to avoid procrastination at all costs!
Looking to maximize your grant potential? Our guide on getting more grant money through nonprofit proposal writing is packed with valuable insights to help your cause shine.
2- Get To Know The Organization
Once you’ve figured out who, when, and how to write grants, the next step is to learn about the organization. The following steps will help you get to know your potential grantor so that you can tailor your application to their needs:
- Research the organization by reading their website and talking with people who work there
- Determine where they spend their money (on programs? or administration?)
Find out what they are looking for in a proposal or application form, i.e., what kind of information should be included and what kind of information should not be included.
Have they funded similar projects in the past? How long does it take them to decide on funding applications/proposals?
3- Write With Passion
You should write with passion.
You’re a passionate person, so you should write about what you’re passionate about. That way, the funder will be able to see your heart and feel your energy in the proposal itself.
If you’re writing a proposal for someone else’s project, then think about how you would describe it if it was yours.
What would make this project special? Why is this organization important to you? How does it fit into your larger vision for your life or career? Write out these answers and weave them into your grant application as much as possible.
Crafting an exceptional grant proposal requires careful consideration. Dive into our 11 tips for writing an exceptional grant proposal and elevate your chances of securing funding for your project.
4- Structure Your Proposal For Easy Reading
Use headings and subheadings. A well-structured proposal makes it easy to read, so the first thing you should do is use headings and subheadings. If you don’t have a heading at the top of each page in your proposal, then consider adding them.
Make sure your proposal is in a logical order. You need to make sure that the order of topics makes sense when you read through it out loud or even just say them in your head while reading through the document one last time before sending it off.
Use bulleted lists where appropriate (don’t overuse them though!). Bulleted lists make information easier for a reader or reviewer to process quickly without getting bogged down by too many details.
Especially if those details are factual rather than subjective assertions about what happened during an event like an interview with someone from another company who may happen not be familiar with all that terminology yet.
So, therefore, can’t fully grasp what those words mean until they’ve had some time learning more about them first; this process will take time so start early!
5- Make Sure Your Proposal Is Relevant To The Funder’s Aims And Objectives
The next step in writing a grant proposal is to make sure your project is relevant to the funder’s aims and objectives.
To get this information, you can use the funder’s website:
If you have access to a computer, search for the funds listed on Grants.gov or other online databases (see below). Look at their mission, vision, and goals and make sure they match with your project in terms of its purpose and goals.
If you don’t have access to an internet-connected device, ask someone who does if they would mind looking up the funders’ websites for you. Having someone look this up can save valuable time if there are many funders involved in your application process!
Dreaming of securing a grant for your nonprofit or small business? Our article on winning a grant for your nonprofit or small business unveils effective strategies to turn your aspirations into reality.
6- Use Strong Evidence To Support All Claims In Your Proposal, Including Numbers And Statistics
The use of numbers, statistics, and other data are essential to supporting all claims in your proposal. How specific you are will depend on what type of funding opportunity this is (for example, if it’s a federal grant versus a local government grant).
For example:
If you’re applying for an NIH Research Grant, then you want to use the most recent data available that pertains to your research project. In addition to using data from peer-reviewed publications or other sources that address issues relevant to your project.
You should also include any relevant findings from previous studies conducted by yourself or others that have been published recently.
If you’re applying for a local government grant, it’s important to remember who exactly makes up the population of people in need of services provided by the Funder which may be different than those served by higher education institutions or research institutes like NIH (which focus primarily on health care issues).
7- Be Realistic
- Be realistic about the time you have to write a proposal.
- Be realistic about the time you have to review the proposal.
- Be realistic about the time you have to submit the proposal.
- Be realistic about the time you have to wait for a response.
8- Be Honest
There are two different kinds of lies: the kind you tell to get what you want, and the kind that comes from not understanding how things work. The first type is okay sometimes it’s even necessary! The second type is never okay.
When writing a grant proposal, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that overstating your case will help you get a grant (which it might!). But this can backfire in two ways: 1) If reviewers catch on and realize what you’re doing, they will be less likely to award your organization funds;
Or 2) if they don’t catch on and do award funds anyway, then when the time comes around for another year’s funding cycle and reviewers find out about all those exaggerated claims in previous years’ proposals, they’ll strip away any future awards for your organization. So don’t overstate your case!
Even experienced grant writers can stumble on common pitfalls. Discover the most common mistakes made by grant writers and learn how to navigate them for a more successful grant application process.
9- Address Every Point On The Criteria List
You should address every point on the criteria list. This is so important that I’m going to repeat it: you need to address all points on the criteria list. If you want your proposal to stand out, you need a plan for every one of them.
The reason why this is so important is that it forces you to think critically about how your organization can meet those criteria in a meaningful way. It also ensures that there won’t be any surprises during review time after submission (and trust me, there will be plenty!).
10- Leave Enough Time To Review Your Proposal Carefully Before Submission
You’ve spent weeks, maybe months writing and revising your grant proposal. But as much as you want to get it done, don’t rush this final step in the process. Give yourself time as much as a few days or so to review the document thoroughly once more before submitting it to the funder.
This is a good opportunity for you to take another look at everything to make sure there are no mistakes that might cost you money if they’re not fixed now.First, proofread carefully next, check for grammar mistakes then check for spelling mistakesFinally, check formatting / layout
Grant-seeking can be challenging, especially with potential missteps. Explore our guide on avoiding the 14 biggest mistakes made by grant seekers to ensure a smoother journey toward securing the funding your project deserves.
The Best Time To Write A Grant Proposal Is When You Are Inspired And Have Time To Do It Right
This is the way I’ve always thought about writing, and this is how I approached every book project: I couldn’t wait to get started, and once I got going, it was so much fun that I didn’t want to stop.
The hours flew by as my fingers flew over the keyboard and even though it took me years (sometimes more than one) to complete each book, that was okay with me because each step along the way meant that much closer completion of the book itself.
But why does this work? Why does inspiration make all the difference?
Conclusion
Writing a good grant proposal takes time and effort, but the rewards can be worth it. You’ll get a chance to do what you love, make a difference in someone else’s life, and maybe even get some money to pay for supplies or supplies through your project.
Further Reading
Is There a Grant Writing Season?: Explore the concept of grant writing seasons and learn whether certain times of the year are more advantageous for submitting grant proposals.
The Science of Writing Grant Proposals: Delve into the scientific aspects behind effective grant proposal writing and gain insights into optimizing your grant-seeking efforts.
Crafting Successful Grant Proposals: Enhance your grant writing skills with tips and strategies to create compelling and successful grant proposals.
Now, let’s move on to the “FAQs” section:
FAQs
How does the grant writing season affect my chances of success?
The concept of a grant writing season suggests that there may be more or less competition during certain times of the year. However, the key to success lies in the quality of your proposal rather than the specific season.
What scientific principles can I apply to improve my grant proposals?
Applying scientific principles to grant proposal writing involves data-driven approaches, clear communication, and logical presentation. These factors can enhance the persuasiveness of your proposal.
What are some essential components of a successful grant proposal?
A successful grant proposal should include a well-defined problem statement, a clear description of your project’s goals, a detailed budget, and a compelling narrative that highlights the significance of your work.
How can I stand out in a competitive grant application process?
To stand out in a competitive grant application process, focus on showcasing the unique aspects of your project, emphasizing the potential impact, and aligning your proposal with the funder’s priorities and objectives.
Are there specific strategies to engage reviewers in my grant proposal?
Engaging reviewers in your grant proposal involves crafting a captivating narrative, addressing potential questions or concerns preemptively, and providing clear and concise explanations of your project’s significance and feasibility.
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.