If you are a nonprofit organization, you know that it can be difficult to get funding for your projects. Luckily, there are many different types of grants out there for nonprofits and other organizations that can help you fund your project.
The key is to take the time to put together an effective proposal so that you will have the best chance of being awarded grant money. Here are some tips on how you can maximize your chances of receiving an award in your next grant application:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Understand Your Audience: Tailor your proposal to the specific interests and priorities of the grant-making organization. |
| 2. Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the positive impact your project will have on the community or cause you’re addressing. |
| 3. Tell a Compelling Story: Use storytelling techniques to engage the reader and make your proposal memorable. |
| 4. Highlight Sustainability: Emphasize how your project will continue to thrive beyond the grant period, showcasing its long-term value. |
| 5. Demonstrate Collaboration: Showcase partnerships and collaborations that enhance the credibility and feasibility of your proposal. |
Write A Great Proposal Cover Letter
To secure the funding you’re seeking, you must write a great proposal cover letter that immediately stands out from the crowd. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Start by introducing yourself and your organization. Make it clear what the grant will be used for and how it will help your organization achieve its goals.
Explain how you plan on measuring the project’s success (i.e., how many people were served, how much money was saved or raised). If possible, include any relevant statistics about similar programs that have been successful in other cities or states/territories/provinces.
This shows that you understand what steps need to be taken in order for yours to be successful as well! It also makes it much easier for reviewers who may not know much about nonprofits or local organizations because now they do!
Tell them how funding from this particular program will help advance their mission while making sure they don’t lose sight of their core values; otherwise known as “being strategic.”
In other words: don’t say yes because someone else said so instead say yes because this opportunity works within (and enhances) existing resources rather than contradicting them.”
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Answer The Questions That Are Being Asked
Make sure you answer the questions in the grant application.
Fill out each section of your proposal in a way that addresses and answers the questions being asked; this is key to convincing an organization that you’re capable of executing their vision.
If there are specific instructions for how information should be presented, follow them to avoid turning off an evaluator by making it difficult for them to read through your proposal quickly.
Give Examples Of How You Will Complete Your Project
- Show how you will measure the results.
- Show how you will use the grant money.
Show how the project will be sustainable, and why it’s important to have a long-term plan for its continuation even after funding has ended.
Explain how this project fits in with other projects or initiatives your organization is currently working on (this helps demonstrate the impact it has on larger goals).
Do Not Forget Line Spacing And Page Numbers
While it may seem like a minor detail, line spacing and page numbers are vital to making sure your proposal is professional.
Line spacing should be 1.5 and page numbers are usually in the top right corner of the page, but there’s nothing wrong with putting them elsewhere if you think it looks better that way. The font should be the same one as the rest of your document and don’t forget to use boldface!
Finally, make sure that each page number is formatted distinctly from its surrounding text by either using a different color or choosing another typeface entirely.
This will help avoid any confusion down the road when someone wants to refer back to specific pages of your proposal while reading through it again (which happens more often than you might think).
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A Good Proposal Gets An Answer
A good proposal gets an answer. The proposal is the first step in the process of getting funding. It is a formal document that outlines the project, the goals and objectives, and the budget. It is a sales document that you are selling to the grantor.
Writing a winning nonprofit grant proposal is complicated work that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Most importantly, it requires you to think like a buyer:
“Why should I give this person my money?” If your answer doesn’t seem like something someone would want to pay for (or their foundation), then it probably isn’t going to win them over either!
Put Together A Budget With Project Costs Before Applying
The first thing you’re going to need to do is put together a budget. Your budget will contain all of the costs associated with your project, including labor and materials.
You’ll want to be as thorough here as possible, because this is how foundations decide whether or not they’ll fund your project and even if they don’t give you money directly, word of mouth can bring in new donors who may be interested in supporting similar projects.
Here are some tips for creating an effective budget:
Calculate revenue. Revenue is what funds an organization’s work; it’s important for any nonprofit proposal writer who wants their organization’s mission fulfilled.
Calculate all potential revenue streams before applying for grant money because foundations will want to know how much money has been raised before giving out grants;
There’s nothing worse than promising something that won’t come true! Make sure there are enough resources available to cover expenses without having any leftover funds afterward (i.e., don’t spend more than what has been allocated).
Include contingency plans if possible but only if possible! A contingency plan should address unexpected circumstances such as natural disasters or other emergencies that could occur during completing the research or implementation phase(s).
If there aren’t any contingencies built into one’s budgeting process, one might run out of funds unexpectedly mid-project due occasioned by unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone’s control like unexpected fires caused by lightning strikes during dry season months etcetera so always prepare ahead just in case this happens.”
When it comes to grant proposal writing, excellence is the key to success. To craft a compelling grant proposal, make sure to follow these 11 tips for writing an exceptional grant proposal, and increase your chances of securing funding for your nonprofit or project.
Cover Both The Expected Income And Expenses For The Project
You must also explain how you will pay for the project, such as your staff time, equipment and supplies. You should also be prepared to pay for travel expenses if necessary.
This means that you need to have a budget in place before even starting with the grant proposal writing process.
Make sure that you include all of your costs from salaries for key employees who will be working on this project to any fees related to third parties (like consultants or contractors) working on behalf of your organization.
Explain How To Access Project Results
You should also include a link to your website, blog, social media site, newsletter, and podcast. If you have videos of the results of your project on YouTube or Vimeo, include links to those as well.
Before you write this section of your grant proposal template, think about how people will access your project’s results and make sure that it is easy for them to do so.
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Offer A DUNS Number, CAGE Code, Or OMB Number, If Possible
DUNS numbers (Data Universal Numbering System), CAGE codes, and OMB numbers are all unique identifiers that can help you get more grant money.
DUNS numbers are assigned by Dun & Bradstreet, which is a commercial database of business information that provides public businesses with a way to identify companies.
CAGE codes are used by the U.S. Department of Defense to identify industries and companies involved in military contracting. OMB numbers are used by the U.S.
Office of Management and Budget for internal tracking purposes as well as compliance reviews by various agencies such as the IRS or SEC when applying for federal grants/funding opportunities with their respective programs/agencies like NSF, NIH, etc…
They’re great resources because they will both make your application stand out from those who don’t use them while also showing potential funders that you’re legit!
Explain Who Is On Your Team
One of the first questions that you’ll be asked to answer is who’s on your team.
It’s important to explain who is on your team and what role they play in the project. You should also detail how each person fits into their position and how they’re qualified for it, as well as any skills or education they have that makes them qualified for their job.
This section should also include any accomplishments made by members of your team about this project, such as past successes or previous experiences working with similar organizations or initiatives.
Put Together A Timeline That Explains When Your Project Activities Will Take Place And When You Will Achieve Your Outcomes
A timeline is a great way to show your organization’s commitment to the project. A timeline should include all project activities, milestones and deliverables. If you’re not sure what these things are, see our template for nonprofit proposal writing below.
Timelines also help reviewers understand how long it will take for your organization to achieve its outcomes and whether or not there is enough time in between each step in the process for other organizations or communities who need help with their projects.
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Describe What Makes Your Organization Unique
You must explain what makes your organization unique. This is a tricky one, as every nonprofit has its unique mission, but if you don’t know how to describe it in a way that will make funding sources want to give you money for it, then you won’t get any funding.
You should be able to explain why other organizations aren’t doing what yours does.
For example: “We are the only organization that provides services directly through our mobile app and on-demand platform.” or “Our organization is the only one of its kind in the city because we provide services specifically tailored toward low-income families.”
Keep It Simple But Comprehensive
Although it is important to keep your grant proposal as short and simple as possible, you should also be sure to include enough information so that the grantor can make an informed decision about whether or not your organization is worthy of its funding.
This means that you need to provide adequate detail on all aspects of the project including:
A Clear And Concise Description Of How Much Money You Are Requesting
- A clear and concise description of what exactly the money will be used for
- A clear and concise description of why your organization needs this money
- A clear and concise description of what results can be expected if this funding is awarded
Make sure to address their key requirements and priorities in the proposal cover letter and narrative body of the application materials.
The cover letter is the first thing your funder will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. The main points that you should include in your cover letter are:
A Clear Explanation Of Why You Are Applying For This Particular Grant
An explanation of what you plan to do with the funds if awarded the grant by this funder (what will be accomplished)
A brief discussion on how your organization has been able to accomplish similar goals in the past and how they will continue their work with these funds
Conclusion
We hope you found these tips helpful. Remember that successful grant proposals are not just about getting money; they are also about supporting your organization’s mission and vision.
Further Reading
Check out these additional resources for more insights on grant proposal writing:
Tips for Stronger Grant Proposals: Enhance your grant proposals with practical advice and tips to increase their effectiveness.
Crafting an Effective Grant Proposal: Learn the key elements of creating grant proposals that capture attention and secure funding.
Writing Grant Proposals for Nonprofits: Discover valuable tips specifically tailored to nonprofit organizations seeking success in grant proposal writing.
FAQs
How can I make my grant proposal stand out?
To make your grant proposal stand out, focus on clearly communicating your project’s impact, using data to support your claims, and aligning your proposal with the funder’s mission.
What are the essential components of a grant proposal?
A standard grant proposal should include a cover letter, executive summary, statement of need, project description, budget, timeline, and evaluation plan.
How can I effectively convey the significance of my project?
Highlight the problem your project addresses, provide relevant statistics and evidence, and explain how your project offers a unique and impactful solution.
How do I find suitable grants for my organization?
Identify grants that align with your organization’s mission and project goals. Utilize online databases, networking, and subscribing to grant newsletters to discover potential opportunities.
What should I emphasize in the budget section of my proposal?
In the budget section, be transparent about your funding needs, detailing how the funds will be allocated for project expenses, administration, and any other relevant costs.
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.