Writing a Grant Proposal. Whether you are already grant writing and you are looking for information on how to make it into the “to be funded” pile or whether you are doing your homework before making a conscious decision to begin grant writing, you have come to the right place. The secret to successful grant writing lies in matching your area of need correctly with an institution that is in a position to provide you with funding. While this information makes grant writing sound simple; it can be quite the contrary. An important key to grant writing is to remember that it is a process.
Successful grant writing can largely be attributed to solid research, organization and consistency, and also to providing support to a sound idea or project. Our best grant writing tips are outlined below.
- Define Your Area of Need- Determining the areas of funding you need in turn determines the sources of funding are available to you.
- Define the Best Sources of Funding- Here you will need to decide whether to target government grant support or foundation grant support. In some cases, such as a non-profit venture, you may decide that both sources are appropriate.
- Complete a Spreadsheet of Potential Funders- This spreadsheet should include information on each funder and their current situation. Examples of information to include are: contact names and addresses; due dates for letters of inquiry, proposals, or applications; amounts of funding you will be requesting; and detail all necessary attachments prior to grant writing.
- Start Writing Letters of Inquiry, Completing Proposals, or Completing Grant Applications- You will need to remember to complete all of the requirements outlined in the funder’s information, adhere to all published deadlines, ensure that you are consistent and organized in all documents, and complete all required documents to include a detailed project budget. You will also need to ensure that you highlight all of your accomplishments thus far whenever possible; but within the bounds of the potential funder’s request as you begin grant writing.
- Read, Re-read, and Revise Letters, Proposals, or Grant Applications- Make sure that you or someone else with excellent editing skills thoroughly reviews and edits every component of your letter of inquiry or grant application. As you are grant writing, remember that your letter or application is how you, your organization or your business is presented to a potential funder.
The above steps speak to the process involved in grant writing. In addition to looking at the process, you will want to explore various grant writing styles to find a style that is best matched with your need for funds and the source in which you are seeking funding. Good luck in your grant writing venture!