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AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO FINDING
AND OBTAINING GRANT MONEY
published by: Ahren Lotze
HOW TO WRITE YOUR GRANT PROPOSAL
Writing a grant proposal can be as simple as following the
directions in your application packet. Add a little flare
and your grant application can stand out, making your
chances of selection better.
Every agency bestowing grants has different rules for
application which is why reading the packet you receive
thoroughly is so important. The government is a stickler
for details, so if you can't follow directions or make just
one small mistake, your application will be disqualified.
There are reference sources in your library to consult
about grant proposal writing in addition to the advice
given here. It's best to read as much as you can in
preparation for your grant writing duties.
If you are requesting a grant for a specific idea or
project, contact the agency after you receive the packet to
see if they have recently awarded any grants for this type
of work. If they have, it may be that no further grant
money is available for that project. You will then have to
come up with another idea to obtain your dollars.
Whatever your idea, try to enlist written support from
individuals in your community who may know you and like
your idea. Grant applications backed by letters from local
government, community and business leaders improves your
chances of receiving the award. Federal grant money may
actually require these letters of endorsement. Your
application packet will inform you of the specific
requirements.
Even if not required, support letters are encouraged. It
gives further credence to your idea and may make the
difference if the grant award comes down to a couple of
applications and the agency is forced to choose.
If you have a partner or two who have a different expertise
than you, add their names and qualifications to the overall
proposal. Having assistance on the project often
encourages agencies who make grants available as the
project's chances of completion are heightened.
Bouncing your idea(s) off the agency individuals who will
be considering your grant request is a sound move. Many of
these employees have been there a substantial length of
time and will be well-versed in the ins and outs of grant
obtainment. They often appreciate that you asked their
advice up front and can do wonders for you in terms of
saving time and effort in heading down the wrong track.
You could make, if convenient, a personal visit to the
specific agency to meet the individuals who will be
considering your proposal. There may be pertinent
reference information in the agency which can help you with
your proposal. It always helps to put a name to a face and
a professional look will help you in their estimation.
By all means, stay in contact with these people, especially
if they work in the agency to whom you will be submitting
your bid(s). Even if you don't get a positive response on
the first grant proposal, keep in touch! They can often
tip you off to what future projects have a chance of being
funded. If it's in your area of expertise, you have an
inside track to the next fund availability.
You will likely not be the only one writing for grant
money, so you have to do a better job of it than your
competitor. By making sure that there is:
- - a need for your idea or project;
- - sufficient research done on your part to satisfy the
grantors;
- - no question that you are the best candidate to receive
the grant;
- - time for you to spend reviewing the application process
and preparing your grant proposal;
then you will be ready to write your first proposal draft.
Click here for How to write a grant proposal
Continue to learn with an insider guide to grant money.
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