Grant writing is the act of applying for grants in hopes of securing vital grant funding for a cause. And, if truth be told, it can be very daunting. Every year, thousands of nonprofits, researchers, and community organizations submit proposals with high hopes, but only a fraction receive funding. Top Grant Writers know the secret lies in blending strategy, clarity, and to capture funders’ attention — and keep it. Read on to learn the top 6 grant writing tips to help your organization increase its impact with help from GrantWriterTeam.
Grant Writing Tips
Your proposal must communicate your cause’s mission and needs strategically and convincingly. So, what sets successful applications apart from rejected ones? We asked experienced grant writers and funding reviewers what makes a winning grant proposal. First-time applicants and seasoned pros are encouraged to use these insights to sharpen their skills to make their proposal stand out.
1. Research The Funder: Improve Funding Strategies With 990s
It is critical to research grant funders to ensure that you are applying to grants aligned with your cause. A 990 is a multifaceted tool for your organization to find valuable data. To illustrate, at the top of a 990 form, you’ll find the organization’s name, address, phone number, website, and description. Part XV, lines 3(a) and 3(b) outline the grants paid out, providing insight into the foundation grant history. In truth, this information helps grant-seekers determination of how much to ask for in their proposal.
2. Tell Your Story With Passion
Your grant submission must illustrate that your organization’s needs are worthy of the donor’s trust, support, and ultimately, their funding. Libby’s new book, The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, offers an in-depth look at her experiences and is filled with practical advice for anyone interested in grant writing. Libby breaks down the grant writing process into manageable sections. What’s more, she shares tips and tricks, including her PMF (Passion Maps and Folders) technique for aligning goals, objectives, and activities.
3. Be Transparent With Your Goals
Put yourself in the shoes of the funder. An organized budget shows funders that you have planned carefully and can manage the funding responsibly. Include a realistic timeline for implementation, with key milestones and deliverables. Understand their goals and craft your proposal to align with their objectives.
4. Show Community Impact
Grantors want to fund organizations they can trust. Share your track record, qualifications, and relevant partnerships. Vague intentions like “raising awareness” or “supporting youth” are not enough. Funders want to see specific, measurable goals and outcomes. Demonstrate that your team has the skills and experience to deliver on your goals by highlighting past project successes and providing letters of support when possible. Spell out what success looks like and how you will track it.
5. Check & Recheck
Read every guideline carefully. Adhere to the specifications for character counts and eligibility criteria. Use a calendar to track milestones. Manage your time effectively and avoid embarrassing last-minute rushes that can lead to your grant application being disqualified.
6. Follow Up
If your grant isn’t accepted, ask for feedback. However, beforehand, research a foundation and understand an organization’s culture. Many funders will provide insights that can help you improve future proposals. Making these connections, you are often building lasting relationships with grant-makers.
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice for you! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. They will coach you throughout the entire process and curate the project to fit your needs. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that grants will be awarded as a result of this information.
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