Hundreds of proposals land on a grant maker’s desk. Because of this, ensuring your grant application stands out takes more than simply answering the application questions; it takes passion and persuasion. Funders choose their funding focus areas for a reason. Persuasion in grant writing is not manipulation; it’s alignment to a cause or mission. We encourage grant seekers to practice empathy: write not just about what you need, but why it matters to the community and, in turn, the grant-maker’s mission.
5 Tips to Make Your Grant Application Stand Out
Before writing, put yourself in the reviewer’s position. To stand out, focus on clarity by eliminating jargon. Align your project goals with the funder’s mission. For example, a narrative about a community member who benefited from your services, a description of what’s at stake if funding isn’t received, or a vision of the future impact your project could create all help reviewers connect emotionally to your cause. Below are 5 tips from top grant writers to help you start writing like a pro!
1. Ensure Eligibility
Thoroughly read grant guidelines to ensure your organization is eligible. This is very important; only apply for the grants you are eligible for. Do not change your mission to fit the grant. Funders will see through this. Quantify your need for the grant while highlighting your agency’s track record in making a real-world impact. Grant proposals stand out when they strongly align with the funder’s mission authentically.
2. Know the Grant-Maker: Research the Funder
It is vital to outline how your cause aligns with the funder’s mission. When you research a funder, you are often able to discover and align with their core mission effectively. For example, foundations list all of their past grantees on publicly available tax-exempt forms known as 990s. This information shows the organizations the funding source has given to over the years, along with financial history and board information. Understanding what the funder is supporting is crucial and will help you know if you are eligible for the grant and how to best tailor your grant application if you are.
3. Check & Recheck: Follow Directions
While this may be number three on the list, this can be a true make or break moment for grant seekers. Your grant application will be rejected if you do not follow directions and include all required items. For example, if the grant-maker requires a budget, you must include this item with your proposal. The funder will check your proposal to ensure the required elements are included. Ultimately, the bottom line is that you can write the most pristine of grant applications, but no one will ever see it, if you have not followed every instruction to the letter.
4. Be Authentic: Write With Passion
Ensure the funder understands why your organization’s work is important to your community. Show how your organization is ready to use funding or other support to help your vision become a reality. Research shows people make decisions with their hearts as much as their heads. While data is essential, stories bring it to life. Grant funders are eager to see your unwavering dedication to the project. They want to be captivated and share the same enthusiasm for your nonprofit’s endeavors. Allow your passion to shine through the pages of your proposal, leaving a lasting impression on the reviewers.
5. Secret Weapon: Build A Strong Online Presence
The funder may want to know more about your organization after reading your grant proposal. A strong online presence can help establish your credibility and help your grant proposal stand out. Funders will look to see what you’re saying about yourself. Not to mention what other people are saying about you. Highlight your accomplishments, partnerships, testimonials, and success stories.
Writing for Grant-Makers: The Takeaway
Grant writing can be the secret weapon you need to catapult your business or nonprofit to the next stage of your growth. By applying proven persuasion strategies, your grant proposal can capture attention, build trust, and inspire confidence. When you find someone who embodies these traits, you’re not just hiring a writer; you’re investing in a long-term ally for your organization’s growth.
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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