When applying to grants there are a lot of things to consider so you can get the most from your application. Below are some simple tips for grant writing and the application. By following these steps, you’ll be able to get the most from your grant proposal and stay on top of things.
- Check Eligibility
- Keep Mindful of Deadlines
- Stay Organized
- Be clear and concise
- Give correct information on your budget
- Make sure the proposal is written in a professional manner
- Explain yourself fully
- Think about your short term and long term goals
- Identify why you need the grant and what you will use it for
- Follow the application instructions
- Include a table of contents, headings, introduction and cover letter
- Allow adequate time to complete the grant proposal
- Keep looking for grants to apply for
- Submit application documents all at once.
There is a lot of requirements put in place for certain grants. Make sure you are applying to the right ones for your organization so you're not wasting time. Keep in mind when you will most likely receive the money when awarded. Say you need the funding in five months but you will be awarded money in six months, you may want to find another grant that fits your time availability.
You want to allow yourself plenty of time before the deadline to ensure you have the right paperwork and materials your application might ask for. You don’t want to be rushed in filling out the grant. Give yourself at least six weeks to complete the application and grant proposal. After you submit the grant application, you should expect to hear back about if you will be funded in about three to six weeks after mailing.
3. Stay Organized
Keeping track of all the papers and forms can be overwhelming. Keep all the information needed in one place so you won’t forget anything. I suggest keeping a folder on your computer of all the completed paperwork so nothing is lost.
With a lot of information that goes into applying for a grant, avoid any speculations and provide accurate information. Be specific on what you mean, not vague.
5. Give correct information on your budget
This is really important because you want to be seen as though you will be responsible for the money you receive. The reviewers want to know your current financial situation.
6. Make sure the proposal is written in a professional manner.
Pay attention to grammar and punctuation when writing a grant proposal.
Not everyone knows your company/industry so be informative on what you want them to know. It doesn't hurt to be detailed.
8. Think of your long and short term goals
The grant reviewers are going to want to know what you plan on using the grant money if rewarded. They also want to know the future plans of your organization.
9. Identify why you need the grant and how you will use the grant.
While writing the grant proposal, you probably already know what you want to use the money for but you will want to include that in the application to inform the reviewers.
10. Follow the application instructions and be sure to include everything
Don't let your grant proposal go to waste because you forgot one thing. Keep a checklist to make sure you have every piece of information it requires. The application instructions vary between each grant.
11. Include a table of contents, headings, an introduction, and a cover letter.
This makes for a more clear and organized document.
12. Allow adequate time to complete the grant proposal.
Completing the grant proposal doesn't just happen in a day, allow yourself time to complete it and make sure all the information is the way you want it to be conveyed.
13. Keep looking for grants you can apply for.
Once you know how to write a grant and everything that goes into the application, the next time you apply for a grant will be easier.
14. Once completed and reviewed, submit your application and supporting documents all at once.
If your grant was rejected, it can be discouraging because of all the hard work you did. Take it as a learning experience and take those best practices and try again the next time you write a grant.
Have a tip on applying to grants? Comment below and let us know!
