Basic Information on Writing a Grant Proposal

Getting a grant proposal started doesn't have to be a dreadful experience.

Grant agencies receive hundreds of grant proposals a year, and only a fraction of those receive approval. When grant agencies read grants, they want to see a dire need for their funding. Strong grant writing persuades those picky granting agencies into accepting your proposal.

Cover Page

Create a unique project title. Address the reader by name, and type your name or your organization's name, as well as the date, in the top right corner. The cover page portion needs to attract the reader's attention. Adding graphics gives the page a more vibrant feel. Remember that readers don't have to review these grant proposals at all; make an effort to appeal to the reader.

Letter of Transmittal

Like the cover page, this portion of the grant proposal must also grab the reader's interest. Use short paragraphs of about four to five lines each to lend a quick pace to your letter. Develop a personal feel in the letter's style. The first paragraph informs the reader of your organization and the problem that requires attention. Only discuss one or two key proposal benefits in the letter's body. You will go into further detail about the benefits within the proposal. The last paragraph shows confidence and encourages the reader to continue reading the grant proposal. Include the grant agency's name and address at the top---the same way you would format a regular letter. Also, at the end of your letter, leave space between "Sincerely" and your typed full name, so you may sign your name in pen. Letters are usually one page long.

Table of Contents

List every portion of your grant proposal in the table of contents. Each label needs to correspond to the page number and title of each section.

Executive Summary

This page long section highlights the grant proposal's beneficial factors. Only use one or two sentences to discuss the problem. The first summary sentences must follow the proposal's running theme of grabbing the reader's attention yet again. In the body, briefly describe the proposal's purpose. The conclusion suggests how the reader will feel about the proposal.

Introduction

Start with a brief sentence about your reason for creating the grant proposal. Include your organization's background information. Discuss where your organization has come from and where the grant proposal is going to take you. Inform the reader on your organization's problem, then let the reader know the method you will take to solve the problem. This means describing the actions you will take. If you can back up the idea you propose with statistical evidence, do so.

Body

This includes all the information that supports that idea that the proposal will become a success. Three components usually make up the body:

First, appeal to the reader's concerns. Write the grant with the idea that the reader will have many questions. Use this section to answer all questions people might have ahead of time. Fact-check all information.

Explain work duties, such as who will do the work and when. Include a detailed schedule. Note the proposal's well-qualified employees.

Clearly write the cost section. Make a note if you are saving money by choosing one option over another. Total the exact dollar amount of your costs.

Conclusion/Closing

Restate the need of the grant. Reassure the client, who wants to know you will follow all guidelines. Be optimistic about the proposal. Your last paragraph centered on cost, so get back to the same attitude you had at the proposal's beginning.

References

• United Nations: Grant Proposal Writing Guidelines
• CPB: Grant Proposal Writing Tips