How to win grant money

Federal and state agencies award government grants to funding seekers who prepare winning proposals in response to government solicitations. Only the best-of-the-best grant proposals win.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 

   IDENTIFY A PROJECT IDEA.
   Figure out a “project idea” that requires external funding to solve or improve a problematic situation and/or enhance an organizational program. A good project idea is clear, innovative, and feasible. Answer the following questions:
   
   • Why is the project important, original, or unique?
   
   • What are the project’s goals and objectives?
   
   • What major project tasks need to be completed?
   
   • What personnel are needed?
   
   • How will the project be managed?
   
   • What is the timetable for the project?
   
   • What data will be collected and analyzed?
   
   • How will the project be evaluated?
   
   • How much will the project cost?

2. 

   SEARCH FOR FUNDING.
   Locate a funding agency with a purpose that is similar to your proposed project idea. A match between what you want to do and what a federal agency will fund may not exist, but may exist in the future. Several popular search engines to locate grant funding include:
   
   • Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (www.cfda.gov)
   
   • Federal Register (www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html)
   
   • Grants.gov (www.grants.gov)
   
   • Community of Science (www.cos.com)

3. 

   REVIEW GOVERNMENT SOLICITATIONS.
   Review potential government solicitations that seem to support a project idea or concept. When reviewing solicitations, pay special attention to the eligibility requirements, program purpose, selection criteria, funds available, and deadline. Decide if a winning proposal can be developed within the limited time frame imposed by the government.

4. 

   MAKE A DECISION.
   Determine if a match exists between what you want to do and what the government wants to support and if the timeline for completing the project matches with the government’s period of performance. If there is not adequate time to complete the proposed project within the government’s timeframe, it is probably better to wait for later funding opportunity.

5. 

   DEVELOP THE GRANT APPLICATION.
   Grant writing is basically an essay contest. A well thought out and succinct grant proposal will always have the best chance to win funding. All grant proposals require persuasive writing to produce convincing narrative that will positively influence funding agency readers. Proposal narrative sections must always consider the reading audience and thoroughly describe the “why,” “what,” “how,” “who,” “where,” and “when” of your proposed project.
   
   Grant applications must also identify realistic project expenditures necessary to complete your proposed project. Budget amounts requested must be necessary to meet project objectives, reasonable, allowable, and in line with the funding agency’s guidelines. Budgets include both direct and indirect (facilities and administrative) costs, unless the funding agency indicates that indirect costs are not allowed. Cost sharing may also be a grant application requirement.

6. 

   SUBMIT THE GRANT APPLICATION.
   After the proposal narrative and budget have been developed, the complete grant application is produced, assembled, and submitted electronically via grants.gov, delivered by the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier, or delivered by hand. Some agencies require both electronic and paper submissions. Check the proposal critically against the criteria in the solicitation guidelines before submitting the grant application to the funding agency.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience, persistence, and a positive attitude are needed to win grant funding. Keep in mind these final thoughts:
• Be extremely choosy about the grants you go after.
• Make sure your project idea matches the agency’s needs and wants.
• Read successful grant applications that are similar to your project.
• Check your proposal critically against the criteria in the solicitation.
• Be realistic in what you propose to do—remember that someone must actually complete what is proposed in the project narrative.
• For more detailed instructions about writing grant proposals, read P. W. Miller's Grant Writing: Strategies for Developing Winning Proposals, 2nd Edition (2002) or sign-up for a workshop at www.grantwritingpro.com

[Miragi]

on 11/9/2008 What an excellent, and informative read. I love the pics too....we need more writers like you here at eHow! Thanks!

[msmayor]

on 11/4/2008 Good information-thanks for sharing

[BHolmes]

on 7/10/2008 Thank you, very enlightening.I appreciate an article with substance.

[amylaine]

on 6/8/2008 Great perspective. Just know there is allot of grant scams in on the internet. Learn how to recognize these scams at http://www.ehow.com/how_2245311_avoid-recognize-grant-scams.html

[chicagodm]

on 3/13/2007 Great Summary!! I cannot wait to buy Miller's book!!