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Step 1
Plan well in advance! Don't wait until the last minute to begin working on a grant application. If you need the money now, or even 3 months from now, you are probably starting way too late.
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Step 2
Know your organizations short and long term goals. Take some time to review your programs mission statement. Reflect on its goals and objectives. Express your goals clearly in the application.
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Step 3
Remember the "who and what." Funders want to know all of the details about who you are and what you are trying to do. Never assume that anything is already known. Even if it may seem that some information is self explanatory, choose to be certain. Give as many details as you can.
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Step 4
Be specific about "where and when." Explain exactly how you will spend any funding you receive.
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Step 5
Focus on the "why." Tell potential funders why you are doing what you are doing. Be sure to explain how you know there is a need for what you are proposing. Include statistics, demographic information and community assessment information.
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Step 6
Relate your goals to your proposed project. Connect the needs of the community you are serving to the plan you have made to meet those needs. Be specific about the reasons this funding is needed.
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Step 7
Have an evaluation method in place. Potential funders will want to know how you will demonstrate that the money they provide to your organization has produced the desired result. Offer to provide potential funders with follow up information, including statistical information, survey results or follow up needs assessments. Knowing that your organization will be able to demonstrate how the project was successful, after it has been completed, is very important to funders.
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Step 8
Make sure the project budget is complete and on target. Take the necessary time to get the right estimates for costs. Ensure that you will not be over or under budget before you submit your application.
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Step 9
Follow directions! While it seems to go without saying, many grants are lost due to errors that could have easily been avoided. Submit grants in a timely manner, in accordance with the deadlines. Submit the application in the exact manner that the funder requests, whether in written form or over the internet. Follow minimum and maximum character guidelines.
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Step 10
Answer every question to the best of your ability. Never leave blanks on the application form. If something does not apply to your specific organization explain why it does not apply.
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Step 11
Double check everything before you submit your application. Go over it with a fine tooth comb, checking for spelling errors, poor grammar, missed questions, and misinformation. Be sure, before you send in your final application, that everything is correct.
