How to Apply for a Grant or Grant Writing

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By Bobbi Holmes
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Instead of borrowing money to pay for education, research or business expansion, grant money can provide “free” money. Before receiving grant money, one must apply or prepare a grant application, which is usually referred to as grant writing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Identify the grant. Before applying for a grant you will need to find one that you are qualified to apply for. Read the grant’s guidelines carefully before applying.
Step 2

Take a class on grant writing. Contact your local community college and see if they are offering any courses on grant writing. If they aren’t, perhaps they can recommend an online course.
Step 3

Get a mentor. Find someone who has prior grant writing experience to help you along the way. Those who might have experience would be museum curators, researchers, college professors, teachers, and fundraisers for non-profit or government agencies. You may have a family member or friend who has written a grant, ask around.
Step 4

Prepare to begin early in the application process.
Step 5

Include a cover letter with your application.
Step 6

Think of all the possible questions that might be asked by the committee reviewing the proposals. And then answer each question completely and clearly. Review the description of the grant, and take care to fulfill all the stated requirements and answer any of their stated questions.
Step 7

Carefully follow the guidelines of the grant you are applying. Give them what they want and do not be vague in your proposal.
Step 8

Be realistic in your proposal. If you are turned down, revise your proposal and reapply.
Step 9

Include in your proposal (unless instructed differently in the original description) a title page, abstract, introduction, review, project narrative, personnel description, budget and budget justification and timeframe.