How to Write a Grant

As a grant writer for many years, through trial and error I have discovered several dos and don'ts for writing fundable grants. Use these steps below to help you decide which grant funding sources to use and how to write a grant that ranks higher than your competition.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. If you have a project you wish to fund without giving payment in return, than grant writing is an option for you. Search for grant options online by selecting keywords to describe your grant. Include the word, "grant" in your search. There are many more grants available than you would imagine. Each has a focus for funding.

2. In addition to grants online, you can search through web sites. You can also write a grant from local organizations such as Rotary International, Lions Club or Kiwanis. You can often find local organizations by going to the Chamber of Commerce or Community site for your city or county.

3. Before you select grants, check the date due. You will find some grants that are already funded, but still listed on the search. Look through the details of the grants available. You can write a grant for several different parts of your project to help fund the full project.

4. Some grantors provide a list of groups or individuals awarded grants from their organization in years past. Some provide an overview of grants or copies of completed grants. If so, read through them to find out what type of grants have been funded in the past. Contact those who have received a grant if possible. This will help you more closely match your grant to those the grantor will award.

5. Pay close attention to the requirements for the grant submission. For instance, some grantors want grants submitted in a specific font or font size. Some do not want photos included while others prefer it. Some grantors require matching funds. Ignoring the requirements will result in a grant not reviewed, no matter how worthwhile your project or how well you write a grant.

6. If your grant is for a high dollar amount, consider hiring a grant writer. Some grant writers include their payment in the grant so there is no cost to you up front. Ask for proof of grants they have been awarded, including amounts and types of grants. Some grant writers specialize in specific types of grants.

7. Be as specific as possible when telling how funds will be used. The category, "miscellaneous" is rarely an acceptable fund category. Include types of materials or supplies and totals for each. Be sure to include labor as part of the grant request if it is not already provided. For instance, if your project requires someone to organize teams or recruit volunteers, your grant can often include funding for that person.

8. Include how you will sustain the project when grant funds are spent. Grantors often appreciate projects that can sustain themselves and not rely on continued grant funding. Some grantors request public recognition of their company or organization with your project. This may include a letter, listing the grantor in a newsletter/flyer or including a sticker or sign with the name of the grantor on items received.

9. Use correct spelling and punctuation. The grantor is getting an impression of you as a company or organization through first impressions. In addition to a well-planned project and description, the quality of your grant content and punctuation are often important.

10. The more funds you are requesting, the more requirements the grantor will have of you. Many grantors ask the grantee to include how they will know the project is effective. Some require evidence of the impact of funds before providing the last fund installment. Include how you know your project is working toward meeting the goals you have described.

Tips & Warnings

• If a grant requires you to pay in order to be considered for the grant, don't pay. Disregard that grant. I have never seen a valid grant that requires payment from you for submission.

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 1/29/2009 Great article! Thanks for the information on writing a grant