How to Write a Grant Narrative
An organization or business that is seeking funding should focus on the critical requirements of a grant proposal. Although a grant proposal can be organized many ways, some basic specifications should be met when writing a grant narrative, and the grant narrative should answer the question of what need the organization will address.
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Instructions
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1
Prepare an outline for each page of the grant narrative, and develop each section before you put the proposal together.
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2
Explain why your proposal should be supported and provide its purpose and expected outcome with logical reasoning.
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3
Discuss how your organization became aware of the need that you are addressing in your proposal. Describe how the problem is currently being addressed by other organizations, the government and your organization.
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4
Review the mission and history of your organization, and highlight your accomplishments to show a reviewer that you are successful at managing programs.
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5
Document the program or part of your organization that needs funding and how this can help meet the needs of the community. Be as specific as you can about your organization's programs and why they are so important. Provide detailed information about your target population.
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6
Describe the approach or method that you plan to take by discussing the outline of proposed activities, including goals, objectives and the work that you plan to undertake.
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Develop your method of evaluation, and make sure that the goals that you have are measurable. Focus on how the results are measured.
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8
Outline the credentials of the organization or applicant and all those involved to demonstrate to a funder why your organization is qualified to meet a specific need.
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9
Itemize the budget request and the organization's specific need. Explain any unusual requests in the grant proposal, and include expenses for non-personnel and personnel.
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10
Edit your proposal, and have someone double-check all facts and figures to ensure accuracy. Rewrite your grant narrative several times before you submit it.
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Tips & Warnings
The need statement should address the mission and purpose of the nonprofit and should be substantiated by your organization's capability of responding to the need.
Remember that neatness does count and that the grant narrative should be carefully packaged according to the funder's requirements.
Read over your proposal several times to determine whether it suits the funding interests of the organization.
