How to Write a Grant Primer
The requirements for writing a grant application vary depending on the organization providing the grant, but a few general rules apply. It's important to note the difference between a "grant" and a "grant application." Frequently, people who specialize in writing grants are called "grant writers," but they are actually writing applications, not the grants themselves. The grants are the money and resources provided by the organization reviewing grant applications.
With that understanding in mind, a few general rules can help anyone write successful grant applications.
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Instructions
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Plan Your Proposal
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Gather and study grant requirements. Requests for grant applications vary widely. Read and study the application requirements. Is the application online or does it require a printed paper application? Does the application require specific forms or ask specific questions? Are supporting documents required? When is the deadline? Plan to beat the deadline, because last-minute applications can add to stress, errors and possible technical glitches if the application is online.
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Focus and research details. Gather all the information, including supporting documents, that you need to write your grant application. Focus by defining your specific goals. What concrete products will the successful completion of your project produce? How does your project specifically meet the goals of the request for applications from the funding organization? Who are the people who will assist in the project? Make sure to contact those people and get their approval to use their names before including their names in the application.
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Make a budget. Use your spreadsheet to map out your budget for the project. Make sure to include legal costs, marketing costs, and costs of salaries or compensation and benefits for any employees of the project. Think carefully and research well to make sure you include all costs of your project and avoid any hidden costs. If you can, compare your budget with other similar applications for the grant. That information can help you determine whether your cost estimate is realistic. Analyze your budget and note which costs could be adjusted or cut if the organization providing funds asks for a cost revision.
Write and File your Application
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Be clear and answer all questions required in the request for applications. Grant reviewers might not read every word of your proposal, according to advice provided by the University of North Carolina's Writing Center. So focus on clarity; avoid using big words to sound important.
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Measure, check spelling and grammar and repeat phrases. If the grant application is online, use your own word processor to write your application before filling out an online form. That strategy allows you to check spelling and grammar, to measure the word count of specific parts of your application and to save a copy for your reference later. Some grant applications ask specific questions and limit the length of responses, so word and character counts can be essential before filling out any form. Repeat specific phrases from the request for applications for the grant, and tie those words into your specific goals, actions and costs.
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Follow up by asking for support. Some grant applications now include social-networking components, with "votes" and comments allowed on specific applications online. If your grant application is in that category, ask your friends, family and social-network contacts to help you by voting for your application and sharing it with their friends and contacts. Don't overdo such requests, but do ask for help when needed. Your competition will likely do the same.
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Tips & Warnings
Be persistent. If your application with one funding source fails to work out, try another. Use your words and your research in multiple applications.
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Comments
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vry good
