How to Write for Personal Grants

With a little practice, you can apply for a grant and get results.

Grant writing is asking for money for a goal you wish to attain. The field is cluttered with experts who guarantee a success rate that is often inflated. You can apply for a personal grant yourself by doing your research, targeting the right providers and following a format. It is very much like putting together the pieces of a puzzle--it becomes easier with time and practice.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Educate yourself about the grant opportunities available online and through your library, government or private foundations. The process should be of little or no cost. You should not be paying anyone a finder's fee.

2. Send for or download a grant application package. This request often needs to be done in writing. The package will include instructions and required information for your submission. Gather all your financial information before beginning your application.

3. Answer all questions on the application. Failure to do so could invalidate your submission. This advice applies whether you are filing for a personal grant for housing, transportation, legal services, health care or any other need.

4. Read over your personal narrative--required in most grant applications--to ensure it includes a clearly stated objective or purpose for the money you are requesting. Avoid rambling requests.

5. Shoot for a realistic monetary award. Grant reviewers will likely bypass your application if it is over the limit they are awarding for your aim or project.

6. Make a copy or save your application on your computer hard drive before mailing in your application or making an electronic submission.

Tips & Warnings

• A neat, legible submission is your goal.

• Avoid the many unscrupulous purveyors of grants who promise to get you big bucks if you buy their book.

References

• Grantwriting Tips