Keys to Becoming a Good Grant Writer
The keys to becoming a good grant writer are straightforward. Grantors don't keep secrets from grant writers, so everything you need is right there in the application package. Attention to detail is the most crucial element, followed by a better-than-usual grasp of the language you're writing in. Consider a grant-writing seminar presented by a community college or other institution, but avoid offers that require a big payment up front and promise you'll get thousands of dollars in grants once you've completed the course.
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Follow the Instructions
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Grantors receive thousands of applications for very few awards, so grants that don't follow the rules are frequently simply ignored. A simple mistake like sending the grant to the wrong department in a foundation may disqualify your work. Good grant writers give themselves plenty of time to complete the grant so deadlines are met without rushing. Carefully go over specifics like who is eligible for the grant and what materials are required before you begin writing. Familiarize yourself with the institution awarding the grant by perusing its website or speaking to a grant officer. Submit materials exactly as they're requested. For instance, a grantor may want text files in Word or PDF format.
Assemble Your Materials
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Create a checklist of the materials you'll need to complete the grant. Frequently, grantors include a checklist. Keep two copies, one to mark off when you receive the materials you need, like budgets, proposals or CVs, and the other to mark off when you've actually added the material to the grant application. When you're writing the grant for an institution or another individual, alert them to what you need and set a deadline for receiving that information well before the final deadline. Read over the materials for clarity and grammar and don't be afraid to make changes to someone else's work if your changes make the information more appealing. Check budgets to make sure the math is right.
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Writing the Grant
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Almost all of the time, a professional looking grant will receive preference over a sloppy application. Even doing something as simple as filling in check boxes neatly, or keeping the text inside the lines gives grant writers an advantage. Check grammar and punctuation and ask someone to read over the application for clarity. Frequently, the grantor asks for specific word counts in an essay or a section of the application. Stay within the word counts. Make sure that the written materials present a good fit with the grantor's purpose for awarding grants. Expect to go through at least two drafts before you're comfortable with the final product. Set the grant aside for a couple of days then reread it with your checklist at hand to make sure you've completed it.
Submitting the Grant
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Many institutions accept grant applications online, and in some cases grant applications are required to be submitted online. If you choose this method, make sure there's a method for ensuring that the grantor receives your work, be it an autoresponder or email. If you don't receive notice, follow up with a phone call or email. If you're mailing the grant, use a delivery service that requires a signature. Keep the receipt in the grant file just in case there's a foul up so you can prove that you mailed the application before the deadline.
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References
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