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| Fundraising / Grant Writing Tips |
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Grant Writing TipsSecrets of Writing Grants That Get FundedIf you want to get your grant request approved, then follow these 10 grant
writing tips: Before you even start writing the grant, you need to:
If the information isn't available on their Website, ask for examples of
recently funded projects, and also for some that have been rejected. 2. Develop your proposal to fit the application Make sure the major budget items in your project are clearly eligible for funding. If only part of your project is relevant to a particular funding opportunity then find other way to fund the rest of the project, and let them know (this not only shows them how resourceful you are, it will ensure that you have enough money to actually fund your project). Use the restrictions and guidelines of the grant opportunity to make sure that you've thought your project through and have planned for all contingencies. If you don't understand what the funder needs or wants, the ASK - don't make assumptions. Look at your project through the eyes of the grant reviewer. Where is your
project weak? What are it's strengths? Are you duplicating services? Do you have
the capacity to carry out the work? If you've got any doubts, now's the time to
address them. 3. Understand and comply with eligibility requirements Be certain you understand what you're getting into - including grant deadlines, scope of work, reports, etc. Can your organization commit to the contract and other legal requirements? If the application process takes a long time and funding is not for six
months to a year, will your project still be relevant and ready to go? 4. Get a second opinion, and ask for help when you need it Get someone else to proofread your application, and make sure that it's clear and compelling. A confusing application will end up in the discard pile. When possible, ask someone who knows little or nothing about the project, because if they can understand the need, urgency and goals of the project, you have a better chance that so with the grant reviewer. The budget is one of the most important parts of your application. If you don't understand them, get help from your accountant or someone who does. Don't be afraid to ask the grantor for help. Don't expect them to write the
application, but they can answer specific questions and even help you to
brainstorm ideas. 5. Bring your own resources to the table You want to give them the sense that you are able to stretch the resources you receive to the maximum amount. Provide documentation that you have more time, resources and expenditures invested into the project than the amount you're requesting funds for. Funders want to fund
projects that are important and valuable. Show that you have
resources from a variety of places; the broader the support the
better. This will demonstrate that you're a good risk. 6. Show the public support for your project Go beyond support from the "usual suspects". Think outside the box - who else in the community would benefit from your project, or support it? Think of corporate volunteers, other organizations who are in a similar line of work, or who have similar issues, your local city council members or other politicians, youth or church groups, etc. Provide ways for volunteers to help with your project, even in the beginning
stages. Keep track of the hours spent, take pictures, get letters of support. 7. Make your application come alive in the minds of the grant reviewers Prepare a short slide show, or put together a photo album. Put pictures on a Website. Don't forget about new marketing tools such as blogging. There are many free blogs now, and you can post pictures, invite comments and provide interaction. You can let the funders know about your blog before you send in the application, or include the URL with your contact information. Know your audience. Don't assume they know technical jargon or acronyms
related to your project. State your goals and objectives clearly and concisely. 8. Make sure that every sentence in your application counts Don't waste their time or try their patience. If you don't have a good answer for some of the questions, be honest and say so. Use bullets, or bold-face type, or a list of key elements to convey the high points of your project, and don't bury them in paragraphs of verbiage. If you're invited to do a presentation, practice first, and stick to the point. 9. Make the grant application easy to read Make every word convey an important point to the grant reviewer. If it's not relevant, leave it out. If allowed, use pictures, diagrams, plans, or maps instead of long, confusing
descriptions. The history and war stories of your project are vivid and
important to you, but a grant reviewer may not care; keep your background and
history brief and focus instead on the project. 10. Give them what they ask for --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the author:
Cheryl Antier is the President/CEO of Dream Weaver Enterprises,
a business and fundraising consulting company that helps their
clients to "weave their dreams into reality" by helping them
consistently find the funding they need to succeed. Related PagesGetting Started: Part 1 - The who, what, when, where, why, and how of a successful fundraiser. Donor Recognition - How to use donor recognition to increase your capital campaign results. Selecting the Right Fundraiser: Part 1 - Good advice to use on picking the right fundraiser for your group. Successful Fundraisers - Boost results with organization, quality incentives, and sales preparation. Organize School Fundraiser - Quick tips on organizing your school efforts by planning ahead. Tried and True - These old standbys always produce good results for any-size group. Grant Proposal Tips - Forty tips on how to put together a winning grant proposal - Real advice on writing a grant request. Sample Letter - Sample school event donation letter where you can insert your specific information. Grant Writer Tips - Ten succinct tips on
writing a winning grant proposal - How to get a school grant. |
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