Grant proposals help with the monetary backup of a particular project. Thus, helping people and non-profit organizations ask for the money they need. A successful grant proposal has all the objectives mentioned in detail, carefully pointed, and rightfully explained.
Writing an effective grant proposal is essential for the applicant, as it helps them make the right kind of first impression in front of the board members. Stick to an explanatory approach backed by a formal tone. Also, make sure to focus on the significance of your project and how it is going to solve real-life problems in the near future. Nonetheless, here is a comprehensive guide that will help you write a perfect grant proposal on time:
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1. Start early
This particular point is not directly related to the ways you can apply for a grant but indeed makes the process relatively easy. It is always a wise option for you to start early. This will put you first in the line while the competition is still less.
Prepare a clear list of all the institutions providing the right grant type and prepare accordingly. Like you, there are many writing-down applications, and you must get the money sanctioned.
2. Focus on a particular project
Keep your proposal short, clear and comprehensive. Try highlighting the essential points, targeting a particular project for the ultimate submission. E.g., if your purpose is to stop domestic violence, your project must be about educating people, especially girls, about their rights and available resources.
Make it clear that you are here to secure a grant for the entire project, not for a specific operational venture. Your vision must be clear, and make sure to highlight the point of view accordingly.
3. Write your own story
The board members going through your proposal in real life do a daily reading of other proposals aloud. So, make it a mandatory task to write the story you own. Try and work on your creative skills. Skip the tedious and bland parts. Also, use a grammar checker online to avoid spelling and unnecessary errors.
It is essential on your part to write a good story backing up the grant proposal. Give in your all and make the write-up stand out from the rest. You can choose between the emotional part or presenting yourself as an inspiration. Whatever you do, the main aim shall be to captivate the right type of attention from accurate readers.
4. Make your solutions the priority
While the world is busy procrastinating about all their problems, you must highlight the potential solutions. The more optimistic you are, the better your chances are for the grant to get approved.
A thoroughly devised plan comprising all the possible solutions makes it easy for the board members to look into the future and decide accordingly. They realise you’re here to stay and can execute an idea into reality.
5. Check on the budget
Check for the already mentioned grant budget and then carry on with your proposal. Most of the applicants tend to overlook these minute details and ask for more money. Giving board members more chances to disclose the case.
Be precise about the funding you plead. If you are asking for more than what is naturally required, it will have an impact on your accountability part. Thus, crosscheck with your accountant before proceeding with the final paper.
6. Pay attention to details
Each grant provider has its own set of protocols for you to follow. Go through the requirement list carefully. Crosscheck on the listed needs and proceed accordingly. Come up with authentic content and do not copy/paste.
Abide by the details that the organisation wants from your end. Insert accurate typeface, font specifications and margins. Not paying attention to details from the start will leave the board members questioning your seriousness with the job and termination of the proposal.
7. Research all through
Adequate research will only make your task easier. Find out proper details about the foundation you are about to apply to. Make sure that the purpose they serve is similar to your project.
Be specific, do not beat around the bush. Address the name and designation of individual board members. Research their backgrounds and avoid unnecessary banters, which leave an impression that you are trying too hard to please.
8. Be clear and bold in your application
Remember, the application you put forward will act as your first impression. So try to be clear with your objectives and develop the necessary points. Make it a mandatory task to explain what you expect from the proposal and how you wish to use the grant in the future.
Be careful with the monetary part, as thorough inspections will be conducted, and any discrepancies over economic planning will act against you. The more precise and well-structured you are, the better your chances of getting the proposal accepted.
9. Keep in mind that you are talking to the real people
Maintain a formal tone in your proposal and abide by all the primary mandates required. However, do not forget to keep the content personal, talking about your vision and mission. While explaining the financial part is necessary, it is not all. There are other things that you must focus on.
As already discussed, you must talk about your ideas, what inspired you to develop such a concept, where you see this going in the near future, and how you plan to manage the available resources.
Now that we are done with the tips part, let’s have a look at the various elements that go into writing a grant proposal:
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Title page and cover letter:
Mention the objective of your project, your name, address and contact number in the cover letter. Remember, it is the first step in capturing the right kind of attention from your grant provider. The following points will introduce you to some dos and don’ts in a cover letter:
- Try to keep the cover letter short and comprehensive. Include a maximum of three to four paragraphs.
- Mention your needs at the beginning only. Do not hesitate to incorporate your expectations in written words.
- Avoid repeating the same thing again and again.
- Try to connect with your fund provider and show how sincere you are about the project.
- Do not get too emotional and start blabbering about the struggles you face daily.
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Summary/Introduction
Include a comprehensive overview of the proposal you are writing. How will it help others, and how do you intend to complete the project once the grant gets approved?
- Wrap it up within two pages.
- Do not talk too much about the project. Try to grab their attention till the very end.
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Institutional background
Here you will have to provide a detailed overview of your institution. Mention essential information like demographics, location, service area and mission. Also, do make sure to mention past ventures and success areas. This will win you extra credit points and help with quick grants.
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Problem statement
Highlight the problem area, and link it to your goals and priorities. Elaborate on the situation that is bothering you and how you wish to overcome the same.
- Use industry-approved data to highlight your side of the story.
- Elaborate on the urgency of the project.
- Do not make it about you. Instead, try to talk about the main problem and others facing it.
- Be practical; do not discuss unrealistic goals that cannot be executed.
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Goals and objectives
Write about the outcomes you desire in measurable terms. Mention how the grant (if sanctioned) will help you to change the current situation and attract expected goals. However, do not get too ambitious as this is only the start of the project, and you are yet to execute the actual task.
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Plan of Implementation
Describe your plan of action. Include a timeline in this section, and add the staffing needs and how you intend to use the grant periodically. Use a similar approach that you would have taken to execute an assignment online, including using tools like a citation machine, plagiarism checker and grammar improver.
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Plan of Evaluation
A future expectation on how you intend to execute major parts of the project and proceed hassle-free. Also, you can incorporate data from surveys to highlight that the target audience is waiting for the actual project to start.
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Future funding
This is of great relevance in the entire plan, as the board of members will be looking at your execution skills and financial stability. You will have to plan your budget accordingly and stop overspending. The grant money comes in instalments and can be evoked under circumstances where the board members are unhappy with how you handle the monetary departments.
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Other components
Include items like:
- Personnel resume
- Letter of support
- 501(c)3 status proof
Final Thoughts
Grants help profit and non-profit organisations venture into new dimensions and transform ideas into reality. While writing a grant proposal, try to be specific and clear with the expectations you have. Also, work on the monetary aspect for a better impression in front of the board members.
