A grant proposal is similar to a personal resume—you have
one chance to make a good impression and grab someone’s attention;
this is the only information the reviewers have to judge the capabilities
of your organization.
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Devote sufficient time and energy-even a full-time commitment-to
searching for grant funds and writing grant proposals.
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Identify your needs and be well informed on all aspects of
them.
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Research sources of information on grants and grant writing
before attempting to write a proposal.
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Attend some training workshops on grant writing.
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Volunteer as a reader of grants.
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Obtain each grantor's guidelines and keep in mind that your
needs must match the grantor's objectives.
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Read through the guidelines and application very carefully
several times to make sure that you have included all of the
required information.
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Write to the point and concisely. Do not use extraneous or
verbose language that adds nothing of substance to the proposal.
Make your document visually appealing.
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Do not hesitate to ask the grantor for any clarification that
you may need.
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Take your time completing the application and proposal. Be
sure that every requirement is answered completely and accurately.
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Write each grant so that it addresses the person reading it.
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Assemble a team to develop, review, and critique the proposal.
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Be sure someone else proofreads the proposal.
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Do not use fancy packaging for the proposal. This only costs
money and will not give you any additional points.
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Note the application deadline. Double-check the address and
send the proposal by registered or certified mail with sufficient
time to meet the deadline.
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If your proposal is not funded, be sure to find out why. Be
open to constructive criticism and use it to improve upon future
proposals.
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Be persistent. Consider the grants that you do not receive
as valuable practice and choose to learn from the experience.
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Learn about the organization from which you seek funding.
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If you do not qualify, do not apply.
