GRANT WRITING TIPS
GRANT WRITING TIPS Funding is available for a variety of youth service projects. Here are some general tips to remember when applying: BE INNOVATIVE
TYPICAL GRANT SECTIONS
Most grantors prefer to fund projects as opposed to operational costs (ex. salaries). Design a project that is creative and addresses a fundamental need.
• Cover
KNOW YOUR FUNDER
• Organizational
What is the funder’s mission and objectives? How do they align with your project? Research the funder to see what kind of projects they have funded in the past. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES
Be sure to follow the guidelines set forth in the instructions meticulously. If you have a question concerning formatting, it may be a good idea to contact the program officer. WRITE WELL
Each section should be clear and concise. Make sure there are no errors or typos. Ask a colleague to critically check your work. The best readers are often “critical friends” who know little about your work and can read the proposal to point out where things do not make sense. SET FEASIBLE GOALS
Make sure what you promise is appropriate for the size of the grant and the amount of staff time you are able to allocate.
Letter
• Executive
Summary: Concisely summarize the proposal, usually in one page or less. Background: Highlight your organization’s mission and history and include noteworthy achievements.
• Need:
Provide convincing statistics or facts to demonstrate the need your project is addressing.
• Description
of Project: This section should contain what you are asking for and provide a detailed description of what your project will do with the funding.
• Evaluation/Sustainability:
How will you evaluate the impact of your project and ensure sustainability? The more elaborate you can be the better.
• Conclusion:
Briefly summarize your project and end on an inspirational note.
BUDGET REALISTICALLY
Your proposal should have a reasonable, detailed budget. Do not forget staff time and other operational costs. Try to lightly “pad” the budget for unforeseen costs. IF REJECTED
Understand that grantors have limited funds and it may not reflect on the quality of your grant or project. Ask the grantor for reviewer comments— these can be extremely helpful when applying for grants in the future.
(c) Copyright 2011. generationOn. All rights reserved.
TYPICAL GRANT SECTIONS
Most grantors prefer to fund projects as opposed to operational costs (ex. salaries). Design a project that is creative and addresses a fundamental need.
• Cover
KNOW YOUR FUNDER
• Organizational
What is the funder’s mission and objectives? How do they align with your project? Research the funder to see what kind of projects they have funded in the past. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES
Be sure to follow the guidelines set forth in the instructions meticulously. If you have a question concerning formatting, it may be a good idea to contact the program officer. WRITE WELL
Each section should be clear and concise. Make sure there are no errors or typos. Ask a colleague to critically check your work. The best readers are often “critical friends” who know little about your work and can read the proposal to point out where things do not make sense. SET FEASIBLE GOALS
Make sure what you promise is appropriate for the size of the grant and the amount of staff time you are able to allocate.
Letter
• Executive
Summary: Concisely summarize the proposal, usually in one page or less. Background: Highlight your organization’s mission and history and include noteworthy achievements.
• Need:
Provide convincing statistics or facts to demonstrate the need your project is addressing.
• Description
of Project: This section should contain what you are asking for and provide a detailed description of what your project will do with the funding.
• Evaluation/Sustainability:
How will you evaluate the impact of your project and ensure sustainability? The more elaborate you can be the better.
• Conclusion:
Briefly summarize your project and end on an inspirational note.
BUDGET REALISTICALLY
Your proposal should have a reasonable, detailed budget. Do not forget staff time and other operational costs. Try to lightly “pad” the budget for unforeseen costs. IF REJECTED
Understand that grantors have limited funds and it may not reflect on the quality of your grant or project. Ask the grantor for reviewer comments— these can be extremely helpful when applying for grants in the future.
(c) Copyright 2011. generationOn. All rights reserved.
