Grants
5 Grant Writing Tips That Will Get You Funded
April 9, 2016
The short answer: To write a grant that gets funded, back your request with real data and measurable objectives, ask experienced grant writers for guidance, build credibility before you apply, state your purpose clearly in the opening paragraph, and write well by drafting more than once and cutting errors. Tailor every application to the specific funder's requirements, and only apply when you meet all of their qualifications. Most first-time applicants get turned down, so these habits help you stand out.
How do you write a grant proposal that gets funded?
Five habits help. Include analytical data and measurable objectives, ask experienced grant writers for help, build credibility through your published work, make your intentions clear in the opening paragraph, and write well by drafting several versions and cutting errors. Each one raises your odds with a funder.
Where does grant money come from?
Grant money comes from two main sources, government entities and private foundations. A grant is a financial gift given for a particular purpose. You research each funder's requirements and tailor your application to fit before you ever start writing.
Why do most first-time grant applications get rejected?
Many reasons sit outside a grant writer's control, and most first-time applicants simply do not get funded. Common fixable problems include missing data, an unclear purpose, and sloppy writing. You improve your odds by meeting every requirement before you apply and submitting a clean, well-organized proposal.
Should you tailor each grant application to the funder?
Yes. You cannot write one generic application and send it to every funding source. Research the specific requirements for each grant and adjust your proposal to match. Only start writing if you meet every requirement and qualification.
How important is data and measurable objectives in a grant proposal?
Very important. Funders want to see analytical data and clear, measurable objectives, and many nonprofits struggle here because their data is scattered. Using software to track and report on your programs makes this much easier. An all-in-one platform built for nonprofits like Argenta keeps that information in one place so you can pull it when you need it.
Do you need to spend money to get your grant proposal reviewed?
Not necessarily. Hiring a professional editor helps if you have the funds, but you can also ask coworkers and friends for feedback and revision ideas. Write multiple drafts, eliminate errors and verbosity, and get a fresh set of eyes before you submit. You do not need to spend money to receive money.
One potential way to fund your nonprofit is by obtaining grant money. A grant is basically a financial gift for a particular purpose. There are two sources of grant money, government entities and private foundations. Many nonprofits never apply for grants because the process can seem a bit overwhelming.
It is true grant writing can be pretty difficult. You cannot write one generic application and send it off to every available funding source. You will have to research the specific requirements for each one and then tailor your application accordingly. You should only begin writing a grant if you meet every requirement and have every qualification.
Typically there are many reasons beyond a grant writer’s control that can cause you to be turned down. Most first time applicants do not get funded. There are some things you can do to increase your chances. Here are 5 tips for writing grants that get funded.
- Include analytical data and measurable objectives. Many nonprofits don’t have their data together, which is why using software to track and report on everything you do is so critical.
- Ask for help. Talking to experienced grant writers and colleagues is a good way to increase your knowledge and receive guidance on how to include things that foundations are looking for. There is no substitute for experience.
- Make yourself valuable. Develop a list of core competencies through your publications. Create an online portfolio of skill sets, and you will be judged on your ability to deliver. Don’t submit a grant proposal until you have built up credibility through publications.
- Make your intentions for the grant clear. State your purpose in the opening paragraph assuming that your readers have extensive knowledge but not necessarily as much about your specific project. You should have a clear and logical beginning and end.
- Write Well. This is the most obvious and most important point. If you present a poorly written grant that will convey to the reader that you may not have the necessary skills to succeed. Write multiple drafts, eliminate errors and verbosity. If you have the funds you can hire a professional editor, but it’s ok to ask for feedback and revision ideas from coworkers and friends, you don’t necessarily need to spend money to receive money.
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a grant proposal that gets funded?
Five habits help. Include analytical data and measurable objectives, ask experienced grant writers for help, build credibility through your published work, make your intentions clear in the opening paragraph, and write well by drafting several versions and cutting errors. Each one raises your odds with a funder.
Where does grant money come from?
Grant money comes from two main sources, government entities and private foundations. A grant is a financial gift given for a particular purpose. You research each funder's requirements and tailor your application to fit before you ever start writing.
Why do most first-time grant applications get rejected?
Many reasons sit outside a grant writer's control, and most first-time applicants simply do not get funded. Common fixable problems include missing data, an unclear purpose, and sloppy writing. You improve your odds by meeting every requirement before you apply and submitting a clean, well-organized proposal.
Should you tailor each grant application to the funder?
Yes. You cannot write one generic application and send it to every funding source. Research the specific requirements for each grant and adjust your proposal to match. Only start writing if you meet every requirement and qualification.
How important is data and measurable objectives in a grant proposal?
Very important. Funders want to see analytical data and clear, measurable objectives, and many nonprofits struggle here because their data is scattered. Using software to track and report on your programs makes this much easier. An all-in-one platform built for nonprofits like Argenta keeps that information in one place so you can pull it when you need it.
Do you need to spend money to get your grant proposal reviewed?
Not necessarily. Hiring a professional editor helps if you have the funds, but you can also ask coworkers and friends for feedback and revision ideas. Write multiple drafts, eliminate errors and verbosity, and get a fresh set of eyes before you submit. You do not need to spend money to receive money.