Securing grant funding is a critical task for most nonprofits. As such, writing effective and impactful grant proposals is a big deal. A recent article for business.com offers some helpful tips for improving your grant writing.
- Choose Grants – Most grants include a number of specific requirements for applicants. Because grant writing is a very involved process, you will waste a lot of time and effort if you apply for grants for which your organization is ineligible. To find appropriate grants for your organization, the article recommends using the Foundation Directory Online (FDO). The FDO is a searchable database of over 165,000 grants—use it to find grants that are a good fit for your nonprofit.
- Plant a Seed – Prior to completing your grant application, consider reaching out to the foundation funding the grant to “warm them up.” A simple introductory phone call or email will do. Your goal should be two-fold: collect some key information about the organization and share some information about your nonprofit.
- Write Your Grant – Before you begin, make sure that you carefully read all the grant requirements. Be sure to address every requirement clearly and fully. Give careful consideration to the background about your organization that you provide. Tailor it to the foundation from which you are requesting funding. Lastly, be as authentic and honest as possible.
- Use the Right Mindset – As your write your grant, you should strive to put yourself in the shoes of the person who will be reviewing it. Consider the foundation’s mission and values, and seek to communicate how your organization’s mission and values align with theirs.
- Draw on Data – While good writing and emotionally compelling arguments are important, presenting data that backs up what you are saying is key. Use data to demonstrate to the grant reader how your organization will use the funding they offer wisely and efficiently.
- Review Your Mission Regularly – In the process of searching for grants, it is easy to get bogged down in the varying requirements of the different foundations. Make sure that you regularly consider your organization’s mission and values before applying for new grants. Beware of overreaching and be sure to maintain missional integrity.
- Seek Feedback – Getting a second set of eyes on your grant proposal is important. If possible, reach out to a connection at the foundation to which you are applying. Ask that person to look over your letter of intent prior to your submission. If this is not an option, consider finding an experience grant writer or reviewer to give you some feedback.
- Be Patient – Grant writing is hard work. Keep this in mind if you start to feel burnt out. Give yourself the room to learn and grow throughout the process.
For more details, read the article in full at business.com.
