The most successful grant writers use the following strategies to get noticed and beat the competition:
Clarity: Picture a foundation officer with a stack of 40 proposals on her desk. How can you help her look favorably on your proposal? The answer is to keep your message as simple as possible. Grantmakers appreciate proposals that are complete, while also being concise and to the point. Use nontechnical, straightforward language and words, and remember that readers don’t have time to waste. Don’t make them read unnecessary information.
Say How You Fit the Funding Source’s Guidelines: Make sure your introduction tells the funder what program or funding category you’re applying to. This is important because many sources have multiple programs and funding categories. Describe how your work, mission, and proposal are a match with the funder.
Spellcheck, Spellcheck, Spellcheck: You are trying to sell yourself, your cause, and your request in your proposal. Avoid creating a negative impression because of misspellings, unclear sentences, or other glaring mistakes. Show funding sources respect by proofreading and sending them a mistake-free proposal.
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll have to start writing your proposal from scratch. There are probably many documents, resources, and materials to which you can turn for components of your proposal: your organization’s mission statement; a strategic plan; media information on your topic (newspaper, magazine articles, Internet resources); or information directly from funders’ guidelines or web sites. For example, many funders’ web sites include examples of previously funded projects, with links to project directors. Call a grant winner and ask for a copy of their proposal or a description of their project. Many grant winners also have web sites you can visit.
Dot Your (i)s and Cross Your (t)s: Create a final checklist for yourself to review before sending a proposal out the door. Remember, you only get one shot from readers. Make sure you’ve included everything you’re asked to submit, and that you submit everything correctly.
Always Address the Letter to the Appropriate Person: Never write “To Whom It May Concern.” Always address letters to the appropriate program officer/representative. Call the funding source to ask for the name if it’s not given or you can’t find it and confirm the correct spelling.
Overall Appearance: Number pages, treat headings and other markings consistently (same font, spacing, etc), spell out acronyms at first mention, make pages look readable (plenty of white space, avoid paragraphs longer than seven lines).
Say Why Your Project Is Important: Indicate why your project is important in light of current events. Mention what’s happening in your community around the issue, media information, studies or research, and how you can improve or add to other work around the same issue.
Make Sure Your Budget Is Easy to Understand and Flows With the Proposal: Always ask for a specific amount and tie that amount to specific project activities or needs. Say exactly what money will be spent on. At whatever stage a full budget is presented, make sure it is cleanly presented and easy to understand. And make sure the math is correct!
Don’t Give Up!: Statistically, odds are that you’ll receive far more rejection letters than awards. Follow up is very important; find out when you can apply again or what you need to do to improve your proposal. Many funders will offer you feedback on how to improve your proposal.
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