Helpful Tips on Writing a Successful Grant Application When applying for a grant from a foundation, read through the guidelines thoroughly. Carefully consider them to ensure that there is a good fit between your work and their funding criteria. Don’t bother to apply if there isn’t. It is best to start with your organization’s needs and then seek funders that will want to help with them. Don’t start with a foundation’s priorities and try to craft a project to fit them. Although this may seem obvious, be sure to provide the funder with all of the information requested (do not submit more than what the funder has requested). If you cannot provide all of the information requested, state clearly and simply why you cannot, instead of just omitting it. And feel free to call the funder to ask questions about the application if there is anything you do not understand. Here are a few reminders: The grant proposal must:   • Be self-explanatory.   • Reflect the organization’s overall image.   • Educate the funder about your project and organization.   • Motivate the potential funder to make a gift. Before you start writing:   • Determine the priorities of your organization.   • Sort out your thoughts.   • Outline what you want to say, preferably in the order presented in the funder’s guidelines. Once you start writing, remember to:   • Tell your story with examples, including outcomes and impacts of your work.   • Avoid jargon and acronyms.   • Be compelling, but don’t overstate your case.   • Include details, but be succinct.   • Don’t promise more than you can deliver.   • Illuminate your vision so that the funder can share it with you After you have written your proposal, ask someone to read it that is interested in or familiar with the issue, but knows nothing about your organization. That is the type of person who will be reviewing your grant proposal. Revise and edit accordingly. And proofread, proofread, proofread!! Download Top

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