Are you looking to secure grant funding for your non-profit but aren’t sure where to start? Grant writing can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and resources, you can increase your chances of securing the grant money your organization needs. In this blog post, we will provide some helpful grant writing tips that will set you on the path to success. So, what are you waiting for? Read on!

Do Your Research

One of the most important aspects of writing a successful grant proposal is doing your research. You will need to identify potential funding sources that align with the goals and mission of your organization. Once you have a list of potential funders, take the time to read through their application materials and guidelines. This will give you a better understanding of what they are looking for in a proposal.

I recommend reviewing the summary of the grant proposals the funder has recently approved. This will help you understand the type of projects that have been successful in the past.

Use this research process as an opportunity to build a relationship with that identified funder(s). That relationship will help to further build your understanding of the funder's priorities. That information will be a definite asset when planning and writing a successful grant funding proposal.

Plan the Project

Successful proposals are built around a Unique Project Proposition (UPP). The UPP is the intersection between:

• The identified pain or problem to be addressed through the successful delivery of the project for which you are seeking grant funding.
• The grant funders' departmental or corporate priorities. Grant funders are looking to fund projects that align with and help them to achieve their targeted outcomes.
• The project or program your organization proposes to deliver and why your organization is best to carry out the promised project outcomes.

Create a Compelling Case for Support

Your grant proposal will need to convincingly demonstrate why your organization is deserving of funding. Highlight what sets your organization apart from others working on similar projects.

Your proposal must clearly and passionately profile the pain or problem your organization is trying to solve and how your proposed solution will address it. Successful grant proposal writers mix fact with heart. They carefully balance independent data, statistics, reports and expert opinions with testimony and real-world stories to help the proposal reviewer both understand and feel the real impact of the problem that your organization will work to address with assistance in the form of grant funding.

Be Clear and Concise

Another important tip is to be clear and concise in your proposal writing. Remember that the reviewers who will be reading your proposal are likely reviewing dozens, if not hundreds, of grant applications. You want to make sure that they can easily understand your project and what you are requesting funding for. Be sure to proofread your proposal several times to catch any typos or errors.

One Final Tip

Submit your well-considered proposal on time. From my experience, there are too many potentially successful proposals that get left on the grant funders' cutting floor simply because they were received after the intake cut-off date.

We hope that these tips will help you as you begin the grant writing process. Remember to do your research, frame out your project, and be clear and concise in your proposal. With careful planning and timely execution, you can increase your chances of securing the funding you need for your nonprofit. Good luck!

For more information and support on successful Grant Writing, we recommend the following resource:

• Grant Writing Tips and Tools for Non-Profit Leaders

Your Friend,
Jon Close