Grant Writing can be a daunting experience and whether you are a seasoned Grant Writer or a wide-eyed, optimistic newbie, lack of organization can be a recipe for disaster. Here are my top 3 tips for staying on top of your grant writing game and how to garner the most success in winning proposals for years to come.
Tip 1: Do Your Research and Forge Relationships
Prospecting: often times prospecting is one of the most overlooked steps. Before applying for funding ask yourself these questions:
- What other organizations has the donor funded in the past? Are these organizations similar in mission, vision and size to yours?
- What types of projects does the donor tend to lean towards? Capital improvement projects? Women’s empowerment? Sports? Are the funds that you are applying for aligned with the donor’s funding patterns for other grantees?
- Get into the habit of establishing a relationship with the donor so that they can get to know you and the work of your organization. You are much more likely to get your foot in the door once they know you personally. It will also make navigating the nuances of the application process much more transparent; do you have to write an LOI before completing the pre-application? Is there a mandatory pre-application? What are the deadlines?
Pre-applications: some donors have a pre-application process that is a prerequisite to the longer grant application. Federal, State and Foundation donors tend to use pre-applications as a screening process to get to know more about the work of your organization and to determine if your mission and vision are in alignment with their longer-term philanthropic goals. Pre-applications ask for summary information of your programmatic work, the need of your services in the community that you wish to serve, your implementation strategy and a budget snapshot. It is best practice to do your homework and know whether or not a pre-application is mandatory in order for the potential donor to determine if they would like to invite you to apply for funding via the standard application. Both the pre-application and longer application have their own deadlines.
Application deadlines: this should be a no-brainer, but you would be surprised to know how many people miss hard deadlines because they are juggling projects with competing priorities. Always meet your application deadlines. Don’t even think about sending incomplete or late information. If you anticipate the need to request an extension, submit such request weeks prior to the due date with a justifiable explanation.
Disclaimer: it is my professional experience that most donors do not grant extension requests.
TIP 2: WRITING A FLAWLESS NARRATIVE
The narrative is the section of the grant application that requires the most finesse. Conveying a captivating story is the determining factor to receiving the grant award. Creating an emotional connection for the donor to your organization’s work is critical in getting them to identify with your mission.
Use active words.
Don’t be long-winded.
Back up your statements with factual, statistical data.
Clearly outline how you will sustain the work of your organization for years to come – even after the donor’s funds run out.
Provide a clean budget that itemizes additional revenue streams and benchmarked expenses.
TIP 3: THANK YOUS AND FOLLOW-UPS
Showing gratitude is the impetus of creating lasting relationships. If you send an email inquiry to a potential donor, be sure to end the message with a sincere thank you. If a donor grants you (no pun intended) a face-to-face meeting, follow-up with a personalized, hand-written thank you note. After submitting your grant application, follow-up with a stand-alone thank you email. If receiving funds from a donor, send both a thank you email and a more formal note on your organization’s letterhead. Keep the donor engaged and informed of any new programs that your organization is involved in. Send pictures; visuals are stimulating and helps to create connectivity. Build those relationships and get the funding.
Happy writing!
Valeta Prendergast is an avid writer, tea and wine enthusiast, painter, actor and musician. When she is not helping organizations reach their strategic goals, she enjoys her hobbies, traveling and spending quality time with her family.