The process of hunting for
an appropriate grant program and then applying for it can be horribly
frustrating. In addition to being potentially frustrating grant writing is
almost always time-consuming as well.
The success rate for grant
applications can vary from state to state and from organization to
organization. Some states experience an average of one in three or four grant
proposals being accepted by funding agencies within their borders. Other states
have a much lower success rate.
Many federal agencies that
fund grant proposals often have confusing or highly complicated requirements
either in the grant application process or in the reporting and accountability
processes or both.
For some grant applicants
the most difficult phase of the grant writing process is the application phase,
while for others that are ultimately funded, the most difficult phase can be
the acceptance phase and meeting all the award requirements and restrictions.
However, there are a series
of tips and some sage advice that experienced grant writers and grant using
agencies have put together that can significantly easy your grant writing
journey:
- Review all of the grant guidelines and criteria
completely prior to starting the actual proposal writing process
- Be descriptive. All grant proposals require a
clear, concise, and thorough explanation and outline of the program or
project—revise to perfection
- Emphasize the positives with bullet points that
clearly set them apart from the body of the text
- Proofread throughout the writing process but
certainly proofread the final document—poor spelling and poor grammar
inform the reviewer about diligence of the requesting agency and its staff
- All ways cite your research. Do not make the
funding agency just take your word for the project but back up what you
say with market based research
- Do not base a project or program on unrealizable
or impossible goals and objectives. Funding agencies will not fund a
proposal that appears doomed from the start
- Spend a lot of time on the budget. Prepare a
detailed budget with explanations. This lets the reviewers know that you
are responsible and detailed
- Composition counts. Write carefully with concise
language and avoid excessive use of jargon. The reviewers likely do not
have the same experience with your or your agency’s field as you do
- 3rd party review. It is critical to
have another individual or a panel to review the grant guidelines and
requirements first and then review the grant proposal in order to ensure
it matches the criteria for application
- All grant writers experience rejection. If a
consultant or another grant writer guarantees project or program
acceptance then find another consultant or writer.
- Bonus Tip: Write to persuade. Include
a powerful introductory thesis about why this project or program should be
accepted and then back it up with goals and objectives. Also include an
implementation plan or a project timeline
