Learn to write effective grant proposals with these 9 tips: leverage past grants, organize documents, follow instructions, show impact, tailor language, seek feedback, consider classes, and use writing resources.
Nonprofits rely heavily on grants, with approximately 20% of their income coming from this source in 2020. Grants from foundations, government entities, and corporations allow nonprofits to diversify their revenue streams. While incorporating marketing elements from individual donor campaigns can enhance grant applications, crafting effective proposals requires additional considerations. Here are nine best practices and tips for writing a winning grant proposal:
Don't reinvent the wheel with each grant application. Many applications ask similar questions, such as funding needs, community impact, and measurement of success. Organize and save language and materials from past successful grants, creating folders by topic. Also, ensure easy access to your nonprofit's marketing and branding language for consistent proposal development.
Grant applications often require various supporting documents. Centralize these materials, including board lists, Form 990, 501(c)(3) determination letter, organizational chart, bylaws, mission statement, contact information, budget, and letters of support. This organization enables quick access and attachment to proposals.
Pay close attention to instructions, as small details can impact final decisions. Consider time zone differences, postmark requirements, word limits, requested attachments, correct contact information, and updates to past funder names. Check for any pre-application requirements, such as webinars, screenings, or letters of inquiry.
When responding to narrative questions in grant applications, ensure your answers directly address the question. Avoid getting sidetracked by highlighting your nonprofit's accomplishments without addressing specific inquiries. Be clear, upfront, and concise, placing the answer at the beginning and including supporting information afterwards.
Tailor your grant proposal message to the grantmaker's specific needs. Rather than simply stating that your nonprofit is an excellent candidate, provide evidence through data and stories. Highlight past performance and share how your organization has made a difference. Use quantifiable data and personal anecdotes to illustrate impact and explain how you will measure progress going forward.
While reusing language from past grants is common, review and modify responses to align with the funder's mission and branding. Adjust project descriptions, stories, and data to emphasize how your work supports the funder's goals, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Grant proposals benefit from thorough editing. Have another person on your team review drafts before submission. This helps identify overlooked details and ensures consistency with your nonprofit's messaging.
If you are new to grant writing, consider taking a class to learn this unique style of writing. Even experienced grant writers can benefit from courses that provide insights on making applications stand out. Local colleges, professional development centers, and online organizations offer such classes.
Writing grant proposals requires clear and direct language. If you find this style challenging, several resources can help. Tools like Grammarly can check spelling, grammar, style, and tone. The Plain Language Action and Information Network provides resources for making communication more accessible. The Hemingway Editor offers readability scores and suggestions for improvement. You can also explore Grammar Girl for quick grammar-related tips through a podcast and blog.
By implementing these best practices, you can enhance the quality and effectiveness of your grant proposals, increasing your chances of securing funding for your nonprofit.
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