Grants Can Be a Gold Mine of Funds

By  Teresa Ambord

If you've never written a grant before, there is a lot to learn. But once you learn the art, you can become a huge asset to your employer. Or better still, you can become an expert freelance grant writer working from your home, if that's your goal. Your local college may offer a one or two day grant writing class (possibly online) to get you started.

Before you begin

  • Read the directions carefully. Failure to follow specific guidelines could move your request into the reject pile regardless of how worthy the project is. For example, if the guidelines specify that they do not fund equipment, don't ask for money for equipment.
  • Whatever you do, do not miss a deadline. Barring a genuine disaster such as a fire, you'll look flaky if you can't meet deadlines. Would you trust your funds to someone you judged to be flaky?
  • As with any written project, be concise. Get to the point. The grant reviewer sitting at a desk stacked high with dozens of grant requests will not appreciate flowery descriptions of your ideals, or digressions to make side points. When it comes to words, less is more.

What Sets a Winning Proposal Apart From the Others?

  • Winning proposals clearly define the needs, in terms that are concrete, and define how those needs be met. For example, if the grant you seek is to provide meals for low-income senior citizens, define the population of seniors: What is the geographical area involved (city limits, county, rural)? How many seniors? What income level makes a senior citizen eligible? How many meals per day, per week, do you plan to serve? How will you store and prepare food? Will you have to hire new employees? If so, how much will your administrative costs increase because of the larger staff?
  • Winning proposals are presented logically. Sections of the proposal should be easy to follow and predict. For example: Each section should begin with an objective, activities to meet the objective, and evaluation (or expected outcome)
  • Winning proposals are positive. It's a mistake to try to present your case as grim and desperate for cash infusion.  Those who might be able to provide funds want to see worthwhile projects with clear needs and paths to meet those needs.
  • Winning proposals are written in plain language. Don't try to impress funders with your knowledge of your subject by using jargon. If you have to use a bit of jargon, define it so that people outside your industry can understand your goals and objectives and plans. Otherwise you may sound condescending.

A Good Source of Information

Here is a link to a site called "Grant Seeking in Minnesota." This site gives detailed explanations of the key elements you need to write a successful grant proposal. This Web site is a valuable tool for beginning or accomplished grant writers. You can learn a lot by studying the examples and well-written explanations of the grant-writing process. In addition to a great deal of other helpful information, if you page down, you will find a section entitled "Other Questions" which can help fill in the blanks of your knowledge.

Federal Grants

Below you'll find links that will help you to apply for federal grants:

For More Information: