Grant writing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Grant writing refers to the practice of completing formal and or informal application processes by one party, often a non profit entity, educational institution or business - but also by individuals to another party such as a Government Department, Corporation, Foundation or Trust. Such application processes are often referred to as either grant proposals or submissions.

As philanthropy continues to grow, so too does the number of grant makers and grant seekers[1]. Consequently Grant Makers may request more complex or in depth information within their application process. However, there are many consistencies across various grant makers and over time some common principles have lead to the development of somewhat generic application processes, with the main differences being related to the depth and quality of information various grant makers require, rather than the type of information they are looking for.

In todays grant writing environment, a successful proposal must match the needs of grant makers with the needs of grant seekers and vice versa. Essentially, there are two key strategies involved in developing successful proposals. Firstly bringing together well matched grant seekers and grant makers and secondly crafting meaningful proposals that will stand out from the(sometimes)tens of thousands of other applicants. Therefore the starting point of any successful grant writing program is hard work and extensive research. Whilst anyone can surf the internet and find a grant opportunity that looks attractive, professional Grant Writers build their proposals on well researched information about both the Grant Maker and the Grant Seeker (and it's programs).

[edit] Doing It Yourself (DIY) V Hiring Professionals

There are Pro's and Con's for both, largely depending on the amount and kind of resources you have available.

The greatest resources you are going to need for the DIY approach are a little money (a basic subscription to an online directory such as the Foundation Center costs $240 per annum)[2] plus time plus hard work. The majority of time is needed (and wisely invested) to sift through the potential grants, trusts and foundations (currently numbered at around 88 000 in the US alone) [3], plus the thousands more Government grants (found on various Government web sites such as grants.gov)[1].

The greatest resource you need for hiring a professional is the money to cover their fees plus a little time to ensure you give them accurate/quality information on which to base your grant research and proposals.

If you have the funds available, hiring a professional to do either all or part of your Grant Writing is probably the easiest, quickest and most effective option. Grant Writing has become a highly competitive field, consequently market forces have ensured that most professionals have a similar range of services available at competitive prices.

If you have the time and commitment plus the necessary writing skills for a good proposal, then DIY is a very reasonable way to go. There are a host of resources available free on the Internet at sites such as "Not Profit Guides"[2]and in the end, if you get stuck - you can always call a professional Grant Writer.

Many busy school and non profit Boards and Administrators find they don't have the time to do it themselves but frustratingly, also lack the money to pay a professional to do it all for them. Thankfully, most professionals will be willing to provide all (turn key) or partial services. If your organization has some time and very limited money, investing in a professional to do the grant maker research and recommend potential matches is well worth while, a little more money will gain you professional editing and feedback about your DIY proposal.

[edit] Elements of a good proposal

A good proposal will include the following[4]:

Executive Summary

This is the introduction to your proposal, a place to "State Your Case Succinctly and strongly, and summarize the rest of the proposal. It should summarize the Statement of Need, Project description, Budget and Organizational Information. According to the Foundation Center - it is an "umbrella statement of your case and summary of the entire proposal". This is a key opportunity to "sell" your proposal, make sure it reflects your professional approach and capacity for excellence.

Statement of Need

Explain why this project is necessary, this is your chance to place the project into context. It may be helpful to draw on third party research to help paint the picture of the particular need you wish to address, but make sure that it doesn't become too wordy and that it only contextualizes your project and doesn't overwhelm it.

Project Description

This is the place for the detail of your project. If the Executive Summary and Statement of Need have done their jobs, this is where the reader will explore how you propose to deliver - or "make the rubber hit the road" so to speak. It needs to be logical, and well thought through. Explain What You are Going to Achieve, How You are Going to Do it and How You are Going to Evaluate it. (Goals, Objectives, Performance Indicators).

Budget

Grant Makers are in some ways like "any other successful business" - they have people that understand money - and more importantly, they understand value for money. Furthermore, they want their money to achieve the best results. One thing you can be certain they will be looking for is evidence of good fiscal policy and practice. The Budget is one of your chances to demonstrate that if they give you their money - it will be in safe hands. Show enough detail to demonstrate you have thought the costs through and will be able to deliver according to your budget.

Organizational Information

Another opportunity for you to "sell" your capacity to deliver. Include a brief history of your school or organization; Outline the Governance structures that oversee it, and list your main activities, audiences, and services. If you have a history of successful project delivery - include it here. If you are new to project work - try to draw on the experience your personnel have had elsewhere.

Conclusion

A Summary of all of the above, keep it succinct - but ensure you include reference to all the main points from the other sections. This is your chance to build the final picture of your submission for the reader, don't blow it by adding in new information that isn't supported elsewhere and try to keep it brief and punchy.

(An alternative format can be found at "Not Profit Guides"[3]where you will also find some helpful template downloads. The NP Guides format is a little lengthier, but basically covers the same key elements as the format above.