Grant Proposal Writing: Tips for Fundraising Beginners

The world of grants can seem confusing, but if you figure it out, it can open up a world of possibilities for funding for your organization or personal project. Here are some easy tips to help you get started when deciding how to apply for grants to get money for your project. One of the most important things to consider when applying for grants is to give it the personal touch and make sure your project is something you and others can get excited about.

Plan Your Project First, Then Seek Money

When writing a good grant proposal, it is a good idea to know what you want to do first before researching foundations and individuals issuing grants. This can help you because it narrows down the number of organizations you have to contact for grants to those that specifically apply to the type of project you have. It can also help because it gives you a legitimate project that you are excited about because you invented it and want to do it, which makes a proposal sound better and more genuine. Build a project and then seek funding, don't seek funding and then conceptualize a project.

Make Personal Contact

Sending out blanket grant requests is one way of getting grants, but personal contact with people at the foundation issuing grants can help seal the deal. Contact the center giving out the grant you seek. Make contact with them on the phone and in person and ensure that they know who you are. This can help get your grant application special attention. Do not go overboard and buy gifts or anything, but do call the foundation and talk to them about your proposed project so you know they are on your side when it comes to submitting the grant proposal.

Read the Supplied Information for Specific Tips

Thoroughly read any flyers, websites or information given to you by the organization about their grantwriting process. The best places to get grant writing tips for proposals can be from the organization giving the grant. Before asking questions of the people at the organization, read the website for any information about how you should write you grant proposal for that organization. Often, funding organizations want their proposals formatted a certain way, so they supply a large number of grant writing tips designed to help those requesting grant funding properly format their requests.

References and Resources:

Types of Grant Programs
Grant Writing Tips Sheets