Tips on Writing a Grant Proposal

The first part of this article addresses various elements of a successful grant proposal and the second half provides a time line for successful completion of the grant proposal.

The number one element of a grant proposal is the Statement of Need. When seeking a grant the organization must have a clear idea of why this money is needed and who it will directly benefit. Any project that you are looking to get funded must identify and respond to a particular need within the community, state or nation.

Saying there is a need is not enough. If you are looking to start or maintain a program that helps kids stay of drugs, then you need to find data to support that need. How many kids in the area have a drug problem? What programs are currently available? Are they successful? How so? These are questions that the funder will want answers to.

The following is a list of characteristics that every proposed project should have if they want to get funding:

• Strong current data
• An experienced project manager (or director)
• Either a history of fiscal responsibility or a plan of how the organization will be fiscally responsible.
• A project description that addresses the need
• Collaboration with related organizations within the community
• Current involvement in the community that identifies the problem and the solutions

Next, you will want to prepare a schedule of completion. You never want to go by the funder's deadline. Be sure to have the proposal completed at least 1 week before deadline. Also, note on the funder's guidelines whether it says "must arrive by" or "must be postmarked by" this will determine when the proposal should be completed.

Example Timeline

Day 1: Download the Request for Proposal (RFP) on funder's site

Day 2: What partnerships can be made? What is your program? Create the details and plan meetings with potential partners if necessary.

Day 3 - 6: Create a proposal summary of 2-3 paragraphs that can be presented at the partner meeting.

Day 7-8: Hold the partenership meeting and get letters of support for the project by Day 20.

Day 9-15: Draft the first draft of the proposal and have it reviewed.

Day 16-18: Fill out the actual grant application.

Day 18-20: Create the second draft of the proposal and show partners

Day 21-26: Finalize the narrative and let all the colleagues, partners know that their input and comments must be in at this time. Review the guidelines and evaluation criteria and be sure all elements are in place.

Day 27-28: Develop the final budget.

Day 29: Write the budget narrative if needed.

Day 30: Have all applications and forms complete with all signature areas signed.

Day 31: Compile complete grant package and recheck instructions and signature pages. Make the requested number of copies and package and mail out to the correct recipient.

By following a timeline you can be sure that the proposal sections will be completed in an orderly and timely manner.

If you can follow a schedule and make sure your project description meets the qualifications of the funder, that is half the battle! There are plenty of resources available on the web and as always I will post some here.