Before you start writing a grant proposal, ask yourself a few key questions to ensure that you’re on the right track with the project, and the funder who will receive your request. Take the time to write down your answers so that you can use your notes as the starting point for your proposal.
- Does your project further the mission of your organization? If there is not a clear link between the proposed project and our mission, you are less likely to get funded.
- Is there a clear link between the proposed project and your organization’s overall strategy and vision? Writing proposals just for the sake of funding is not likely to be successful. Funders want to make investments that promote the long term success of programs and organizations.
- Does your project relate to the funder’s mission and goals? As times get tougher, funders are becoming more narrowly focused on achieving specific goals and objectives. Your project should help them do that.
- Does your organization have the capacity to successfully manage the grant writing process, and post-award grants management? Getting funded is just the first step. Ensuring that your organization has the staff and tools necessary to successfully carry out the funded project and comply with funder requirements is crucial for project success and supports future fundraising efforts.
Make sure that you’ve taken a good look at your potential funder and fully understand their grant guidelines and proposal requirements. Some grant makers may require detailed information about other sources of funding for the project. Some funders have multiple deadlines, and limit the number of times that you can apply. Some funders do not have deadlines, or restrictions on how many times you can apply. If there is a deadline you must be sure that your application is submitted by that time, or your application will not be reviewed. Procedure and guidelines for federal grants may be different than that of private foundations, and requirements for page length, margin and font size, and line spacing vary from funder to funder.
Meet with your stakeholders and potential partners to get input on your proposed project, buy-in to your proposed methods, and a commitment from project partners. Bring a concise summary of the project that explains why are you doing the project, what you will be doing, how you will be doing it, when and where it will be done, and who it will reach. Be sure to describe your goals, objectives, and broad outcomes expected. It will be easier to create this summary after you have answered the four questions basic questions outlined above.
Ensuring that you are ready for grant proposal development and finding the perfect funder match takes time and energy.
But, it will save you the cost of submitting a proposal that is not a good fit with the funder, or developing a proposal that is never reviewed because it does not comply with application guidelines.
