7 Secrets to Writing Grants

The process of hunting for an appropriate grant program and then applying for it can be horribly frustrating. In addition to being potentially frustrating grant writing is almost always time-consuming as well.

The success rate for grant applications can vary from state to state and from organization to organization. Some states experience an average of one in three or four grant proposals being accepted by funding agencies within their borders. Other states have a much lower success rate.

Many federal agencies that fund grant proposals often have confusing or highly complicated requirements either in the grant application process or in the reporting and accountability processes or both.

For some grant applicants the most difficult phase of the grant writing process is the application phase, while for others that are ultimately funded, the most difficult phase can be the acceptance phase and meeting all the award requirements and restrictions.

However, there are a series of tips and some sage advice that experienced grant writers and grant using agencies have put together that can significantly easy your grant writing journey:

1. Review all of the grant guidelines and criteria completely prior to starting the actual proposal writing process
2. Be descriptive. All grant proposals require a clear, concise, and thorough explanation and outline of the program or project—revise to perfection
3. Emphasize the positives with bullet points that clearly set them apart from the body of the text
4. Proofread throughout the writing process but certainly proofread the final document—poor spelling and poor grammar inform the reviewer about diligence of the requesting agency and its staff
5. All ways cite your research. Do not make the funding agency just take your word for the project but back up what you say with market based research
6. Do not base a project or program on unrealizable or impossible goals and objectives. Funding agencies will not fund a proposal that appears doomed from the start
7. Spend a lot of time on the budget. Prepare a detailed budget with explanations. This lets the reviewers know that you are responsible and detailed
8. Composition counts. Write carefully with concise language and avoid excessive use of jargon. The reviewers likely do not have the same experience with your or your agency’s field as you do
9. 3^rd party review. It is critical to have another individual or a panel to review the grant guidelines and requirements first and then review the grant proposal in order to ensure it matches the criteria for application
10. All grant writers experience rejection. If a consultant or another grant writer guarantees project or program acceptance then find another consultant or writer.
11. Bonus Tip: Write to persuade. Include a powerful introductory thesis about why this project or program should be accepted and then back it up with goals and objectives. Also include an implementation plan or a project timeline