For some, the idea of writing a grant proposal can sound daunting—so many pieces and parts! Where do you even start? But take it step by step (or “bird by bird,” in the words of Anne Lamott), and your grant will start to gel. So, first gather info; make an outline; create a to-do list; and note deadlines. Those preliminary steps will help you tackle the grant with a sense of calm and purpose. Then, spin straw into gold with these seven tips:
- Follow the directions. We learned this in grade school, right? It still holds true. Read what the funder wants—from word count to naming conventions to allowable budget items—then give it to them. Attention to detail does matter and conveys a level of professionalism, which reflects well on your nonprofit. (Scrub for grammar, syntax, and spelling as well.) If you don’t understand something in the directions (otherwise known as guidelines), do not hesitate to ask the grant contact in the funder/agency office. That’s what they’re there for, and they are usually happy to help!
- Appeal to the head and the heart. Be sure to pepper your grant package with cold, hard facts (including numerical data) and the occasional story that pulls at the proverbial heartstrings. While you don’t want to cue the violins, a dash of emotional resonance will enliven a dry submission and bring a project or initiative to life. Tell what you’re doing, but show impact in all the ways—via anecdotes, testimonials, participant data, specific outcomes, number of service hours rendered, and maybe even evidence of positive long-term effects on individuals, neighborhoods, or the broader community. A selective mix of data and storytelling can be powerful.
- Make it sing. You will need to write clearly and concisely, but you can use poetic devices (metaphor, alliteration, etc.) to give your narratives some zest. And mix up the sentence structure! The goal is to keep the grant reviewer(s) reading along, riveted and even inspired. One of my favorite things about grant writing is actually the limitations: With strict word or character counts, I have to boil things down to the essentials—but can sneak in some creative writing within that scaffolding. I see it as a fun challenge.
- Connect the dots. Make references to the funder’s mission, values, and priorities when appropriate; it shows you’re paying attention to their needs, not just yours. In this more competitive grants climate, demonstrating “mission match” is ever more important and will help your application stand out.
- Think like a reviewer. If you can, pretend you don’t know anything about your nonprofit or project when you read over your narrative draft. Check for jargon, hyperbole, generalities, and unsubstantiated claims. Don’t say you can solve hunger in your city—rather, that your organization can move the needle or work with partners to alleviate it. Avoid long “laundry lists” of activities in favor of a couple examples, robustly explained, that illustrate impact, scope, or depth. Read your narrative aloud to make sure it sounds good. Show it to others—even to someone outside of your industry—if you have time. Finally, check your narrative against the review criteria that the funder will use for scoring/assessing, if that’s available.
- Use the budget wisely. The budget also tells a story, only in dollar figures (although you may have the opportunity to provide an accompanying budget justification). Some grant reviewers look at the budget first; likewise, grant writers might consider drafting the budget early on, shaping it alongside the narrative to ensure that they work hand in glove. If you mention in the narrative that you’ll be evaluating the program, be sure to denote how that will happen (e.g., via a consultant or as part of a staff member’s job), with a corresponding budget line item. If you earmark some funds in the budget for van transportation, explain in the narrative why that’s needed. Clarity is king in grants, whether that’s in the writing or the budget—or, ideally, both.
- Round it out. You may have an opportunity to add support materials—images, short videos, annual reports, marketing materials, letters of support, survey responses, and anything else allowed. Be selective, though! Submit a tightly curated batch of compelling and relevant items. Don’t overwhelm.
Adhering to these seven tips will enhance your nonprofit’s grant writing efforts and help it secure crucial funding. Put another way, you may soon have the Midas Touch. Good luck!