Best Practices for Successful Grant Writing

• Write clearly, correctly, and succinctly.
   
• Tell your story in a compelling way and use a thesaurus for better adjectives.
   
• Remember the 12-12-12 Scenario:
  • The reviewer might look at your proposal at 12 midnight.
  • She might have already had a 12-hour day.
  • Your proposal might be the 12th application of the day.
     
• Don’t make the reviewer work too hard to get to the proposal.
  • Keep sentences short. Keep the average sentence at 17 words.
  • Choose simpler words.
  • Break up text
  • Use shorter paragraphs.
  • Use headings.
  • Use lists.
  • Avoid repetitive descriptions and overly long sentences.
  • Write to express not to impress.
     
• Identify the need for the project. Be very direct and use supporting data.
   
• Clearly explain how the project will meet the need.
   
• Identify specific, measurable goals for the project.
   
• Discuss the IMPACT the project will have on the community.
   
• Ask someone who knows little about your organization to read and critique your proposal.
   
• Complete the proposal early. Set it aside for a few days; then read it again before the submission deadline.
   
• Submit only what is required. Save the organization’s brochures, photos, etc. for the site visit.
   
• Ensure that the project budget is reasonable. Triple check figures.
   
• Ensure the proposal does not have a narrative mismatch:
  • Narrative mentions item not mentioned in the budget.
  • Budget mentions item not mentioned in the narrative.
     
• Ensure the proposal does not have over or under budgeting:
  • Budgets that appear too high or low for project will seem questionable.
     
• Ensure that in-kind resources are not under-valued:
  • Value all resources important to the project.
  • Value contributed volunteer time (at fair-market rate for each position necessary for your project).