Writing Successful Grants: What’s in a grant application part 3
You can develop a winning nonprofit grant application by learning the basics, seeking advice and feedback, and reading successful application examples, In part 3 of this series, Writing Successful Grants, I describe five aspects of winning, successful grant applications. My knowledge comes from 25 years of experience writing successful grants, serving on numerous grant evaluation committees, and teaching grant writing to others in writing programs at colleges and university. Let me know if you have tips or ideas to add or want to talk about your grant project: star@mix-muse.com.
1. A fundraising plan is essential.
Design a diversified fundraising plan for your organization. In this plan, grants are only one of your funding sources. Consider if applying for a grant is the best way to fund your desired project, program or campaign. Be strategic and set your course.
Apply for a grant only if your organization matches all grantors’ qualifications and guidelines. Are you willing to research and write a tailored applications for each of the grantors? Does each grant match your overall fundraising plan? Do you have the resources and time to research grantors and grant-writing opportunities. Ask: Can my organization accomplish what is asked? Create a grant calendar with all the key dates and deadlines for grants you plan to apply for in 1-2 years.
You may decide the most effective allocation of your limited resources is to find a qualified writer with experience writing successful grant applications, or invest in grant writing training for an existing staff member. We can talk: star@mix-muse.com.
2. Specificity and conciseness matter when writing grants.
Grant application are detailed, specific, concise. They avoid generic descriptions. They resist cliches, acronyms, jargon, or “insider/outsider’ language (more on this in another post). Do not write one generic, one-size fits all application and send off duplicates to all the grantors. Generic applications appear to grant evaluators as an afterthought, which is not good. The lack of seriousness, thoughtfulness, and specificity is detrimental, not only to your application, but sends an unflattering message about your organization’s values and mission. Instead, tailor your application to each grantor you’re submitting. To do this, set aside time to research. Grantors want to fund a specific cause, project, or program. Does your application enable the grantor to do this? How are you demonstrating that your organization’s program is relevant to the grantors’ interests, values, and grant opportunity?
3. Grants are not quick funding fixes.
Seldom if never are grants the answer for quickly gaining funds. They take time and are a solution for organizations able to run thoughtfully planned programs. Grant writing is inextricably linked, and often arises out of, innovative and meaningful program development and planning. Writing a grant without a thoughtful program design seldom yields optimal results. Put time into designing your program so you have something compelling and concrete to describe in your grant application.
4. Data wins grants.
How is your organization consistently collecting relevant and accurate data as well as managing and updating this data? Even if you hire the most experienced grant writer, missing, incomplete or messy data about your organization, the population you serve, the performance of your programming or services will prevent winning grant writing from ever getting started. Your application tells the story of your organization and its constituents. This story is created narratively in qualitative ways and informationally with data that helps define the “problem” your organization seeks to address, solve or help to illuminate. How can you use your data to show the impact you organizing has on those you serve? Winning grant applications focus on impact. They distill in clear and plain language the need the grant addresses and the specific, distinct method or strategy for meeting the need.
A warm story might convince someone to give you a small donation. A compelling, data-informed application well matched to the Call for Applications can convince a grantor with a $100,000 grant to fund your mission. A grantor requires convincing beyond your appeal to their emotions. They expect your well reasoned argument for their investment in your organization. You must state the value or benefit of your organization or mission. Unfortunately, they are not self-evident to grantors. To increase your familiarity with the qualities of winning applications, read grant applications previously funded by grantors to which you are applying. Often, they will have examples of successful applications on their website and even provide instructional webinars.
5. Follow directions and stay within the grant guidelines.
Grants contain details, directions and guidelines. Specificity, conciseness, and accuracy are highly valued, especially in a competitive grant making space. Anticipate this inevitability rather than resist or ignore it. Plan, design, research, and set aside necessary time to do the work, so your application is not declined simply for failing to follow directions or guidelines.
Have I provided a fresh perspective?
Is my writing clear, concise, readable, and easy to understand for readers who are unfamiliar with my organization? Read your application aloud. If it’s hard for you to read your own words, it’s going to be hard for your readers to understand you.
Have I set aside enough time to check everything again?
Spelling, calculations, and due dates are correct.
Sources are provided for data and other information.
Required forms and attachments included.
Page number and font size requirements are followed and documents are presented in the order requested. Some application guidelines are this specific!
CEO, Executive Director or the Board President have sufficient time to review and sign/approve the cover form, cover letter, or the application itself.
An additional person has reviewed all budget lines.
A clear contact for my organization is provided.
Next time: What are the essential parts of a grant application template?
