The Successful Grant Writer
Dr. Patricia Romano
Strengthen your chances of getting funded. Try these proposal tips:
- Follow the funder's instructions meticulously. Keep the same categories and keep them in the same order. We make reviewers' jobs easier when they trash any proposal that didn't follow instructions.
- Research the funder. Read the websites or literature that the organization has available. Tie this information into your cover letter.
- Write a proposal that is strong, clear, and succinct. Give your project a name and outline its mission, components, activities, and time lines.
- Know the amount of money that the funder usually awards. Ask for partial support if the funder will not award the full amount.
- Have letters from partners clearly state how they will collaborate. Oftentimes, people submit letters of support that tell the funder how great a program is when the funder really wants a letter of commitment of time, money or collaboration.
- Submit a well-formatted proposal. Bold headings and charts are a couple of ways to make your proposal interesting to read.
- Ask someone to edit your proposal. Have that individual check for spelling, grammatical, and budget errors. He/she should look for weak or unclear statements and unjustified budget items.
- Stress the benefits to the funder. Many funders want recognition for their financial contribution. In your proposal, mention how you will publicly recognize the funder such as in a brochure, trainings or articles.
- Network with funders. Pick up the phone (unless a funder explicitly says not to) and talk to the contact person. You can clear up any questions that you have about the proposal and build a relationship.
Updated Monday, August 29, 2011
