Colorado State University Cooperative Grant Writing Tips
Dr. Patricia Romano
With the ever increasing competition for grant money, it becomes even more important to follow basic grant writing techniques. Below are some suggestions on how to make your grant proposal more successful.
Match. Select funders that are interested in your type of project. Also, find out if they accept proposals from academic institutions. Guidelines. Get a copy of the grant guidelines and study them carefully. Follow the funder's guidelines completely. Include the correct number of pages, copies, and attachments.
Project. Present your project clearly and strongly. Give the name of your project, its mission statement, and its objectives. Let the funder know what the project entails, why the project is important, how it will be carried out, when it will be conducted, and who will implement and supervise the project.
Enthusiasm. Funders are more impressed when grant writers are excited about their own projects. Show enthusiasm in your writing.
Writing Skills. Good basic writing skills such as spelling, grammar, and paragraph structure are a must. Avoid technical jargon unless it's necessary.
Network. Pick up the phone and introduce yourself to the funders. Talk to them about your program and ask any questions that you have about the guidelines.
Proofread. Don't trust spell check. Go over the final proposal thoroughly and edit it carefully. Look for spelling errors and lack of clarity.
Last Run Through. Prior to sending the proposal, compare the proposal against the funder's guidelines to ensure that you've covered and included everything. And don't miss the deadline!
Updated Monday, August 29, 2011
