Tips for Successful Grant Writing
Dr. Patricia Romano
A set of well-organized files can be extremely beneficial to grant writers. Cindy Adams, author of the workbook, Grantwriting for the New Millennium(1999), suggests that grant writers keep three specific files readily available. The three types of files are: 1) Organization Files; 2) Supporting Information Files; and 3) Project Files.
The organization's mission statement is a key document to include in the Organization Files. For example, you might have a mission statement for CSU, CSUE, and the specific program and/or department. A paragraph on the history of the organization will be useful. Reproducible copies of the organizational structure, board of directors, brochures, and staff resumes are important. Financial information such as a copy of the overall organizational budget, most recent audit, IRS tax status form, and indirect rates are valuable items, too.
Documents for the Supporting Information Files can include maps of the region, documentation and statistics on project need, and photographs, charts, or graphs. Letters of inquiry, concept papers, and completed proposals will complete these files.
Project Files can house drafts of cover letters, title pages, project summaries introductions, and project descriptions, goals, and objectives. An action timetable, specific program budget, and attachments are helpful. Take the time to create these files up front and your grant writing will be efficient and faster. Adams recommends that items be kept updated in both hard copy and on disk. Use the same font, spacing, and margins to save time when you cut and paste information.
Updated Monday, August 29, 2011
