How do I write a grant proposal?

Perhaps you are a small non-profit business and would like to have a greater sphere of influence, but your lack of funding is keeping you down. Writing a grant to try and find contributions is an option that you may consider. But how do you write a grant? There are four general steps that have to be followed to write a successful grant.

1. Search for grants.
2. Write the grant proposal.
3. Submit the grant proposals.
4. Keep your chin up.

Searching for grants can take a lot of time and much effort in research. However, this time and effort is absolutely necessary. You can try looking at your library, on the internet, and at grant books; they will provide you with a wealth of information. Think outside the box regarding what types of grants might work for you; identify the possible sources of funding; and then find out what their requirements are.

Next, begin to write the grant proposal. A good grant is always clear, concise, grammatically correct, easy to read, memorable, and – most of all – precise in its adherence to the directions. The grant proposal itself will be comprised of a series of sections looking something like this:

- Summary of the proposal
- Organizational information
- Description of the need
- Specifics of the plan
- How the activities will impact
- System of evaluation for the project
- Other funding currently involved
- Future funding to be involved
- Budget of the program
- Supplementary materials for the program

After completing the writing, the proposal must be submitted. The Request For Proposal (RFP form) is actual application; and it can come in sizes from a few pages to a small book. However, you shouldn’t be dismayed by the detailed requirements; with time and careful effort to follow all the rules precisely, it will be completed and hopefully have a good chance at being approved.

Finally, remember to stay positive. Grant writing is quite competitive, and you may have many rejections. However, if you keep your chin up and keep writing, chances are great that you will meet that long-sought-after success before long.