For the Beginning Grant Writer
Getting Started
Step 1: Register
The first step in the grant application process is to register at http://www.grants.gov/. The registration process is simple and will allow you to take the next steps to receive funding.
Step 2: Research Opportunities
After you are registered, the next step is to gather information about grants you may qualify for. Federal funding, as well as private or corporate foundation funds are available. If you are seeking a grant for a local project, local community foundations may also have money available. I encourage you to take a look at my Grants Newsletter for more information about current opportunities. There are also many helpful links provided in the Resources for Finding Grants section.
Step 3: Get More Information
Once you have identified some possible sources of funding, I encourage you to contact the programs and foundations for more information. Be sure to note things like application guidelines and deadlines.
Step 4: Apply
Once you are ready to apply, I invite you to take a moment to review the How to Write Grant Proposals section below to prepare yourself for the writing process. A well-written proposal is an important part of gaining funding for your project.
How to Write Grant Proposals
Organizations and agencies that don’t have the kind of money to hire a grant writing specialist most likely have to resort to educating existing staff in preparing these types of proposals or forced to recruit a local volunteer with solid writing skills. Fortunately, free web resources can help beginners learn the basics of writing grant requests. Please be sure to be realistic -- the staff person you assign to this task should already know the fundamentals of clear writing, have an analytical mind, and love details like a bureaucrat.
Although beginners might lack the strategic sophistication of a professional grant writer, federal program directors are usually more concerned with the quality of the organization than grammatical perfection. Still, be sure to proofread carefully and don’t be afraid to use spell check.
Where to begin? There are several online tutorials listed below that provide an excellent starting place:
Proposal Writing Short Course I & II: Free online resource from the always reliable Foundation Center. Discusses the standard components of proposals.
http://www.fdncenter.org/onlib/shortcourse/prop1.html
http://www.fdncenter.org/onlib/shortcourse/prop2.html
Step-by-Step Guide: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance offers a step-by-step process for writing grants, from developing an idea to designing a plan of action.
https://www.cfda.gov/index?s=generalinfo&mode=list&tab=list&tabmode=list&static=grants
The Downing Foundation Guide for Grantseekers: Streamlined explanation of grantwriting’s basic principles, from establishing objectives to documenting your case.
http://www.jcdowning.org/resources/generalguide.htm
Writing a Successful Proposal: These tips from the Minnesota Council on Foundations includes answers to common questions, such as “What happens to my proposal after it reaches the grantmaker?” and “What should I do if my proposal is rejected?”
http://www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm
Paladin Group on Writing Proposals: Outlines the standard components of a full proposal, including the budget and attachments.
http://www.silcom.com/~paladin/promaster.html
