Quick Guide to Grant Writing

The first step to writing a grant proposal is to establish a clear plan and expectation for the project.  Collect any existing materials and information relevant to the project.  These materials can include other completed or drafted grant proposals, meeting minutes, organization newsletters, newspaper articles, and so on.  With this information, compare the existing information with the funder’s grant proposal guidelines and develop a proposal outline with missing information noted.

This outline typically includes the following main components:

• Summary
• Need or Justification
• Objectives
• Budget and Narrative
• Work Plan
• Evaluation Plan
• Attachments

Once you complete this outline, the research process begins. Research varies from light to intense, depending on how much or how current your statistical and supporting documentation is.  Make this research your highest priority, because it comprises the supporting evidence for all project activities, and ultimately, supports the feasibility of project outcomes.  Utilize scholarly articles, studies and widely accepted statistical resources, such as the US Census Bureau, to collect this information.  Depending on your needs, you will often need to conduct community surveys of your own for further project support.  Use this information to draft your needs statement or project justification. 

Now you can begin drafting the project’s measurable outcomes.  These outcomes follow both the conclusions of the research and the project activities you have outlined.  At this point, decide whether any changes to the project could help match the supported evidence, thereby strengthening your proposal. 

With the needs and objectives firmly established, the work plan and budget follow naturally, as each project activity relates directly to the outcomes of the program.  This research should also help you to identify a relevant project evaluation plan.

Budgets can often be a challenge, because each funder has different requirements and rules regarding what can and can’t be included in a project budget.  If you aren't currently working on a proposal, start now to familiarize yourself with many different grant budget guidelines. 

While you're busy drafting your proposal narrative, budget and work plan, it's easy to lose sight of the attachments you need to complete your application.  Attachment requirements vary from grant to grant, so have a project management process in place to handle collection.  Also, don't wait until the last minute to gather letters of support and other documented proof of community support.  If you have a project idea already, you can start now by requesting generic letters of support from community collaborators.

Once the proposal’s sections are completed and the attachments have been collected, allow for plenty of time to print, organize, and mail the completed proposal packet to the funder.

Naturally, Weathervane Strategies can do all of this for you.  Read about Our Services or Contact Us for more information.