5 Secrets to Successful Grant Applications
by Lisa Garcia-Ruiz on June 11, 2010
in Uncategorized
1. Know your potential funder!
This is so crucial when you are getting started with your research on potential funders. Subscription databases are a great place to start, but just a quick Google search will usually bring up their website. Make sure you peruse it thoroughly to get a feel for their interests and “hot” buttons. Also check to see if they are participating on any social media sites. If they are, make sure to Like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. This can give you a chance to interact and get “insider” information that is usually not available on their website.
2. Read the guidelines carefully!
This is a step that many people skip and this leads to their downfall! You must read the guidelines with a fine tooth comb to make sure that you are eligible for this particular opportunity, when is the deadline, if any, what are the required proposal components and attachments, etc. Also pay particular attention to the language they use when they are discussing what they want to fund, because you will want to reflect this language back to them. Using their language will not only push their “buttons” in a good way, it will show them that you did take the time to read the guidelines carefully, which can’t help but make a good impression.
3. Make a powerful case for support!
Make sure you have done the relevant research on your topic and that you have all the latest statistics, both national and local if available. This can make your case for support much more powerful. Also try to include any relevant case studies or testimonials from clients who have been helped by your programs or services. Letters of support are great to include from notable leaders in your field, but make sure they are personalized to each particular grant proposal, not general unless that is what is requested.
4. Be as clear as possible!
Make sure that you don’t use jargon particular to your industry in your grant narrative, or if you do, take the time to also include descriptions in terms that a lay audience can understand. You can’t assume that the reader will know anything about your topic. Also don’t use acronyms or abbreviations unless they are very well known to the masses. It is very annoying for reviewers to have to go back to your first abbreviation to remember what you are talking about!
5. Don’t forget the little details!
Before you submit your grant application (make sure to have it ready at least a few days before the deadline if possible!) ask someone else to review your grant application before you send it off. Ask them to review not only for content but for errors as well. You’d be surprised what your eyes don’t see since you are so close to your subject. Also pay attention to how many copies they require, if it’s a hard copy application. If it’s an online submission, which more and more funders are allowing, make sure you know what time it’s due on the deadline and what kind of attachments are required. Sometimes funders want the entire application submitted in one PDF file, so make sure you have the capability to do that ahead of time.
I hope these grant tips were helpful to you. If you would like to experience a complimentary 30-minute grant strategy session, please contact me at lisa@thegranthunter.net and I’d be happy to arrange a session for you.
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