Have you accessed a grant before?
Well, if your nonprofit organization hasn’t received or applied for any then you should. I tell most nonprofits that the best way to learn how to apply for a grant is to actually apply for one and this is why.
Applying for grants will improve your technique and expand your ability to write a competitive document. Remember, you are not the only one competing for that money. There are many other organizations like yours with real problems they intend to address and are interested in the same money, hence you MUST bring your A GAME!
Below are a few tricks and tips you must consider when preparing for your next application and we will be expanding on this at our upcoming working webinar themed ‘Get Ahead’. Do check it out.
1.Understand the amount of work that goes into the writing process
Grant writing takes time and the first key towards writing a winning grant is to pay attention to the amount of dedication and hard work needed in drafting a convincing proposal. The same effort paid in finding the right opportunity should be the same level of precision required in grant writing.
2. You must be meticulously thorough and address all the grantor’s requirements.
Often, the problem with an ineffective grant proposal isn’t the quality of the writing, the reputation of the requesting organization, or the worthiness of its stakeholders and community. Instead, what often diminishes a proposal’s effectiveness is a failure to thoroughly address the expectations of the grantor.
It is VERY important that you review the grantor’s requirements and ensure your organization meets them.
3. Establish how your organization is specially equipped to meet the community and the funder’s needs
Never assume that your potential funder will be familiar with your organization’s mission, the scope of activities, populations served, and unique programs. Whether you do a concise (very concise!) “about us” section at the beginning of the proposal, or whether you decide to weave specific information about your organization throughout the proposal, your brand and your value must come through. How?
4. Keeping your data and resources for the grant application well-ordered and easily accessible
Do you have a checklist of all that is required to be submitted for the varied applications you are putting forward? Do you know all that is required? Are they easily accessible?
5. Ensure you are thoroughly vetted and reviewed before submission.
You should treat your grant proposal as you would any important document. Just as you would your annual report, letters to donors, or any other communication that leaves your organization and lands on another’s desk, establish an editorial review process.
Grant writing isn’t like other types of business writing. It has its own language and “rules.” Have someone – or many people – work with you during the production of your proposal to ensure that the final product is as near-flawless as possible.
Download apps that allow ease of this process and our program Get Ahead will share several platforms and apps you can ap
If you have questions or inquiries, please feel free to email us at donorsforafrica@gmail.com
