Grant monies are the most appealing source of funding you can ever receive because they don’t need to be repaid. However, grants aren’t easy to get.Working on a grant application usually requires hard work and a great deal of research and planning.
Do you really want to apply for a grant?
To apply for any grant, the first step is to know the basics. You need to understand all of the specific directions and requirements set by your prospective funding institution.
While there are grant opportunities available to individuals, businesses, and organizations,the application process varies widely from grant to grant. It is,therefore, important for you to know the various types of grants such as:
· Federal – awarded by a government agency
· Private – given by a foundation, corporation, or non-governmental agency
· Public charity – provides funds to charitable organizations (501 (c)(3))
· Individual -assists individuals who meet specific criteria
· Non-profit – awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations with a specific project
· Sponsorship
How do I get them?
Most of the time, majority of grant programs are need-based and have deadlines that are specific and unyielding.Regardless of the type of funding you are applying for, the application process,however, involves similar steps.
· Identifying the need
· Determining funding sources
· Recognizing the key outcomes
· Developing proposal
· Submitting proposal
· Following up
In order to increase your chances, your grant proposal must be well-written. But grant writing is one of the most overwhelming, confusing, and time-consuming tasks you can ever face.Preparing a grant proposal is not easy.
On the other hand, there are hundreds or even thousands of grant proposal samples to choose from on the Internet. These sample proposals are available to applicants.
Grant Proposal Samples
We can’t deny the fact that free samples provide you with a number of benefits such as:
· Provide you with available fast and easy reference for developing a grant proposal.
· Help you with the process of preparing your own request for funding.
· Save you money from hiring grant writing professionals.
The idea of using sample proposals sounds very attractive. But you have to be aware that each of them may have been written for a different need, purpose, or objective.
With this, your grant proposal may not be a good fit to your proposed project or program. This can also mean that the content of your proposal is not aligned with what the funding institution supports.
Of course, you can utilize these kinds of resources, but they will definitely not enhance your chances of getting the grantor’s approval.
Working with a Grant Writer
If you do not have writing expertise and are feeling overwhelmed with the grant writing process and funding development; or if you need assistance in making sure that you address all of the often complex requirements, consider hiring a professional grant writer.
