In a recent analysis of 12 grant writing processes proposed by grant writing experts, four primary steps and a checklist used by most grant writers emerged.
Checklist
Here is a checklist of items for each step:
STEP 1 – Develop Your Idea
- Develop your idea into a fundable proposal, first.
- Assess the needs of your agency, population to be served and your community.
- Make your idea more attractive to funders by focusing on what is original, timely, compelling, impactful, sustainable, and able to be replicated.
- Tap into your passion.
STEP 2 – Research Funders
- Identify keywords for funder research in commonly used categories, like field of interest, types of support, type of eligible recipient, geographic focus and special population terms.
- Become familiar with the four primary types of funders: foundations, corporations, government agencies and individual donors.
- Use both linear and non-linear approaches to finding and attracting funders.
- Conduct a pre-proposal contact with a potential funder.
- Get application forms and guidelines.
- Make sure there is a strong “idea match” between your idea and the funder’s.
- Collect information about funders and how they evaluate proposals.
STEP 3 – Customize Your Proposal
- Create a timeline for completing your proposal.
- Apply an approach that has been proven successful. For example, develop partnerships and invite an investment of the funder.
- Assemble support data you need as you go, such as your IRS determination letter and testimonials.
- Use winning writing tips, such as defining all acronyms and including an activity time line.
- Improve the appearance of your proposal using the font style used by funders in their publications whenever possible.
- Write a first draft; then, conduct a mock review of your first draft and edit.
- Submit your proposal ideally 10 working days before the deadline.
STEP 4 – Respond to the Funder’s Decision
- Thank each funder, no matter the result.
- Ask for feedback to improve future proposals.
- Re-apply, if your idea matches the funder’s, using feedback from the funder.
- Use a 3-submission approach, if necessary.
- Congratulate yourself on a job well done.
