In the nonprofit sector, grants can provide a lifeline. They can buoy your organization forward and help you reach further with your cause than you can manage alone. But getting a grant is a hurdle many in this sector struggle with. Writing a successful grant proposal requires research, organization, and persuasive writing skills. Some of the biggest reasons are:
- Not knowing where to look for them
- Not understanding what needs to be done & the timeline for execution
- Not having the time – or the knowhow – to write grant proposals
If this is you, don’t sweat it! You are certainly not alone!
This is also why so many nonprofits are actively searching for individuals with grant writing experience – and even better, a track record of success in grant awards. And if you happen to find these unicorns of the nonprofit sector, be sure to show your appreciation for their efforts!
But for the rest of us – who haven’t found that perfect addition to the team – how do you improve your odds of getting ahold of those coveted funds?
In this blog, we will cover some of the basics of nonprofit grant writing to get you going in the right direction.
Where to Look
Knowing where to look can be a monumental hurdle to overcome – especially for newer nonprofits. It can seem like you’re an outsider looking in on a private club without an invitation. The resources are there – but without a hand to know where to start looking, it is difficult to bridge the gap. So, let’s work on that now!
One of the first places a nonprofit should start its search for opportunities is at its local public library. Search your local library’s website for nonprofit resources to find out location-relevant grant databases and resources, like Foundation Directory Online. This is available at many library locations for free use, or can also be purchased to use anywhere.
Not all websites are set up the same, and the resources available may change, so it might take some clicking around to find the right spot, but grant databases are available to nonprofits via many local library locations. You can also consider scheduling a meeting with a librarian to help you hone in on relevant grants and other local resources available to you.
If you have the capital, grant database subscriptions might be a viable option. These have the potential to offer an easier user interface and additional tools to help in the process. Take Instrumentl for instance. This database platform isn’t cheap at $179/month but is often ranked amongst the top preferred grant platforms for its user experience and the tools offered.
GrantStation is another popular option at a price. Though this one doesn’t have as many bells and whistles, its keyword searching feature makes this a pretty user-friendly database that can help point you toward grant matches with ways for nonprofits to avoid the $699/year price by looking into partnering with GrantStation to provide discounts for your nonprofit. You can also get the opportunity to receive a free membership to GrantStation if you subscribe to the Chronicle of Philanthropy for $109.95/year.
Pay Attention to the Details
Many different types of grants can be obtained, and it is important to make sure you have a full understanding of what you are applying for. Some grants may need specific applications, while others may be open to public competition. It is also important to understand the eligibility requirements and expectations of the funding agency so that you can properly address any limitations or requirements in your proposal. If an application requires a specific format or some additional information, make sure your budget allows for the time and resources necessary to complete these tasks.
Writing Stand-Out Proposals
Writing a successful grant proposal is an important skill for any nonprofit or organization looking to secure government grants. It requires careful research, planning, and writing to ensure that the proposal meets the requirements of the granting agency. Keep these things in mind to craft a stand-out proposal.
Be Clear and Professional
In the first sentence or two of your proposal, bring up the amount of money you are hoping to be granted. In addition, the budget that accompanies your grant proposal should be prepared with just as much thought and care as the narrative description and match it point for point.
When it comes to the composition of your proposal, I have two words: Spell Check. Then, use a program for additional assistance, like Grammarly. After that, have a friend proofread it. It may seem like a lot, but sloppy proposals and those filled with catchphrases and jargon are probably not going to make the cut. Clear, simple language will get you further.
Last, but not least, focus on the impact. The funders won’t care that your short-term needs will be met by additional funding. What is the bigger picture here? How many people will be positively affected by the funding? How will additional funds improve outcomes in your community, or for the people you serve? Lean into your purpose.
Below, we dive into the most common mistakes that people make in grant proposal submissions so that you can be on the lookout for these avoidable slip-ups that knock a lot of contenders out of the ring.
Common Foibles in Nonprofit Grant Writing
Money-Related Mistakes
Not asking for money
It’s far more common than you would guess to forget to include the amount of the grant being sought in the proposal.
Asking for the wrong amount of funds
Most funders have a number they seem to tend towards in their granting. Asking for substantially less or substantially more than their typical grant will fail far more often than it succeeds.
Submitting sloppy or incomplete budgets
Leaving out a major item, padding salaries, or other oversights or inflations will be noticed by the grant reviewers – who are very familiar with what the budgets should look like.
Other Big Mistakes
Not following instructions
This has cannot be said enough – and is hands down, the biggest mistake (and easiest to avoid). Foundations, corporations, and government agencies receive thousands of grant proposals. With so many vying for funding, they need a few easy ways to eliminate some contenders. And this is one of them. Follow the instructions to the letter. Have someone else review all of the instructions and your proposal to ensure that they match up.
Not enough research
Each funder has an interest or a reason behind why they are offering up funding. It’s not enough to know that the foundation makes education grants. You also need to know what branch of education they support; the specifics of their particular interest. Their raison d’etre, so to speak.
Centering your proposal around your needs versus the impact it will have
This is big-picture versus your immediate need. If your proposal points out that the funds would prevent your organization from a deficit…that doesn’t speak to the big picture. It only rings out that your organization is struggling. A funder’s goals are achieved when you deliver the service your nonprofit provides to the people who need it.
Sloppy editing
This is another easy elimination point for reviewers. If there are typos and grammatical errors you can be fairly certain your proposal isn’t going to make it very far.
Assuming the funder knows who you are – or what you are all about
It is your responsibility to describe your capacity to carry out the project for which you are seeking funding.
Late submissions
If it’s going to be late, don’t bother. Set an early reminder for yourself for next year – and try again then.
Not trying
You’ll never win a game you never enter – and you’ll never receive a grant you don’t apply for. There will always be reasons to put it off. Be it the state of the economy, or the lack of time you have to devote to doing it right. Or perhaps you are waiting on finding that person who can fulfill your nonprofit grant writing dreams.
The bottom line is that you can’t get anywhere in the waiting. The timing will never be perfect. But you can start the journey, and learn a lot through the process. And if you want some help, reach out.
