by Doreen Martel

Created on: February 12, 2009

Writing a grant proposal can be very time consuming. It does not have to be confusing. You can learn how to write an effective grant proposal for your non-profit by following these simple steps.

1. Thoroughly Read the Application - Every grant application is different. Each of them has different requirements. Make sure that you carefully review all of the criteria. If you know others who have received a similar grant, ask them for tips and hints. Providing a thorough application will increase your chances of being awarded a grant.

2. Include Statistics - When you are applying for a grant you need to define who the grant will benefit. Research the group that will be served by your grant and include statistics. These should include (a) number of people effected; (b) how they are affected; and (c) how the grant will impact them.

3. Include CV's or Resumes - Part of your grant application will ask you for information about the people involved in the grant. Supply full CV's or Resumes. Include photographs, awards and honors as well as educational background. Any special recognitions should also be noted.

4. Answer Thoroughly - Most grants are going to be read by people who know little (or nothing) about your non-profit. Make sure you include a history. Include special projects you have worked on, events you have participated in and other relevant information. Generally speaking the more information you can provide the more likely you are to succeed.

5. Proofread - Remember that people take typographical and grammatical errors differently. Make sure you review your final application for typos and grammatical errors. You want your application to stand out. Proper usage of words, good sentence structure and proper spelling are necessities.

6. Financial Statements - Include all of your non-profit financial statements that apply. You should also include other sources of funding pledged or applied for in your application. Full financial disclosure is required on nearly every grant application.

7. Summarize - After your application is complete, summarize it. Include a cover letter that highlights key information. You should include (a) a brief project description; (b) a brief summary of the people involved; (c) a brief explanation of your use of funds; and (d) a brief overview of the benefits provided by the grant.

Summary

Most non-profit organizations will apply for a grant at some point. While the grant process often seems mysterious, it is really quite simple. Learning how to write an effective grant proposal for your non-profit does not have to be difficult. Understanding your non-profit and carefully reading all of the grant requirements will help you succeed.

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