An essential part of fundraising is writing grant proposals and grant applications. The difference between making a large amount of money and making little, if at all approved, lies in how your grant application is written. Grant applications can be a long and tiresome journey, but in the end it will be worth it for your group! This article is part of a series of fundraiser articles, and one that specifically deals with the grant proposal.
Grant Applications in Abstract
Grant applications normally include the following active ingredients, so be sure to place these in your “stew”, so to say:
Letters of Reference. You want to include recommendation letters from people who can vouch for your impeccable track record and relevant experience. A Formal (emphasis on formal) Proposal. A detailed explanation of what the grant money will be used for. Your Financial Strategy. This further expounds on your financial needs for the project. A List of Resources. This a list of all resources currently present and resources that may be needed. A List of Fundraising Team Members. This includes everybody, may they be workers or volunteers. Vision-Mission Statement. What you envisage your fundraiser achieving and your ultimate objectives.
You will be able to check all needed materials by reviewing what is on the grant application. It is vitally important that you follow all the directions exactly as they are stated when filling out the grant application. Even the tiniest mistake could lead to your grant getting rejected - tough luck, as they say. Grant providers are very meticulous when it comes to reviewing applications, and many will even ruthlessly have incorrect applications shredded the moment they notice a mistake. You want to repeatedly proof-read your grant application or have somebody else do it for you to ensure that you are submitting it sans errors. After staring at the same document for days on end, it becomes difficult to notice any mistakes.
Your grant application should stress the importance of your cause and the necessity of the grant. How many people are you expecting to be able to help? How do you plan to assist these people? You have a better chance to receive the grant money if you make sure your application is cogent enough to convince the provider. Most importantly, grant providers want to make sure the money is going to be used wisely and appropriately. Your chances of getting approved would increase if you spare no detail when explaining your objectives.
Last, but not least, be meticulous when filling out your application, don’t rush and be razor-sharp precise all throughout. Slow and steady wins the race - you should not bind yourself to time constraints. Cull every financial document that has to be provided as part of your requirements, and again, Proof-read your grant application, proof-rede your grant application, proof-read you’re grant application. If your application is well-written and accurate, it would stand out in the best way possible!