10 Things I Know About...Writing Winning Grant Proposals
Sarah Lange is the principal and founder of Legacy Consulting Inc. in Worcester. She can be reached at LegacyConsultOne@aol.com.
10. Don’t Chase Money
Write only proposals for well-planned programs that meet a documented need. Creating programs that aren’t in direct alignment with your mission means you’ll be struggling to fund it down the road.
9. Do Your Homework
If your program isn’t in alignment with the funder’s priorities and interests, don’t waste precious time and resources by submitting an application that will ultimately be rejected.
8. Advanced Planning
Rushing through an application leads to mistakes and can eliminate you from the applicant pool.
7. Unique Opportunities
Respond to the funder’s guidelines and follow the instructions regarding number of copies, type of binding, proposal components, method of delivery, etc.
6. Taking Cover
To submit an application without some form of human contact means you’re treating the foundation/corporation like an ATM machine, which does not do much to foster positive relations with your funder.
5. Presentation Power
Always check spelling and grammar. Submit testimonials, support letters, brochures, annual reports, etc. to drive home your point. Use headings, bullets, graphs, charts, photos and quotes to break up the text.
4. Word Choice
Make sure you start and end with a bang. Use action words. Echo the funder’s language back to them . Avoid jargon.
3. Share Your Story
Emphasize benefits and outcomes and illustrate the difference that a foundation’s funding can make. Help them realize that your organization is the vehicle through which they can achieve their philanthropic goals.
2. Demonstrate Mastery
You must demonstrate that you have a proven track record and make your case by providing data. Identify and broadcast your strengths. Know your program, the issue, and the solutions.
1. Short And Sweet
Communicate clearly who you are, what you do, how you do it and why they should support your cause. Shorter is better — if you can say it in five pages instead of 10, do it.
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