Let us tell you that grant writing is indeed a process. It takes passion, preparation, credibility, and perseverance. If you are in the beginning stages of your grant writing career, it is extremely important that you remember and understand the following funder do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
- Do read the eligibility criteria and the guide or handbook before starting the application. Read them again if you don’t quite get it to ensure accuracy when writing. You don’t want to waste hours writing an application if you don’t meet the funder’s criteria!
- Do contact the funder and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Use the call as an opportunity to talk about your project and find out whether it is actually a project the funder would be interested in.
- Do get others involved. We know how stressful it can be to pull together the information necessary for a funding application and also be in charge of writing it. Involving others ensures that everyone is happy before submission time.
- Do ask someone who doesn’t know much about your organization to proof-read your application. Use their feedback to recognize if they can understand the project and see the value of it.
- Do collect evidence to back up the need for your project. I.E. Statistics, case-studies, quote reports, consultation, and focus group feedback from stakeholders.
- Do be very detailed with your budget because you’ll have to stick to it and let it be known sometime along the application process.
- Do communicate the impact that your project will have on the community that you’re serving. Funders are most interested in how your organization will make a difference.
- Do create a folder full of useful information for funding applications. It will make your life easier, trust us.
- Do contact Ascend NBS for your grant fundraising needs if you ever feel stuck during the grant-writing process. We’re always happy to answer your questions.
Don’ts
- Don’t apply without first reading the guidance notes.
- Don’t try to force your project/organization to fit the criteria.
- Don’t apply for the maximum funds available and try to make your budget fit that total. Build your budget based on research and realistic needs.
- Don’t start until you have the important documents ready. Governing document (constitution, rules or memorandum and articles), accounts, policies (safeguarding children or vulnerable adult, environment, volunteer), business plan/project plan, insurance, etc.
- Don’t apply for a project beyond your means. Consider collaborating with other organizations if you believe you’d be able to deliver this project with partners.
- Don’t procrastinate or leave it until the last minute. Writing grants can be tedious, but you must allow yourself enough time before the due date to make sure that it has the best potential of winning.
- Don’t assume that the funders know of or have ever heard of your organization. They don’t understand the need for your work as well as you do. Communicate with them very clearly why they should fund your project.
- Don’t just use national or general statistics – compare them to local and try to gather as such relevant, local evidence as possible
- Don’t forget grants are not the only way to bring in money. There are many other means to generate income and it is wise to have a good diversity of income streams in your organization. Examples include fundraising events, donations from supporters, membership fees, local businesses, philanthropy, trading/ selling services, partnerships/ collaboration, contracts, etc…
Interested in grant writing, but don’t know where to start? Grant Yourself Success offers a 6-Week virtual Grant Writing course designed to help beginners become experts. Sign up today at “grantyourselfsuccess.com.”
Too busy to write grants? Let Ascend NBS become your grant writing ally for social change. We’ve won millions of dollars for nonprofits and small businesses locally and nationally. Visit ascendnbs.com to learn more or contact us at [email protected].