Grant Writing- An Overview Of The Process

The first and most vital step in grant writing is to first identify the problem for which you will be seeking funding.

A thorough search will provide you with the relevant grant opportunities. Consider the following types of funding bodies:

Government agencies

Corporate foundations or businesses

Private foundations

Check the size and value of grants being offered, which should include the minimum and maximum awards. Each funding body will have its own guidelines. Determine if you will be required to apply for multiple grants or whether this is allowable.

Ensure you investigate the timeline for the grant submission, and the funding cycle.

Check other restrictions and make sure you meet the funding body’s requirements. Some federal or state grants may include certification or pre-approval. This may have to be completed before the grant’s submission deadline.

Look at the number of past grants awarded given by the funding body. This will help you determine whether your chances of receiving funding, warrant the effort and resources that it takes to develop a competitive grant proposal.

Determine whether you meet the funding body’s eligibility criteria and if you have the required time, energy, and resources to prepare an effective and competitive grant application.

Make sure you know the funding body’s preferred method of contact, whether it be e-mail, phone, or face-to-face meetings.

Check to see if the funding body offers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and review these questions in detail. They may be updated from time to time.

Evaluate the grant documents to decide what approach might work for you.

Set your goals and objectives for what your organisation’s success would look like.

Analyse the problem or goals to be addressed.

Show how you plan to obtain community support and involvement in recognising which problems and goals to be addressed.

Identify community groups and approaches for addressing this problem/ goal.

Create common sense framework for the project identified in your grant proposal.

Communicate clearly how the activities will lead to the results.

Outline the vision, the objectives and mission of your project.

State the conditions under which the problem or goal exists and if these conditions may affect the intended outcomes

Develop an evaluation plan for the project to show the funding body how the results will be measured and what success will look like.

Define the results you are expecting to achieve by the end of the funding cycle.

Prepare a budget for the project which considers all forms of potential revenues and clearly outlines the amount of funding requested.

Funding bodies like to see a plan for how your project or group will be maintained after the grant period.

Ensure you follow up with partnering groups or other stakeholders that contributed to the grant proposal.
Securing a grant can take multiple applications. Be persistent. Do not wait to hear back about one application before sending more.

If still in doubt, consider recruiting the help of a professional grant writer. A grant writer brings with them, experience, expertise and an understanding of the grant process. A grant writer could be an invaluable investment. Red Tape Busters has experienced professional grant writers who would work with you to obtain funding. Grant writer Sydney, grant writer Melbourne or grant writer Australia wide, Red Tape Busters has you covered.