Tips for Writing Effective Grant Proposals

1. Write a succinct and compelling summary of your plans.
2. Point out links between your program and the goals of the funder.
3. Use data—it’s the evidence you present to make your case.
4. Like a court case, present irrefutable evidence of the need.
5. Make sure data supports the program being proposed.
6. Cite any experts you quote and credit published reports from which you take data.
7. Funders want to solve problems and know that they’ve made a difference. Give them a proposal that does that.
8. Remember that objectives MUST be measurable—how many, how much, etc.
9. Whenever possible, provide concrete examples of activities—make the project “come alive” and demonstrate how you’re moving from theory to action.
10. It’s not enough to say your department wants a new piece of equipment—explain how you’ll use that equipment and how it will improve education.
11. The strongest grant proposals make the link between goals and objectives and the evaluation plan.
12. When determining how much to ask for, don’t exceed the published cap, if there is one. It’s wise to seek a specific amount, such as $27,423, instead of $30,000. It infers that you’re asking only for the funding that is absolutely necessary.
13. Anecdotal information can be very powerful, when used the right way. It puts a human face on statistics and shows how your project can change lives.
14. One size doesn’t fit all. Tailor your proposal to the specific audience.
15. Use the funder’s own words and themes in your proposal, when appropriate. It shows that you’re “in sync.”
    
    

Writing it Well

1. Use everyday language. Avoid jargon.
2. Choose strong action verbs and don’t add unnecessary adverbs.
3. Improve your sentences by changing them from passive to active voice.
4. Use short sentences.
5. Avoid strings of prepositional phrases.
6. Cut the fat from your sentences.
7. The word “impact” is so overused that it has lost its impact.
8. Other word that are overused –“proactive” and “at risk.”
9. Use present tense:
   

Do say, “XYZ will provide services …”
Don’t say, “XYZ would provide services …”

10. Use bulleted lists, rather than sentences, whenever possible. It helps organize the project and is easier to read.
    
    

Pet Peeves of Funders

1. Going over the page limit.
2. Proposals that are wordy.
3. Not following the rules for font size.Jargon or writing that is overly intellectual.
4. Proposals that are not precise, concise and sharp.
5. Things that are not spellchecked.
6. Bad grammar.
7. Name dropping.
8. Proposals that do not follow guidelines.
9. Proposals that are not proofread.