Compelling grant proposals win grant funding. Mastering the craft of writing a grant proposal is essential for landing ongoing financial support.
Compelling grant proposals win grant funding. Mastering the craft of writing a grant proposal is essential for landing ongoing financial support.
Grant proposals are comprehensive blueprints outlining a proposed project or problem, why the reader should support the idea, and how it will be solved. A grant proposal shares similarities with a persuasive essay, as it outlines a plan to address an issue through a current or new program and how the grant money is vital in moving the proposed program forward.
When writing a grant narrative, the writer needs to demonstrate evidence-based, or researched, community needs to secure grant funding. Grant proposals are presented to funding organizations for assessment according to specified guidelines and funding criteria. This review process is made fiercely competitive by the number of applicants.
The effectiveness of these proposals is pivotal for standing out in a stack of hundreds of applications and being creative enough to make the reader wonder more. Based on each grantmaking organization’s application guidelines, grant proposals will vary in length. In most cases, these proposals are extensive documents ranging from 10 to 20 pages, inclusive of references, financial records, supplementary materials, business plans, and budget specifics. Smaller grants typically range from 3 to 10 pages.
Does this conversation sound familiar…
Wife: (enthusiastically) Honey, you won't believe what I found today! The most amazing pair of shoes ever!
Husband: (raising an eyebrow) Oh, really? Another pair of shoes?
Wife: Yes, but these are different. They're not just shoes; they're a style statement! I really, truly need them.
Husband: (smirking) Alright, let's hear it. Why do you need these new shoes?
Wife: Well, you know how I've been saying that I need a bit of a confidence boost lately? These shoes are like magic confidence-boosting shoes. The moment I put them on, I feel like I can conquer the world!
Husband: (trying not to laugh) Confidence-boosting shoes, huh? That's a new one.
Wife: It's true! And you know what they say, a woman with great shoes can take on anything. I've got important meetings coming up, and I want to walk in feeling like I'm on top of my game.
Husband: (playfully) So, you're saying these shoes will turn you into a superhero?
Wife: (grinning) Well, maybe not a superhero, but they'll definitely make me feel super confident. Plus, they're on sale right now, so it's practically a crime not to get them.
Husband: (teasing) Ah, the irresistible call of a sale! But how many pairs of shoes do you really need?
Wife: (earnestly) I promise I won't go overboard. I'll even donate a few pairs to make space for these. And you know, honey, happy wife, happy life, right?
Husband: (laughing) You do have a way with words. Alright, show me these confidence-boosting, world-conquering shoes.
Wife: (excitedly) Really? You won't regret it, I promise! Let's go online and check them out together. You'll see how amazing they are!
Husband: (smiling) Alright, let's see if these shoes live up to all the hype you're giving them.
Wife: (hugging him) Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're the best husband ever!
Husband: (chuckling) Just remember, those shoes better deliver on all their promises!
That is true persuasion! This is the mind-set that is required when writing a successful grant proposal to receive funding to further your ministry goal.
In Proverbs 29:18, it says “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” You must first cast your vision, build the specifics on how it will happen, and execute to perfection!
Purpose of Writing Grant Proposals
For some programs, specifically in church ministries, funding comes from charitable contributions. Too often, valuable programs and projects are hindered by a lack of operational funds.
In order to attain the necessary funds for a program to succeed and begin to grow, a grant proposal must effectively persuade its readers that the proposed undertaking holds significant value, addresses a crucial community need, and aligns harmoniously with the mission and objectives of the funding institution. Not sure if your church ministry is fundable, check out our blog Develop FUNDable Church Programs to gain more understanding.
Given that grantors commonly disburse research grants in phased installments across yearly or biannual periods, grant proposals must also compellingly demonstrate that the project can be accomplished within the specified budget and timeframe.
Ultimately, grant writers bear the responsibility of convincing the funding agency that the program outcomes achieved by the culmination of the project's timeline will generate a tangible impact within that area.
Grant Writing Power of Speech
Grant proposals deviate from the majority of technical communications by adopting an explicitly persuasive tone rather than a neutral one. The art of skillfully crafting persuasive proposal language demands an in-depth understanding of the preferences and anticipations of the reviewing audience. The aim extends beyond mere explanation of the proposed program; it entails the task of persuading grantors of the significance, feasibility, and the author's aptitude for its execution.
A proficient grant writer constructs a proposal that accomplishes the following:
Aligns seamlessly with the funding institution’s mission and vision.
Presents the program's objectives and goals right from the outset.
Outlines meticulous logistical plans for implementing and sustaining the program.
Aligns Seamlessly With The Funding Institution’s Mission and Vision
Ensuring congruence between the projected outcomes and the mission and vision of the funding agency stands as a pivotal aspect. A misalignment of the proposed work with the interests of the funding organization could potentially lead to rejection.
Virtually all funding agencies or foundations maintain a specific vision and very detailed programs that they are desiring to fund, which are often published on their official websites. Moreover, specific grant solicitations may outline even more precise objectives, criteria, and requirements.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the unique motivations driving the funding organization empowers grant writers to adeptly tailor their research objectives, resonating more clearly with the funder’s aspirations and subsequently increasing the likelihood of securing funding. Among the most prevalent and substantial sources of research funding are federal agencies, such as Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. They offer a grant called The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), which provides funding for essential services, operations, and homeless prevention activities to emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing for the homeless, and day/night homeless shelters. These programs provide basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and other necessities, and many also provide case management, referrals, rental assistance, and other services to individuals and/or families who are in need of assistance. For example, in this grant, I would ensure my proposal includes specific focuses such as “solutions for homeless prevention through events, education, and activities.”
Similarly, smaller foundations tend to possess narrower scopes for funding. As an example, the Every Child Can Read Inc. is a nonprofit that believes in opening a world of opportunities by growing a love of reading in young readers. An example of a church program that aligns with this grantor’s mission is to “encourage families with children of all ages to come and read at the church library where the atmosphere welcomes social engagement, building desire to read, and offers educational opportunities.”
There are amazing resources available to you as a grant writer:
Exousiagroup.com, is a grant writing education and consultation entity that offers a variety of platforms for your convenience. Including an Online Institute where you can take classes one by one, at your learning pace without the time restraint or pressure.
Grants.gov is a comprehensive and frequently updated online hub offering information on the grant application process and federal funding opportunities, and much more.
Order the Grant Writing Strategies For Churches workbook that teaches step-by-step instructions to successfully write grants with 13 included grant writing worksheets.
Just have a quick question as you are getting started, right in the middle of your essay, or just before submission, you can sign up to speak with a grant writing expert with a self-scheduling tool. Initial Consultation, the first 15 minutes are free!
Presents Program’s Objectives And Goals Right From The Outset
The initial page holds paramount significance within the proposal framework. Given the comprehensive nature and expansive scope of grant proposals, this initial page bears the responsibility of encapsulating the projected program blueprint and objectives through an abstract or summary and a condensed presentation of specific impacts and outcomes.
The abstract or summary serves to succinctly encapsulate the technical project plan outlined in the ensuing pages of the proposal. It should encompass the rationale and evidence behind the proposed work, delineate the precise concern the proposal aims to address, provide insight into the expected outcomes, and emphasize the significance. Generally, the abstract or summary should span approximately one paragraph in length.
The abstract or summary area takes the overarching goal and breaks it down into tangible tasks, objectives and goals. Each of these components aligns with the funding agency's objectives and encompasses outcomes and/or deliverables.
Considering that grant reviewers are often tasked with evaluating numerous proposals simultaneously, many of which they cannot feasibly fund, the limited time available requires them to swiftly identify the most promising proposals. In this context, the scientific validity and readability of the first page play a pivotal role in determining whether the full proposal will be explored. Do not allow your proposal to be overlooked, use specific Grant Writing Strategies That Get Attention.
Some grant solicitations call for an executive summary that expands upon the initial summary description. This executive summary is going to include much more specific actions and great detail when explaining how goals will be met with specific tangible tasks, written at approximately three pages. In instances where these initial sections lack clarity or fail to effectively communicate the proposed concepts, reviewers might not proceed beyond the first page.
To facilitate the reviewer's navigation through various segments of the proposal, be sure to use the following strategies:
Bolded, underlined headings
Numbered lists
Bullet points
These strategies provide an easy read while also adhering to the guidelines outlined by the funding organization.
Outlines Meticulous, Logistical Plans For Implementing And Sustaining The Program
Comprehensive and practical logistics are imperative in proposals. Be careful not to exaggerate what you are capable of accomplishing for the proposed program. It is important to remain realistic in detail and in the requested funding amount. This is a great time to remember the age-old adage: Don’t over promise and under deliver!
Reviewers approach proposals with a healthy dose of realism. Therefore, it's the writer's responsibility to convincingly demonstrate that not only is the new program compelling, but also that its execution can be efficiently managed by the organization. Consequently, proposals are evaluated based on the robustness of their logistical framework for executing the written plan. To substantiate the feasibility of these logistics, proposals include a detailed project plan section that addresses the following inquiries:
Who will carry out the work? Are they adequately qualified?
Where will the work take place? Are the facilities suitable?
What is the projected timeline for achieving the proposed objectives and their resulting deliverables?
What financial resources are required to start and sustain the support needed for the program?
In order to reinforce the answers to these questions, grant writers incorporate supporting documents such as endorsement letters and financial records, heightening the proposal's credibility and establishing a high likelihood of attaining the goals set forth.
Nearly all grant proposals necessitate a budget to validate the financial requisites outlined by the proposer. It's advisable to consult the funding organization, as they often mandate specific forms for the budget.
Collaborators can showcase their relevant support to the project through their partnership in the endorsement letters, thereby further bolstering the credibility of the grant proposal and requestor.
Moreover, by appending a roster of other pertinent grants secured and resultant publications, the proposer can underscore their track record of successfully obtaining grant funding and support by a variety of funders from larger governmental agencies to smaller local foundations. Letters of reference or support from institutions or collaborators also play a role in persuading reviewers of the availability of ample resources to effectively carry out the proposed work.
Synopsis of Grant Proposal Writing Approach
A grant proposal constitutes a holistic bundle of information designed not only to inform but also to advocate for the need of a new funded program and its direct-effect strategy. Proposal composition is a form of persuasive writing that employs technical details as substantiating evidence for the outlined program objectives and goals.
The proposal employs succinct, detailed language, ensuring clarity for a target audience of well-versed evaluators. An accomplished proposal persuades the reader that the proposed undertaking holds significance and urgency, addresses a pertinent requirement, possesses a sensible strategy, rational budget and timeline, and is poised to generate an impact in harmony with the funder's mission and vision.
TAKEAWAYS…
Grant proposals are a form of persuasive writing.
The purpose of writing grant proposals is to effectively persuade its readers to fund a desired program that you have already started or wish to begin.
Grant writing power of speech is important to have a strong, persuasive tone throughout the entirety of the proposal. To do this, you must:
Aligns seamlessly with the funding institution’s mission and vision.
Presents the program's objectives and goals right from the outset.
Outlines meticulous logistical plans for implementing and sustaining the program.
Use the resources that are readily available to you as a grant writer:
Exousiagroup.com, is a grant writing education and consultation entity.
Online Institute where you can take classes one by one.
Grants.gov is a online hub offering information on the grant application process
Grant Writing Strategies For Churches book that teaches step by step.
Initial Consultation, speak with an expert, first 15 minutes are free!
Keywords: how to write a grant, grant funding, grant writing style, grants for nonprofits
Work Cited