5 Grant Writing Tips from Program Officers
As an amazing nonprofiteer, you know that grant writing is essential for getting grants (obviously!). But what do you need to know about crafting grants that will catch the attention of reviewers?
Fortunately, it doesn’t take painstakingly crafting a perfect piece of writing or squeezing every single detail into a 250 word count response (... if you can do both, you may be a superhero!). Getting the attention of program officers is really about sharing your work clearly and finding ways to connect with them through your writing.
Here is some advice from those who know best:
1) Make your grant easy to read; use real language and don't worry about sounding "too smart".
It can be tempting to try to sound super smart when writing a grant proposal. But in reality, reviewers and program officers are just looking for a clear and concise explanation of your project. So instead of using big words and fancy language, just stick to plain old English. It'll make your proposal much easier to read - and understand. Plus, you'll come across as more genuine and down-to-earth, which is always a plus. So ditch the thesaurus and just be yourself - your readers will thank you for it.
2) Use bullet points and short sentences and paragraphs so that it is easy for reviewers to read and digest your content.
When writing a grant proposal, it is important to utilize short sentences and bullet points in order to make your content easy to read and digest. You want to concisely convey the key information to your readers, so that they can quickly understand what you are proposing and how their organization stands to benefit from it. By writing in a clear, engaging style, you will demonstrate that you have the necessary communication skills and attention to detail needed to successfully manage a grant project.
Additionally, using bullet points helps break up the text and keeps people interested, keeping them focused on the most important elements of your proposal. In short, when writing a grant proposal, remember that simplicity is key. Keep things short and straightforward, using bullet points and other formatting tools as needed, and you will be sure to catch the attention of any potential funders.
3) Don't assume that your grant reviewers know as much about your work as you do, so be clear and straightforward in what you say and how you say it.
It's easy to assume that your grant reviewers know as much about your work as you do. But the fact is, they probably don't. So when you're writing a grant proposal, it's important to be clear and straightforward in what you say and how you say it. After all, if they don't understand what you're trying to say, they're not going to give you the money. So take the time to make sure your proposal is easy to follow and makes sense. A little bit of explanation can go a long way in helping the reviewer understand your work and its importance.
And, of course, don't forget to stress why your work is worth funding! If you can show that your work will have a positive impact on the world, you're more likely to get the grant money you need to continue your important work.
4) Use stories and quotes from program participants and stakeholders to bring your work to life.
When writing a grant proposal, it is important to bring your work to life. Stories and quotes from program participants and stakeholders can help to engage the reader and illustrate the impact of your work. When used effectively, they can provide a personal glimpse into the lives of those you serve and the difference that your work makes. They can also help to build trust and credibility, demonstrating that you are an organization that can be trusted to deliver on its promises. Ultimately, stories and quotes can be a powerful tool in persuading a funder to support your work. So when writing your next grant proposal, be sure to include some tales from the front line.
5) Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions before and during the writing process!
Writing a grant proposal can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Asking questions is a key part of the process, so don't be afraid to reach out to your colleagues, mentors, or even the funding agency itself. It's also important to stay organized and focused as you write. Trying to include too much information will only make your proposal more confusing, so focus on highlighting the most important points. And finally, don't forget to proofread your work before you submit it. Taking the time to revise and edit will help ensure that your proposal is clear and error-free.
By following these tips, you can write a grant proposal that is clear, concise, and easy to read. Remember to focus on the most important points, use stories and quotes to bring your work to life, and don't be afraid to ask questions. With a little effort, you can increase your chances of getting the funding you need to keep changing the world!