How to write a grant proposal

We sometimes receive requests from users, asking for fill-in-the-blank grant proposals.

There is no such animal.

The missions of funders, the programs of nonprofit groups, and the needs of the communities they serve vary widely. Your proposal should be unique, specific and memorable.

It needs to stand out.

Many grantors provide you with detailed application forms. Others, while possibly specifying length and format, leave it to applicants to shape their requests.

So, while there is no out-of-the-box proposal, there IS a general outline that you can follow for guidance. Here are some of the highlights, based on my years of grant writing:

► Title Page and Cover Letter

► Introduction/Summary
What makes you special? Provide a brief overview of the proposal with information about your organization, your ability to complete the project, methods to be used and how those served will benefit. This is the first thing the reader sees, but it should be written last.

► Organization Background/Overview
Establish credibility by describing your organization’s location, demographics, mission, relationship to the community, and past successes.

► Mission
Your organization’s mission statement. (And if you don’t have one, focus on this first, before you even start your proposal. Distill it to just one or two sentences.)

► Your Mission’s Match with Funder’s Priorities

► Main Focus of Your Organization

► How Does Your Organization Benefit the Community?
Note your existing programs and the ways you collaborate with other organizations.

► Problem Statement/Needs Assessment
Describe the problem(s) your project will address and the population it will serve. Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. Include data outlining the problem, the lack of other programs currently addressing this need.

► Program Goals and Outcomes
Outline your objectives, and your means of measuring success or failure.

► Program Methods and Implementation
Describe the activities that will lead to successful outcomes. Note how funds will be used; the number of people served; the geographic area to be served; and staffing requirements. Include a step-by-step timeline of how these steps will be taken and the metrics you’ll use to move on to each next step.

► Evaluation
What are the metrics you will use in measuring success?

► Finances
What other grantors are supporting this project? Name other organizations you’ve asked for funds. What will you do if you do not receive the grant? How will this project be sustained in future years?

► Budget (attachment)
Provide a line-by-line budget, with as much detail as possible.

► Leadership (attachment)
Include a list of your board members and any advisory boards, with names and affiliations.

GOOD LUCK!