How to Write a Grant to Get the Funds you need

You have decided that you need someone to help you in funding your organization. At first, it might seem like a simple idea, but as you continue with your quest of finding funders and realizing the need of writing a proposal for a grant, you will realize that the idea is not simple at all due to the very tough and complex competition that is going on.  Also, you are not the only one who needs a grant. Below are the steps to writing a grant proposal:

1. Determine your needs

Make sure that you include all that you need on your list. This is the best way to determine exactly how much you need to request. Keep in mind that this is an important part of the process since it will be the potential funder’s basis in evaluating how you will manage your resources. The best thing to do is to become as thrifty as you can. Learn to give priority to the greatest needs of the organization.

2. Look for matching prospects

Search for as many potential funders as you can and check out their guidelines well. You need to customize the request for grant that you will write if you really want to get the results. If you think that your organization and the possible funder are a perfect match, you have all the means to prove for the funding. If the amount doesn’t match, learn how to break down your needs in case it does not match with the fund that you applied for.

3. Gather your facts and figures

Your grant request will be more convincing if you present the right facts and figures. Writing a grant proposal without this information is useless. Funders are very particular about the organizations they are going to fund not only in words but in numbers as well. Providing the right information will definitely help you get the funds that you need.

4. Write your proposal professionally

The writing of a proposal should consist of 50% literature and 50% scientific research. If you are certain that you have all the data that you need to convince your potential funders and you are following the guidelines that they have set, then the possibility of getting the funds that you need is high.

5. Follow up

Finally, you can show your eagerness by asking them for the next step. If your grant has been accepted to the next step, be alert for any additional instructions and make sure that you forward all the needed documents on time.