Grant writing requires extensive research and preparation. The goal of grant writing is to attract and secure funding, making grant writing akin to both marketing and business plans. The grant writing project should be specific and focused, appealing to a single target audience. While some elements of a grant proposal can be adapted to address different potential funders, ultimately each proposal should be tailor made. Step 1: Honing the Idea

When it has been determined that a grant is needed, the idea needs to be honed. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (n.d.) suggests writing a strong mission statement to guide and direct grant writing. A strong mission statement will concisely tell the potential funders about the purpose of your organization and the purpose of the project for which you need funding. The mission statement should reflect the fundamental values of both your organization and the potential donor. There is no use asking a Catholic funder to grant money to an abortion clinic. Also during the honing step, grant writers should narrow down the scope of the project as much as possible. While some projects are broad, they can all be distilled into their core essence to make communicating the idea easier. You are more likely to attract a donor using “clear, specific language,” (“Introduction to Grant Writing,” n.d., p. 1). Simply outline goals and objectives, and the intended pathway towards achieving...

Before putting pen to paper, you need to research potential sources of money, identifying as many as possible by collaborating with others who may have leads on where to apply. Funding can be attracted from private sector sources or from governments and non-profit/philanthropic organizations. It is important to know the sources of funding before starting to write the wording of the proposal, and to keep as many options open as possible. As Garecht (n.d.) points out, many organizations offer specific guidelines for how to apply for funding. Before writing a grant proposal, know that each proposal might need to follow a template given by the target organization. Also, each organization will list their deadlines for submission, as well as eligibility requirements. There is no use writing a thorough proposal only to later realize that your organization or project is not eligible for funding.
Step 3: Develop the Budget and Schedule

Although developing the budget and schedule for your project can be the most tedious parts of writing the grant proposal, they are also the most important features that can make or break your application. If necessary, consult with an expert such as an accountant to help determine potential costs of the project. Costs should include both fixed and variable costs,…