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Only preview successful
applications from grantseekers whose projects are
similar to yours. You'll
not only get some good ideas, but an understanding of
the competition, too. |
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Once you verify available
funding, divide your efforts into three further
phases: writing the proposal, marketing, and management. |
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Writing the proposal should
take only about 40% of your time. Try to get
program officials to review a 3-5 page summary of your
plan first, to make sure you're on the right track. |
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Basic rules of
proposal-writing: Don't ask for more than you
need; take your time writing the proposal; never lie;
never use the same application twice; be up-front about
asking for money; and don't waste time - get straight to
the point. |
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Don't overlook marketing.
It should take as least 10% of your time. Make sure your
organization will appeal to a potential funder, try to
look professional, and involve key community figures
where possible. |
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Management is vital.
You must be able to demonstrate that you have the
management skills and experience that can deliver
success. |
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Know the funder. It's
been estimated that your chances of success improve by
as much as 300% when you make contact with the funder
before and during the proposal-writing process. Don't
ask for hidden agendas, but find out about general
trends or new ideas the funder is currently interested
in. |
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Always work to a timetable.
Make sure you have enough time to complete your
application so it meets the funder's deadlines. If you
don't have time to do it properly, don't compete for the
grant at all. |
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Give thought to the idea of
cooperation. Many funders, particularly federal
agencies, like applications where more than one
organization is involved. If you submit a cooperative
proposal, remember to make sure that there is both a
formal and informal relationship between grantees. |
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When dealing with any funder,
but especially federal agencies, remember to read the
instructions before applying. It sounds simple,
but federal competitions live by two rules: 1) The
agency is always right, and 2) When in doubt, refer to
rule 1. |
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Don't just tell the funder
about the existence of the problem you intend to solve.
Prove it with statistics, case studies, testimony, and
any other measurable data. |
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Know your budget. It's
probably the first thing a funder will look at in your
proposal. It needs to be realistic and give credibility
to your entire proposal. Present the budget separately
from the rest of the application and make sure the
figures are correct and that the budget accurately
reflects your needs. Keep a record of how you arrived at
your costs. |
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A few other writing hints:
1) Avoid filling your proposal with jargon. 2) Begin
each section with a strong, clear sentence. 3) Don't go
overboard, but do try to make your proposal interesting
to read. 4) Check with the funder to see if there's a
preferred format, type style, etc. |
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If your proposal doesn't win
support, keep calm. Never berate funding
officials or grant reviewers. Try to get more
information and ask whether it would be worth submitting
another application in the future. Go back over your
proposal with care and see if you can find places where
it might have been stronger. |
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The key to a strong proposal is
proving the likelihood that it will achieve its goals.
Result areas should always be clearly determined and
measurement indicators should be outlined. It may not be
easy to do, but the value of having clear performance
standards can't be underestimated. |
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Remember that often the key to
a strong proposal is simplicity. Don't waste
words. Funders are looking for a proposal that will
succeed, so keep things clear, factual, supportable, and
professional. |
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Don't give in to pressure.
A rushed proposal rarely wins. Keep a file with standard
information enclosed and updated, like staff resumes and
community statistical data, so you can concentrate on
the specific grant information needed when the time to
apply arrives. |
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When dealing with foundations
or corporate funders, don't overlook the
importance of the original contact letter. Make
it as strong as possible and keep it to the point. |
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