Introduction
Grantwriting - Online Tutorials
Planning and Writing Resources
Tips and Strategies
| DO | follow the required proposal format exactly. Usually points are given for each section requested. If you omit a section, you lose points and probably lose the grant. |
| DO | plan carefully to meet deadlines. Grant deadlines are hard and fast -- and if you miss it, usually it is a full year before you can submit again. |
| DO | present a compelling need for the project that is validated with current, relevant data ( use statistical facts, expert testimony, current research studies, etc. to substantiate need ). |
| DO | provide solid evidence that your strategies/solutions will address the identified need. Persuade the funding source that your project methods and activities are feasable and will result in the outcomes you anticipate. |
| DO | establish the capability of the college/division/program to administer the project. |
| DO | ensure that your project goals and objectives match the priorities of the funding source. |
| DO | collaborate and/or coordinate activities with other agenciens/individuals that are working in the same or related field. Funders like to see evidence of collaboration and recognition for others working on the same problem. |
| DO | think carefully through your budget. Once you are funded, you are committed to do what you said you would with the funds requested. |
| DO | describe how your project can be replicated at other locales. Funders like replicable projects that will have a long-term impact on the community. |
| DO | work closely with the Grant Development Office, Room 218, x6810. I can provide assistance that may save you time and I can also help coordinate internal approvals and required grant signatures. |
| DON'T | write in jargon or "educationalese." Write for a well-educated person who may not be an expert in your field. |
| DON'T | pad your budget. Agencies will reject proposals with unrealistic budgets. Funders want to see a reasonable and well-explained budget request. |
| DON'T | prepare a proposal with fifty pages of single-spaced text in courier font with no subheadings, bullets, or graphic elements that make a proposal look attractive. Use formatting tools to help break the monotony for the reader scoring your proposal. |
| DON'T | blindly pursue grant opportunities ( i.e. I need money and that other college got a cool grant ). Have a development plan based on college needs and priorities and allow the plan to guide which funding sources you will go after. |
| DON'T | submit proposals full of errors. Funders may think that your lack of care and attention to detail will also manifest itself in the implementation of the project. Always thouroughly proofread your proposal. |
| DON'T | get discouraged if your proposal is not accepted by the funding source the first time. Reviewer's comments are always available to help you strengthen your proposal for resubmission. Often you can make some minor revisions and resubmit sucessfully the next time around. |