12 TIPS FOR WRITING BETTER GRANT APPLICATIONS
Competition for funding is fierce, and there are always more worthy causes than there is money available. These 12 tips will help you hone your grant application and increase your chances of success.
Words by Samantha Morris

Writing grant applications can be a daunting task, especially for grassroots community groups and non-profit associations. Often written by busy volunteers or committee members who sit on multiple boards, simply getting your head around what’s available and the guidelines for each opportunity can be time-consuming and frustring.

Competition for funding is fierce, and there are always more worthy causes than there is money to go around.

However, by following these 12 tips, you can improve your chances of success and secure the funding you need to support your important work.

Top 12 tips for grant writing success

  1. Know your audience: Before you start writing, research the funding organization and their priorities. Make sure your proposal aligns with their mission and values.
  2. Be clear and concise: Use simple language and avoid using technical jargon. Make sure your proposal is easy to understand and directly addresses the funding organization’s requirements.
  3. Tell a story: Use real-life examples and stories to illustrate your cause and show how your organization is making a difference in your community.
  4. Be specific: Provide concrete details and statistics to demonstrate the need for your organization’s work and the impact it is having.
  5. Show how your organization is unique: Highlight your organization’s unique strengths and expertise and how they set you apart from other organizations.
  6. Be realistic: Be honest about the challenges your organization is facing and how you plan to overcome them. Avoid making promises that you cannot keep.
  7. Show how the funding will be used: Clearly explain how the funding will be used to achieve your proposed goals and objectives.
  8. Include a budget: A detailed budget is an important part of any grant application. Make sure it is accurate and realistic.
  9. Show the impact of the funding: Explain the expected outcomes and long-term impact of the funding on your organization and the community you serve.
  10. Follow the guidelines: Read the funding organization’s guidelines carefully and make sure you follow them exactly.
  11. Proofread and edit: Check your proposal for errors and typos. Make sure it is well-written and polished.
  12. Ask for feedback: Ask colleagues, partners, or grant-writing experts to review your proposal and provide feedback.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and secure the funding you need to support your important work. Remember, a grant application is not just about getting money, it’s also an opportunity to tell your organisation’s story and showcase its impact.

Remember, the key to writing a successful grant application is to be clear, concise, and persuasive in demonstrating the need for your organization’s work and the impact it is having.

Good luck!