How to Write a Grant Proposal
If you’re a citizen, or resident of Canada, and are ready to apply for a federal or provincial government grant, the next few steps include planning, creating, and executing your grant proposal. The actual grant proposal is one of the most important documents for anyone seeking to obtain a grant.
Reasons to Apply for a Grant
Government Grants are free money, given by the Canadian Government. They may require strict guidelines for you to receive a grant, but the money never needs to be repaid. This is why so many individuals and national organizations seek to obtain a grant. There are grants for all sorts of projects and grants that are available in all industries. The key is to do careful research and see what your state or federal agencies have available, as well checking on national grants available from the private sector.
Writing a grant Proposal
If you’ve decided not to hire a professional grant writer, it will be important for you to learn the essentials of writing a grant proposal. The grant proposal will contain the key elements that will guide the grantee towards his or her decision in giving you a federal grant. Therefore, it’s important to write it clearly and be credible with facts and figures.
Before writing your grant proposal, be sure to understand the very nature of why you are in need of money. This may be obvious, but if you haven’t thought it through, detail-by-detail, you won’t convince the grantee to give you that grant!
The Elements of a Good Grant Proposal
A grant proposal begins with an outline or table of contents. In this section, you will highlight the various aspects of your grant proposal. Before even proceeding with an outline or grant proposal, be sure to carefully study the exact guidelines provided to you by the organization giving out the grant. Your own table of contents will keep you on track as you make your way into writing the grant proposal.
Most grant proposals are 15 pages or less. Study the guidelines carefully to determine how you will write your grant proposal and which sections will require more research and intense work on your part.
What Grant Proposals Include
Most people who want to apply for a grant take an introduction class on grant proposal writing. In these classes, you learn about all the various components of a grant proposal. How to write one becomes easier as you dissect it and work on one part at a time. Sample grant proposals can be found online, and many grant programs offer assistance. Study them carefully and see how each section requires you to provide important, relevant information. The grant proposal may include one or more of the following listing below. Remember, each organization has its own requirements and guidelines. Typically, you’ll need to include:
•Title
•Table of Contents
•Introduction
•Statement of Need
•Objectives
•Project Description
•Project Management
•Evaluation
•Supplemental and/or Future Funding
•Budget
•Appendices
.
The list and various components of a grant proposal may be called something different from grant guideline to grant guideline. Stick to the exact words and directions given and be specific, clear, and grammatically correct to make the grant application process much easier. Let various people carefully read your grant proposal. See if anyone offers any suggestions, makes corrections or has further input into making the grant proposal better. The more eyes and input from friends or co-workers in various aspects of the organization, the better. Your goal in the end is to have a professional, error-free grant proposal that you can submit to agencies of your choice to help you land the federal money for your needs.