July 25, 2013
Nonprofits need grants to keep their heads above water and roll out projects that show their dedication to their cause. However, applying for grants is often difficult and one simple mistake could be the difference between getting the money the nonprofit needs or missing out on the funds. Here are some tips grant proposal writers can use to get the help they desire to address the needs of their organization:
Cut out the small talk
The nonprofit industry has all sorts of language that can fill up grant proposals and add unnecessary fluff. A better strategy is to be forthright and honest about why the organization needs the money and the exact plans board members will to enact if they receive the funding. The more direct grant writers are in their proposal, the more favorably funders will look at their entity.
Include goals and objectives
Nonprofits decision-makers often forecast what their organization will look like if they are able to receive a grant. It's important to be as descriptive as possible with what the organization plans to achieve with the money and what obstacles can be tackled down the road. This will answer some of the questions funders ask when going over proposals from several entities.
Be different
It's easy to tell a grant writer to tell the story of the organization and discuss some of the strategies that could be executed down the line, but this is how many nonprofits ask for help. Instead, it's important to try to stand out from the crowd and get the funder to fall in love with the organization's proposal. Explaining who will benefit and the locations that changes will be made are a couple of things grant writers should use.
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