The Process of Writing the "Perfect" Grant Proposal

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• Whilst there may be no singular perfect grant
  proposal that works for every grant application,
  grant writers can follow a set format which will
  ensure their grant writing is as close to perfect
  as possible.
• Grant writing can feel overwhelming when you
  first start out. However, once you have a
  strategy, plan, structure, and good organisation,
  it's possible to create strong, competitive
  proposals no matter what the grant is.

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Here are the steps you can follow to create your
"perfect" grant proposal
Understand The Grant Requirements

• Before you start grant writing, it's important to
  thoroughly read and understand the grant
  guidelines and requirements.
• Pay close attention to the purpose of the grant,
  the eligibility criteria, deadlines and any
  specific guidelines for the proposal format and
  content.
• If you find any grey areas, then contact the
  grant officer to clarify whether your project
  will meet the brief for consideration.
• This will also enable you to ask any other
  questions which may enable you to strengthen your
  grant writing.

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Identify Your Goals and Objectives

• As a grant writer, you must clearly define the
  goals and objectives of their project, ensuring
  that you align these goals and objectives with
  those outlined in the grant guidelines
  documentation.
• Generally, grant giving organisations are looking
  to fund projects that align strongly with the
  ethos of the grant purpose and the goals of the
  grant-giving organization.
• If your project goals can only be tied loosely
  into the grants objectives, then it might be
  best to use the same energy and time on a grant
  that has stronger alignment to your project.

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Develop a Budget

• Grant writers must create a detailed budget for
  your project, following guidelines from the grant
  documentation which outlines what will and will
  not be funded.
• Ensure the budget clearly depicts that all cost
  components have been considered and those
  components not funded by the grant can be met by
  your organisation.
• Your organisation should also be able to
  demonstrate proof of funds needed for any
  co-contribution.
• Generally, the guidelines will stipulate if this
  proof is required and what documentation will be
  considered as acceptable proof.

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Outline a Realistic Timeline

• Your grant writing should always include a
  realistic timeline when requested, which outlines
  all the resources you will need and the steps you
  will take to complete the project.
• Where times may vary significantly (such as
  council permits), then consult with experts, make
  enquiries and allow extra time to allow for the
  unexpected.

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Strengthen via Supporting Materials

• As a grant writer, you should always assemble any
  additional materials that will strengthen your
  grant writing proposal, such as letters of
  support from councils, community groups, and
  beneficiaries of the project.
• Providing examples of your organization's
  previous work and achievements will demonstrate
  how projects have been successfully executed in
  the past.
• Find and refer to research that will validate the
  connection between your project and the goals and
  objectives it will reach by searching through
  supporting state and national body websites and
  academic studies.

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Write a Compelling Narrative

• The narrative of your grant writing is where the
  magic happens to bring your vision and the value
  of your project firmly into the funders sights.
• The narrative is one of the most important
  elements of grant writing as it strongly ties all
  the steps outlined so far into every element of
  the grant guidelines and objectives.
• Grant writers must understand how to craft an
  effective story that captures the essence of
  their program or organization to stand out from
  the competition and secure the desired funding.

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• Creating a strong narrative begins with
  understanding the foundation of your program or
  organization and why it needs support.
• This groundwork should be followed by identifying
  key themes that are relevant to potential
  funders, as well as points of interest that will
  draw them in.
• When writing, be sure to tell your story in an
  organized manner describe your project, its
  goals and objectives, and the plan you have to
  achieve them.
• Most importantly, as a grant writer, you want to
  make a compelling case for why your project is
  necessary and how it will directly benefit the
  community, leave readers feeling informed and
  inspired about your cause.

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Edit and Proofread

• Regardless of how experienced you become as a
  grant writer, you should always carefully
  proofread and edit your proposal to ensure that
  it is free of errors and easy to read.
• Consider having someone else review it as well as
  fresh eyes will often see the mistakes that you
  wont spot in your own grant writing.
• Lastly, when proof-reading, you should have a
  copy of the guidelines open to check that you
  have answered questions in full and not
  inadvertently omitted any mandatory attachments.

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• Grant writing a perfect proposal may seem to be
  unobtainable, but it is possible to get near
  perfect with the right preparation and attention
  to detail.
• By understanding the requirements, identifying
  goals and objectives, creating a realistic
  timeline and budget, providing supporting
  materials, and writing a compelling narrative,
  you have the essential building blocks you need
  as a grant writer.
• Remember to edit and proofread your work to
  solidify your arguments and tie it all together.

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With these tips in mind, you can increase
your chances of writing a "perfect" grant
proposal that stands out from the competition and
gets funded. Good luck!
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