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What is a Grant?
A grant is money given by a funder to support a specific plan, strategy or goal. Understanding the grant writing basics is crucial for organisations seeking grant funding. Funders can be government agencies, foundations, corporations, philanthropic organisations or individuals.
Understanding Grant Writing Basics
Grant writing is an essential skill for not-for-profit, social enterprises and many businesses. It helps secure funding for projects and programs. Many organisations rely on grants to achieve their social impact. However, writing a successful grant application can be challenging. Here are some grant writing basics every grant writer should know.
Key Elements of a Grant Application
Grant applications generally include these key elements:
- Project Title: Keep it clear and concise.
- Project Summary: Describe what you will do in 40 words or less.
- Need Statement: Explain why your project is necessary.
- Beneficiaries: Explain the group of people who will benefit.
- Outcomes: Explain how they will benefit
- Evaluation: Describe how you will measure success.
- Budget: Provide a detailed budget for your project.
Grant applications tell the story of your project.
Finding a Grant
Before applying for a grant, research potential funders. Look for those that align with your mission. Understanding their objectives and outcomes will help you better understand the funder and decide if the grant is right for your project.
Here are some tips for finding the right funders:
Use online databases to search for grants.
Attend networking events to meet funders.
Join local not-for-profit associations for resources and support
You can also check our comprehensive list of grant funding websites here: https://winthegrantortender.com.au/find-grants/
Expert tip: Search for the grant programs that fund similar/the same outcomes that your project is designed to achieve.
Downloading the Grant Application
Once you’ve found a potential grant, you’ll need to analyse the guidelines (they really should be called rules!!)
Pay attention to the details here.
Make sure it’s clear what is included and what’s not included.
Be sure that you’re clear on what the requirements are.
Here’s a few things to check:
- Are you eligible?
- What are the minimum requirements, including insurances?
- What evidence do you need?
- Does the program require templates?
- What evidence do you have to provide?
- Is there an assessment / evaluation criteria? How strongly do you align?
Check for any updates to the guidelines, addendums or FAQs
Writing the Grant Application
Once you’ve reviewed the guidelines and you’re willing to proceed, check the application form. Sometimes application forms include extra requirements.
- Be Clear and Concise: Use simple language and avoid jargon.
- Tell a Story: Use real-life examples to illustrate your need and impact.
- Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors before submitting.
Use The Grant Answer Map ™ (developed by our CEO, Natalie), to help you plan your answers. If you’d like to know more about this, sign up for the free grant writing 101 course: https://winthegrantortender.com.au/introduction-to-grant-writing/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many not-for-profits make common mistakes when writing grants. Avoiding these pitfalls is part of mastering the grant writing basics:
- Non-compliant application hasn’t included everything asked of you (why I say guidelines and application forms should be called rules!)
- Evidence lacking or irrelevant to the question asked
- Outcomes not clear, aligned or measured
- Outcomes don’t align to the project need that you’ve stated
- The budget is unrealistic and vague.
- Asks funder to pay for things they won’t
- Lack of engagement, co-design and relevant partnership
- Don’t use funders terminology in the right context (what does inclusion mean to the funder – not you!)
- Use of your acronyms or initialisms that you know, but the assessor doesn’t
- Contradictory information in your response – a few areas is generally the data contradicts what you’re saying (or data you’ve provided), your budget contradicts what you’re delivering in the project.
- Project plan and timelines unrealistic
And… I’m going to say it… using AI / Chat GPT to write your application is a mistake!
Artificial intelligence is a great assistant, but it doesn’t have your lived experience, organisational knowledge and connection to your community.
Make sure you bring those elements into your application.
Summary
That’s a few basics to get you started.
Grant writing may seem difficult, but like any skill, once you practice it you’ll only get better! There’s grants available so why shouldn’t you apply!
Understanding the basics can help you secure funding for your projects. By researching funders, following guidelines, and avoiding common mistakes, you can improve your chances of success. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you will become.