The Takoma Group

Grant Writer

Grantwriting 101 or 15 Steps every Grant Writer should follow.

By Gwendolyne Kelly

Below are 15 basic steps any grant writer will address in submitting a proposal.

1. Research your potential grantmaker. Remember to look at funding purposes, priorities and your organization's eligibility for funding from the grantmaker.

2. Contact the grantmaker directly prior to writing your proposal in order to clearly understand any guidelines.

3. Determine if the grantmaker's mission, objectives and future goals are a good fit for your grantseeking purposes.

4. Specifically target your proposal to grantmakers appropriate to your area of expertise and project. Remember to use a multi-grantmaker approach and apply to more than one grantmaker for each proposal.

5. Prior to submitting your proposal, have several people proof read all guidelines and text. Follow the exact specification in their applications, Request for Proposals (RFP's) and guidelines. Use proper grammar and correct spelling.

6. Once your proposal has been proofed, present your proposal to the grantmaker.

7. Define a significant need or problem.

8. Solve the problem imaginatively, based on your organization's experience, expertise, and track record.

9. Clearly and completely state your organization's needs and objectives to solve the stated problem.

10. Demonstrate planning, research and a future vision for your solution throughout your proposal.

11. Present your proposal completely remembering to demonstrate that you have read and followed the grantmaker's guidelines. Include all required information and attachments.

12. In your proposal remember to include the following: Who is your organization? What problem will you address and how? How does your organization qualify to answer this problem? Who will benefit? What are your objectives and how will you accomplish them? Who will assess your results? Does your request comply with the grantmaker's mission, goals and objectives?

13. Demonstrate potential project outcome, grant impact, and community support of your project.

14. After your proposal is submitted, contact the grantmaker about the status of your proposal. Inquire about the review process, and outcome of the proposal even after it is submitte.d

15. Regardless of your proposal being accepted or rejected, always ask for feedback on your proposal's strength or weakness for future information.

Gwendolyne Kelly has chalked-up a 90% sucess rate as a grant writer.

Gwendolyne Kelly
The Takoma Group
http://www.takomagroup.com

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