Asking for money is seldom an easy thing to do, however, the longevity of many nonprofits depends on this very task. Grant writing can seem kind of daunting at first, but with practice and a few foolproof tips, you’ll be able to secure your nonprofit organization’s next jackpot. Looking for other ways to increase your funding? Check out our workshop Leveraging Tech to Diversify Your Nonprofit Cashflow as well as the tips below.
Articulate Your Why
The core reason for your organization’s missions should always be abundantly clear. Be intentional in the way you communicate your nonprofit’s “why”. What is driving you to apply for this particular grant? The individual reviewing your proposal should understand your goals within the first few minutes of reading your application.
Use Clear Language
Nothing decreases your chances more than ineffective writing. Skip the industry jargon and wordy vocabulary. Keep it simple. Every sentence should serve a purpose and support your efforts. Grantmakers are likely reviewing hundreds of other proposals, sometimes on the same day. Applications that don’t get straight to the point can lose their attention quickly. Use concise and coherent language to give yourself the best chance at success.
Prepare in Advance
Procrastination is your worst enemy in this game. Give yourself enough time to craft a well done proposal. Allot time to conduct proper research about the grant you are seeking. This will give you a leg up going into the writing process. If you rush, you’re likely to make mistakes and turn in a sloppier product. Starting early gives you the opportunity to refine your finished product before you submit it.
Emphasize Solutions
How you tell your story plays a huge part in the success of your application. Be sure to highlight how your organization's mission or projects solve a need within your community. Rather than focusing on the problems, emphasize solutions. How will receiving funding help you accomplish your goals?
Bring in an Outside Reviewer
After you have triple-checked your proposal, bring in a fresh set of eyes. Having an outside reviewer can be extremely beneficial because they can give honest and unbiased feedback to improve your final product. Oftentimes, they can catch something that you otherwise may have overlooked. Having a peer review of your grant application in its entirety is a great step to increase the likelihood of winning that financial award.
Looking for other ways to increase your funding? Check out our workshop Leveraging Tech to Diversify Your Nonprofit Cashflow and other fundraising training on our online trainings page.