In this Toolkit, you will find supports for applying for grants. Part I gives a step-by-step overview of the grantwriting process. Part II provides a general template for writing a grant application. Completing Part II will give you a solid proposal that can be adapted to meet specific grant opportunities and review criteria for specific funders.
PART I. OVERVIEW OF THE GRANTWRITING PROCESS
- Before writing the grant application, identify the problem/goal area for which funds will be sought.
Related resources:
Toolkit: Assessing Community Needs and Resources
Toolkit: Analyzing Problems and Goals
Strategies for Sustaining the Initiative
Developing a Plan for Financial Sustainability
Marketing the Initiative to Secure Financial Resources
- Develop relationships with grantmakers when possible. Communicate with grantmakers about your work periodically, even when you are not in the process of submitting an application. This may help you learn about future funding prospects, as well as increase your chances for a successful proposal.
Related resources:
Building and Sustaining Relationships
- Thoroughly search for relevant grant opportunities. See Additional Resources for a list of grantmakers or potential funders. Consider the following types of funders:
- Government agencies (e.g., federal, state/province, or local)
- Private foundations or donors
- Corporate foundations or businesses
Related resources:
Potential Funders (by Category)
- Consider the proposed project/goal’s fit with the identified funder(s).
- Learn the funder's grantmaking philosophy, program interests, and criteria.
- Does the funder make grants that meet your needs?
- Check the purpose of grants offered: Seed money (not ongoing operating expenses)? Direct Service? Other?
- Check the size of grants offered, including minimum and maximum awards. Determine whether you will need to apply for multiple grants and investigate whether this is allowable under the guidelines of each funder.
- Check out the timeline for submission, and the funding cycle.