How to write a grant- Grant Proposal

A successful grant proposal is one that is well-prepared, thoughtfully planned, and concisely packaged. The potential applicant should become familiar with all of the pertinent program criteria related to the Catalog program from which assistance is sought. Refer to the information contact person listed in the Catalog program description before developing a proposal to obtain information such as whether funding is available, when applicable deadlines occur, and the process used by the grantor agency for accepting applications. Applicants should remember that the basic requirements, application forms, information and procedures vary with the Federal agency making the grant award.

How to write a grant proposal

Grants often take the form of educational scholarships or supplies that can advance a minority project or disabled person’s interests. To find grant-awarding organizations, do an online Google search for “grant resources” (or similar wording). As Web sites open in response to your search prompt, you can narrow the search to a more specific topic like “computer grants” or “K-12 computer grants” or whatever area of support you need.

Read and re-read the directions if you want your proposal to be read and considered. Every grant has rules and directions that must be followed exactly. If it says that the grant must be submitted via the online form, don’t even bother to ask if you can fax it in. Unlike employment applications where it sometimes pays to be “original”, grant committees have rules in place for a specific reason, and they expect them to be followed to the letter. To do otherwise may mean that your application will be disqualified before it ever gets read.

Center for Nonprofit Management, www.cnm.org. Nonprofit organization committed to helping nonprofits enhance their results by providing education, consulting, research, performance evaluation, and recognition.

The Foundation Center, www.fdncenter.org. Good overall site for locating information about funders, proposal writing, books and CDs to assist nonprofit organizations.

Plain language, multiple examples, and handy checklists shed light on the process of applying for a grant in this easy-to-use handbook. Grant proposals are broken down into manageable pieces, with tips for making a proposal stand out. A CD-ROM of complete sample proposals—ready to be downloaded and customized—is included

Getting Ready for Electronic R01 Submissions, Alan Kotok (ScienceCareers.org) NIH now requires that applicants submit proposals for its R01 research grants in electronic, rather than paper, form. These 2 articles, parts 1 and 2 of a 2-part series, provide some background, explain the process NIH has devised for submitting electronic R01 applications and the key steps researchers and grant administrators should have taken before the February deadline, and report on how NIH prepared for this process.

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