What exactly do grant writers do? They write up a grant proposal or request for funds on behalf of an organization. Sound pretty simple, right? Let us delve a little deeper into this rather complicated writing form. First of all, your audience is the funders, the ones with the moola, the dinero, the payola; well you get the picture. You are writing to them in a persuasive manner in order to cajole them into loosening the tightened fist. Think of it as a resume for your non-profit organization. They aren't trying to get the job, they are trying to get the money. The better the resume the better you stick out from the crowd who are all vying for the same dough.
So your first step in the grant writing plan of attack is to come up with a unique and fresh idea for a project for your organization. If your organization is you (there are grants for writers available too!) then figure out a new way of saying an old thing. Brainstorm, read journals, newspapers, and newsletters of similar organizations, talk to colleagues and other community leaders and even other writers . See what is needed and then creatively approach it. Be sure your grant cover letter, which should contain a brief summary of what your proposal will be, highlights this unique idea.
Just like in any other form of writing make your first few paragraphs need to grab their attention. Explain who you are and why they should entrust you to use their valuable funds wisely. Describe your planned budget any other details that build credibility. If programs are quite complex provide additional attachments to explain them.
Next, describe the problem or the need. This is where you describe the situation. Don't make the assumption that the funders know about your particular subject area. Explain fully but with excitement. Add human interest details, since you want to draw them in and to have them see how these people or person will benefit from the funds being granted.
Next lay out your grant project plan. Who is the target audience, how they will be involved and how many of the target group do you hope to serve? Describe the activities and how the volunteers and community are supporting your idea. Who has already committed to help and what research efforts have already been made? What is the project timeline? This is where your writing skills will best come into play. Get them as excited about your project as you are.
Now wind it up by illustrating how the grant will bring about this great outcome. Explain that outcome in terms that almost make it sound like it is already a done deal, a sure thing. This could be the hardest part since you can't always know what the impact will be. Get creative and use your imagination. Go with a best-case scenario. Explain how you will attempt to measure the outcome.
The last part is about laying out your budget and explaining the expenses, listing the directors, tax exempt forms, financial statements and the like.