Grant Research/Writing

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Process

Grant writing and fund raising are often combined into one job description, though they are two very different functions. Fund raising is a public, people intense function, involving public relations, networking, and personal relationships. Grant writing is a process involving the following steps:

1. Define the project

2. Research and identify available funding sources- government, private foundations, corporations, and individuals

3. Write the proposal

4. Perform a final check of the proposal packet before submission

Skills involved in grant writing include good organizational ability, research skills, technical and persuasive writing skills, and the ability to follow directions.

Defining Your Project: What is the Problem?

You’ve just received information on a new grant program being offered to agencies or individuals just like you. You read down through the initial information or request for proposals and you think “I could do this”. So you scroll further down on the screen, looking for contact information for forms and additional information, and you check the deadline for proposals. You’re all set to move on this wonderful opportunity, right? Wrong!!

Before even considering responding to an RFP, you need to take several steps and answer some basic questions, both about the project and your organization.

The Project
Identify the problem.
As we all know, there are more social problems, more needs in our community and the world-at-large, than can possibly be addressed by agencies and funding sources at any one time.

Step 1
Brainstorm
Think about the social problems that are currently affecting you, your clients, or people you know. List them all.

Step 2
Review your list.
Of the social problems that appear on your list, are there any that your agency is addressing through current programs?
Of the items on your list, are there any that are closely related to your agency’s mission?
Of the items on your list, are there any that are within your agency’s area of expertise?

Step 3
Eliminate
Eliminate any problem that your agency does not have the expertise to address or that does not fall within your agency’s mission.

Step 4
Expand
Look at each item that remains on your list. Can any of them be broken down into smaller problems? For example, the issue of homelessness could be broken down into categories like: homeless women with children, the homeless mentally ill, the working homeless, young adults without a home.

Step 5
Repeat steps 2 and 3.

1  2  3  4