How To Write A Grant Proposal

In many countries of the world, government provides funding to the public corporations and private organizations, to enable them to undertake certain projects. It can also be offered by an individual or a private enterprise. In order to be eligible for the grant, a person or an organization needs to send a formal proposal to the funder, known as 'Grant Proposal', on the basis of which the grant is given. If you or your organization is amongst those who are striving for a grant, make sure to prepare the proposal effectively. If you want to know how to write a good grant proposal, go through the tips given below.

Writing A Grant Proposal

Initial Steps

The cover letter forms an important aspect of the grant proposal. You need to make it brief and precise, providing information on your firm (organization) and purpose of fund-raising. Make sure that it has been typed on the letter head of your firm and has been signed by the Proprietor/ Partners/ Executive Director/ Board President.
Along with the cover letter, you also need to provide a summary of your proposal. It should be interesting enough to compel the funder to go through the entire proposal. Identify the main sections of your proposal and make sure to include them in the summary, along with the main objective.

Later Stages

Check out the requirements of the funder and draft your proposal accordingly. If a person, or an organization, has money and is ready to fund projects, it does not mean that he will accept any and every proposal. You need to make your project stick to his specifications.
Next, you need to start outlining your proposal, keeping in mind the requirements of the funder, in relation to every aspect. Clearly outline each and every step of your project. Thereafter, you need to clarify each step in detail, explaining your plan fully.
While drafting the grant proposal, make sure that you have outlined your goals and objectives clearly and specifically as well. There should be no scope for ambiguity and confusion in the mind of the funder, in context of you aims and ambitions.
Whenever you present a grant proposal to the funder, you need to give an, almost correct, estimate of the expenditure that will be required to be undertaken. Research thoroughly and get a complete idea of the probable expenses. At the same time, get information on the kind of equipment, labor, and anything else, you might need. Your proposal should spell out all the major expenses, against the areas where they will be incurred.
Your proposal is almost complete now. You should now show it to two unbiased people, not related to your proposal in any way, and ask their opinion. Ask questions about the project, in order to see whether they are able to comprehend what you are trying to say in the proposal. Make modifications accordingly.
Your proposal is almost ready now. Give it a final go through and make sure that there are no spelling, typing or grammatical errors in it. This is because such things reflect poorly on your dedication and sincerity, in relation to the project.
There are certain rules and regulations that one has to adhere to, while applying for a grant. If you want to make sure that your grant proposal is read and considered, follow each of the directions completely. Do not try to be 'original'; rather stick to the rules and norms. Otherwise, your application might get rejected, even before it is read.

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