5 Tips for Writing Effective Grant Proposals

Christina Ryder

CEO

The Grantwell, LLC

Christina@thegrantwell.com

Tip #1: Take The Time To Do Research

● Research Funders and Funding Opportunities● Free and Low Cost Foundation Grant Databases● 990s and Guidestar Access to 990s● Broad vs. Targeted Approaches● Relationships and Utilizing the Connections of Volunteers

and Board Members

Tip #2: Describe Organizational Capacity

● Discuss Organizational History● Outline Your Successes● Describe Your Ability to Manage Grant Funds● Understand and Plan for Organizational Limitations● Leverage Organizational Operating Costs, Donations,

Match Funds, and Programmatic Strengths

Tip #3: Program Planning

● Research and Address Community/Organizational Gaps in Service● Connect Proposals to Other Strategic Development Initiatives● Clearly and Concisely Describe Project Activities● Connect Activities to Clear Goals and Objectives● Connect Goals and Objectives to Outcomes● Connect Outcomes to Performance Measures● Collaborate When Appropriate and Helpful

Tip #4: Evaluation Methodologies

● Clearly Describe Performance Measures● Seek Assistance with Evaluation Processes if Needed● Offer Both Financial and Programmatic Results for Funders● Data Can Be Your Friend During the Grant Time Frame● Utilizing Data to Increase Effectiveness, Efficiency, and

When Applying for Future Grants

Tip #5: Communication

● Ask Questions● Follow Formatting Guidelines and Instructions● Follow Up and Follow Through● Seek Direction if Refused for Funding● Keep Lines of Communication Open

Contact Information

● Fan us on Facebook: 'The Grantwell'● Follow us on Twitter: 'grantwell'● Sign Up for Our Free Newsletter: www.thegrantwell.com● Seek Additional Training if Needed:

www.thegrantwell.com/grant_school● Christina@thegrantwell.com