General Grant Writing Tips

(Documents available for download)

Please Note: These are general guidelines that are not geared to any specific type of grant. It is very important that you obtain, read, understand and follow the instructions applicable to your specific type of grant. In the event there is a conflict between these general guidelines and the specific requirements for the type of grant you are seeking, make sure you comply with the specific requirements.

Points to Consider Before Committing to Support a Grant

• Is the NGO organized well enough to administer the project effectively?
• Does the project fit the mission and experience of the NGO?
• Has the NGO had experience working with donors?
• Will the project be sustainable after the grant money runs out?
• Is there any way the project can continue without the grant?
• Can the NGO measure the success of the project?
• Develop alternative plans, such community involvement, in-kind donations or partnering with other donors.

Preparing the Grant Application

• Identify appropriate donor organizations, such as women, youth, economic development.
• Clearly state the objective of your project and what you hope it will accomplish.
• Limit the length of your proposal to that specified in the guidelines established by the donor.
• In general, keep your proposal simple and easy to comprehend.
• State how this project will survive after the grant. Sustainability!
• List methods for measuring the effectiveness of the project.
• Include charts or graphs ONLY if such information is requested or necessary. If you provide other sources of information to support your proposal, always list the source of that information.
• Budgets often present the most problems. Present a "reasonable" budget in the format suggested by your donor. Make sure you are aware of the donor's funding restrictions.
• Always list "in-kind" or other partner donations.

After Completion, But Before Submitting the Grant Application

• Proofread all documents submitted as part of your application.
• Double check to make sure there are no inconsistencies, contradictory facts or other ambiguities that will weaken your presentation.
• Submit your application on time and provide additional material or amendments in a timely manner.
• Grant money is highly competitive. Be sure your proposal is clear and compelling!

After Submitting the Grant Application

• Follow up periodically to see if any additional information or a revision would assist the donor in reviewing your application.
• If accepted, keep to the time frame outlined in the proposal and keep the donor informed about the project's progress.
• If rejected, ask how you could improve the project's opportunities for future consideration. Use the rejection as a learning experience.

The following documents are available for download . . .

Title (right-click to download)	Date Uploaded	File Size
Guidebook to Proposal Writing in the Former Soviet Union	May 4, 2006	145.0 KB
This guidebook, formally titled, "Guidebook to Proposal Writing in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, 99, Highlighting Local Government and Public Administration Projects", provides good information to know when preparing a grant.
Laws and Taxes on NGOs	December 9, 2005	41.5 KB
Thanks to the Sustainability Group we are able to provide the following information: Laws and regulations for NGOs change frequently. It is important to be up-to-date, especially about any changes to tax laws for NGOs. This attachment lists organizations that provide consulting in these areas.
Procedure for Closing grants	April 12, 2006	20.0 KB
Step by Step on how to close out your grant.
WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A LETTER OF INQUIRY	May 4, 2006	21.5 KB
In recent years, letters of inquiry have become an important part of the fundraising process. Many foundations now prefer that funding requests be submitted first in letter format instead of a full proposal. Others are using preliminary letters of inquiry to determine if they have an interest in a project before accepting a full proposal. In either instance, it is important to recognize that a well-written letter of inquiry is crucial to securing funding for your project.