Writing winning grant proposals

Grant writers should know and understand the proposal they are grant writing for. With understanding and knowledge comes the ability to write well about the topic. The grant writer should ask the applicant to explain their proposal to them then ask any questions about areas they need clarification on in order to compile a winning grant.

The grant writer should check that the funding organisation’s vision and mission match with the scope of the grant proposal. Grant Writer NT peruse the grant invitation carefully to check for eligibility – does the organisation applying for the grant meet the grant opportunity requirements to the letter? In addition, the professional grant writer is developing a checklist to ensure the grant application meets the expectations in the grant opportunity.

The proposed budget within the grant application should be very detailed and easily understood by the evaluators. It is important that the Grant Writer Sydney understands how the funds will be spent if the grant application is successful. Through understanding the grant writer can craft a better application.

When the Grant Writer is composing the application, it is important that they explain the program or project simply and clearly. It should not be assumed by the grant writer or the applicant organisation that the evaluator will be familiar with the acronyms and jargon associated with the project or program. If these terms are used in the document are explained clearly.

The role of the Grant Writer is to definitively provide the grant scheme that there is a clear and focused reasoning behind the project or program. They are explaining the rationale of the project, what they are doing and why and how it addresses the gap in the community.

The Grant Writer uses the SMART goal setting approach to add a dimension of structure and accountability to goals and objectives of the program or project and makes them more definitive. The goals should match the needs statement, outcomes and rationale and specifically define what the program or project proposal will achieve or accomplish for the target group. The goals and objectives detail the desired results or outcome of the program and how your organisation plans to achieve them.

The Grant Writer will use visual aids for impact. Photographs, diagrams, plans, or graphs can make an impression on the evaluator and enable them to clearly visualise the project or program and provides support towards a winning submission.

The criterion questions included in the grant program must be addressed completely and in detail. Grant Writers will carefully and thoroughly read and answer every part of the criteria questions. They will peruse the document and develop an extensive checklist to ensure nothing is left unanswered. Included in their checklist Grant Writers commonly list the required evidence documents and attachments that are requested to form a part of the grant application submission. Attention to detail is imperative – grant applications can be rejected for simple oversights.

An important part of the grant writers’ approach to each application is to check for formatting requirements. Checking for desired word counts, font type and size, sections and inclusions expected etc ensures that the grant application is submitted exactly as required and demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and a willingness to be detailed oriented.

The professional Grant Writer uses their knowledge, experience and expertise to write a potentially winning grant for their clients through their commitment to the applicant body and their belief in the project or program.