Write A Successful Grant Proposal For A Nonprofit Organization
Writing a good grant proposal is crucial to successfully attaining funds for your nonprofit organization. Your proposal should inspire, yet also clearly state your organization's goals and plans. By learning about what funders are looking for, you can begin writing better proposals. Here are some tips for writing successful grant proposals:
Instructions
1. Evaluate the needs of your community. If you want to start an animal shelter, but there are already several in your area, then you're likely not to get the grant. Even the best written proposal will not get you a grant if there isn't a need in your community.
2. Write a cover letter. A cover letter may at times seem redundant, but a well-written cover letter can capture the reader's attention and make your proposal look more professional.
3. Executive summary. This will be a condensed version of the entire document and will give your reader a glimpse of your proposal's intentions.
4. Statement of need. This will be the main part of your proposal and where you have to tell about your ideas and how they will affect the community. Include why your organization is the most qualified for the job and offer possible solutions to the problems you intend to solve.
5. Goals and objectives. Write about what you will accomplish and how long it will take to achieve your goals.
6. Methods and strategies. Tell the grantor exactly how you plan on achieving your objectives by explaining the logistics of your strategy.
7. Evaluate your organization. The grantor wants to be sure that their money is making a difference in the community. Write about what records you will be keeping and how your organization expects to self-evaluate to be sure you're staying on task.
8. Additional funding. You'll be more likely to receive a grant if you have other sources of funding. If several different grantors are interested in your cause, then you are more likely to achieve your goal.
9. Background information. In a few paragraphs, discuss your organization's mission statement, history and give examples of how you have achieved your goals in the past.
10. Budget. Give a detailed budget showing exactly how you plan to allocate the money. Give a detailed estimate of expenses, such as project expenses, administrative and overhead, personnel expenses, and any other financial needs. Be sure to include your organization's current income and how the grant will fit into your plan.
11. Don't forget to include the financial statement from your past fiscal year, your current fiscal year, IRS tax exemption form and any other information they may need.
12. Presentation is everything. Put everything together neatly and include a cover sheet signed by the president of your board of directors.
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