Grant Writing Basics
Lisa Jameson-Shea, Director of Development
To begin grant writing, start by understanding what grants are and what they offer, researching potential funding opportunities, and developing a strong understanding of the grant writing process. Consider taking grant writing courses or workshops to enhance your skills, and network with other grant writers or organizations to learn from their experiences.
- Understand the Basics of Grant Writing:
- What are grants?
- Grants are typically non-repayable funds provided by organizations to support specific projects or activities.
- Why write grants?
- Grant writing can be a valuable way for organizations to secure funding for their missions and projects.
- Types of grants:
- Grants can be broadly categorized into different types, such as federal grants, private foundation grants, and corporate grants.
- Grant writing process:
- The process typically involves researching funding opportunities, developing a project proposal, writing the grant application, and submitting the application.
- Research Funding Opportunities:
- Identify potential funders:
- Research foundations, government agencies, and corporations that align with your organization’s goals.
- Understand funder requirements:
- Review the specific guidelines and requirements for each funding opportunity, including eligibility criteria, budget guidelines, and submission deadlines.
- Review past funding history:
- Look at the types of projects and organizations that have previously received funding from the potential funder.
- Develop a Project Proposal:
- Define your project:
- Clearly articulate the purpose, goals, and objectives of your project.
- Create a budget:
- Develop a detailed budget that outlines the costs associated with your project.
- Develop a timeline:
- Establish a realistic timeline for project completion.
- Identify your audience:
- Understand who your target audience is (e.g., the grant reviewers) and tailor your proposal accordingly.
- Write Your Grant Application:
- Follow the funder’s guidelines:
- Carefully review the grant application guidelines and ensure you meet all requirements.
- Write clearly and concisely:
- Use clear, concise language that is easy for reviewers to understand.
- Tell a compelling story:
- Present your project in a way that captures the attention of reviewers and demonstrates the impact of your work.
- Include supporting documentation:
- Provide any required documentation, such as letters of support or program evaluation data.
- Submit Your Grant Application:
- Meet all deadlines:
- Ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline.
- Keep records:
- Keep copies of your application and all supporting documents.
- Follow up:
- If necessary, follow up with the funder to inquire about the status of your application.
- Learn and Improve:
- Seek feedback:
- Ask experienced grant writers to review your proposal and provide feedback.
- Take grant writing courses:
- Consider enrolling in grant writing courses or workshops to learn more about the process.
- Network with other grant writers:
- Connect with other grant writers to share ideas and learn from their experiences.
- Stay up-to-date:
- Keep abreast of changes in grant writing best practices and new funding opportunities.
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Free Grant Training Courses:
Nonprofit Ready Grant Writing Classes
Child Care Grant Writing:
Day Care Hotline – 10 Tips for Writing Grant Proposals
Funds for NGOs – Sample Grant Proposal for Child Care Center in Underserved Areas
Brightwheel Grant Writing Guide
KidKare – How to Apply for a Child Care Grant Ultimate Guide
Training Videos:
Proposal Information:
Candid – How to Write a Grant Proposal
We hope to offer some virtual and in-person hands-on trainings later this year designed specifically for non-profit child care programs AND for programs interested in applying to become a non-profit organization. If you would like to keep up to date on these trainings and more, please subscribe to our newsletters.