How to Write a Grant Proposal
by WBS Online
(Minneapolis, MN)
Now that you have an idea and project for your company, you need to find funding to bring the project to fruition. Writing a grant proposal is the starting point to connecting with funders who will help you get your project set in motion.
In a typical grant proposal, there are nine components. Some funders have their own application forms for you to fill out, so be sure to check with each funder before turning in your grant proposal. The nine parts are:
1. Cover Letter
This cover letter is similar to a cover letter you write when applying for a job. It should have your name, your company's name, contact information, and a few paragraphs describing your company, how much money you are requesting, and what you plan to do with the money. Remember, keep this brief and high-level; the details will be in the rest of the grant proposal.
2. Summary
The summary should act as a glorified table of contents for each component. It should only be a few paragraphs long, covering the key points of your proposal. It's often easier to create the summary after preparing the rest of the proposal.
3. Your Organization Information
Beyond the obvious who, what, and when of your company, you need to include a description of your company's past, present and future operations. You want to be specific and informative. Some things to include are:
• biography of board members and important or key staff members
• your company's goals, philosophy, mission statement
• your company's unique programs
• records with other funders or funding organizations
• success stories from previous projects
4. Need or Problem Statement
This is the main part of the proposal. Here, you describe the problem your company will help defeat by using grant funding. First, assume the funder doesn't know anything about your subject. Be descriptive and include statistics, graphs, or any other data to explain your subject. Second, make a connection between the subject and your company. Also be sure to highlight why this subject is a local matter, not just a national matter or vice versa.
5. Goals and Objectives
Describe what your company is going to do about the problem. List your ultimate goals and explain the specific results you expect to come about from completion or implementation of the project.
6. Methods and Design
How will you reach your goals and objectives?
Who is the targeted audience?
How will you involve the community?
What are you going to do?
What is your proposed timeline?
Who will do the work?
When will the project take place?
Where will the project take place?
How will you measure the results and /or effectiveness of the project?
7. Evaluation
This part is your chance to define what success will mean for this particular project. Funders want to know when and how their money will be applied to a "greater good." The evaluation allows you to outline the things that that are possible when your project is a success.
8. Other Funding and/or Future Funding
Many funders don't want to be the sole source of funding for a project, so include any other funding you have received or plan to receive. If you have not received any other funding yet, include the other funders you have contacted. If this project will be an ongoing project (no definite "end" date), include whether you will want continued funding from this particular funder or if you just want “one-time” funding.
9. Proposal Budget
In short, how much will this cost? Include a budget sheet that outlines expenses and income for your project. Different funders will want more details about your budget, so be prepared to break down the income and expenses for them including where the funds are going and why.
Additional materials you may be asked to provide are:
• Tax-exempt letter from the IRS
• List of your company's board of directors (if applicable)
• Last fiscal year's financial statements
• Budget for the current fiscal year
Writing a grant proposal takes time, so be prepared to begin well ahead of time. You should be looking a year or two in advance when searching for grant funding. It's also important to remember not every funder will say "Yes" to your proposal. You will need to spend a lot of time researching funding companies and preparing back up proposals if you don't get funding from your top picks. Good luck!
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