The following guest blog is by Joanna Drew of Hilo Consulting, LLC. Joanna is an independent grant writing consultant with experience managing all facets of the grants process, including prospect research, funder cultivation, Letter of Intent and proposal writing, budgets, and reports. She works with international NGOs and US-based nonprofits, and her broad experience uniquely positions her to adapt her strategic thinking to a variety of contexts, build strong cross-cultural relationships, and thrive in dynamic, goal-driven, professional environments. Joanna holds a BSc in Business Administration from Boston University and an MA in International Development from the University of Kent Brussels School of International Studies. She is fluent in Spanish, a certified grant writer, and a member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits.
Nonprofit organizations often need to obtain charitable grants, such to fund specific activities, develop a new program initiative, or for leadership development. Successfully obtaining grants starts with great grant proposals. Writing a grant proposal can be a challenging task, but if you follow the below guidelines, you too can craft a winning grant proposal! Here’s a list of ten key elements that are essential for writing a successful grant proposal.
1. Clear Project Description: Begin your proposal with a concise and compelling description of your project. Clearly articulate the problem you aim to address, your goals and objectives, and how your project aligns with the grant funder's mission and priorities. Use data and evidence to support your claims and demonstrate the need for your project.
2. Well-Defined Objectives and Outcomes: Define your project's objectives in measurable terms. Make sure they are specific, realistic, and achievable within the proposed timeline. Clearly state the anticipated outcomes and how they will contribute to solving the identified problem. Consider, as well, how these objectives contribute to achieving a long-term goal, one that the funder hopes to achieve.
3. Strong Methodology and Work Plan: Not all funders will ask for this, but it is important to consider a methodology that outlines the steps you will take to achieve your objectives. If asked, provide a detailed work plan that includes timelines, milestones, and key deliverables. This demonstrates your organization's ability to effectively execute the proposed project.
4. Comprehensive Budget: Develop a comprehensive and accurate budget that accounts for all the expenses related to your project. Clearly justify each cost and ensure they align with the activities and outcomes of your proposal. Include both direct costs (e.g., personnel, equipment) and indirect costs (e.g., administration, overhead).
5. Alignment with Funder's Priorities: Thoroughly research the grant funder's priorities, guidelines, and requirements. Tailor your proposal to align with their specific interests and goals, weaving in keywords found on their website. Clearly explain how your project fits within their funding criteria, demonstrating that you are a strong match for their objectives.
6. Clear Evaluation Plan: Include a robust evaluation plan to measure the success and impact of your project. Describe the evaluation methods you will use to assess the progress towards your objectives and the effectiveness of your work and clearly define the indicators and data collection tools you will use.
7. Collaborative Partnerships: Highlight any partnerships or collaborations that strengthen your project's credibility and potential for success. Identify relevant stakeholders or community organizations who will contribute to the project's implementation. Explain their roles and how their involvement will enhance your outcomes.
8. Strong Organizational Capacity: Demonstrate your organization's capacity to successfully carry out the proposed project. Showcase your track record, relevant experience, and expertise in the field. Highlight key staff members' qualifications and their roles in the project. Provide evidence of your organization's financial stability and management capabilities.
9. Sustainability: Emphasize the long-term sustainability of your project. Outline strategies for sustaining the project's impact beyond the grant period, such as securing additional funding or engaging community support.
10. Clear and Compelling Writing: Finally, ensure that your proposal is well-written, coherent, and error-free. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Pay attention to formatting, grammar, and spelling. Always seek feedback from colleagues to improve the clarity and persuasiveness of your proposal.
Writing a successful grant proposal requires careful planning, attention to detail, and effective communication, and remember to always tailor each proposal to the specific requirements and priorities of the grant funder. By incorporating these ten key elements into your proposal, you can increase your chances of securing the funding needed to bring your project to life.
