5 grant writing mistakes you don't want to make to be a better grant writer

Summary

In this video, Tiffany from Boss in a Budget shares five common grant writing mistakes that new nonprofit founders and volunteers often make. She emphasizes the importance of clarity and conciseness in writing, ensuring the narrative aligns with the budget, and presenting data-backed claims. Tiffany also advises tailoring proposals to match funders’ priorities and offers strategies for structuring proposals effectively. She encourages transparency with budgets and stresses the need for research to ensure alignment with funder requirements, providing valuable insights to help nonprofits avoid common pitfalls in grant applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid being long-winded or overly complicated in your grant writing. Keep sentences short and direct to maintain the reader's attention.
• 😀 Use active voice and action words to make your writing more engaging and clear. Passive voice can add unnecessary fluff.
• 😀 Structure your grant proposal logically, ensuring a clear flow from problem identification to proposed solution to expected outcomes.
• 😀 Be realistic and transparent in your budget. Ensure that the budget aligns with the scope and scale of your project.
• 😀 Do thorough research on each funder. Make sure your proposal aligns with their goals and funding priorities to avoid wasting time.
• 😀 Back up your claims with relevant data and research, especially when explaining the problem and the expected outcomes of your project.
• 😀 When starting your grant writing journey, remember that your first draft won’t be perfect. Review and revise for clarity and conciseness.
• 😀 Avoid using the same grant proposal for every funder. Customize your approach based on each funder’s specific requirements and interests.
• 😀 Ensure that your project’s goals are clear and achievable within the budget you’re requesting. Inconsistent proposals and budgets can lead to confusion and rejection.
• 😀 Don’t assume funders will automatically understand the importance of your work. Take time to explain the need for your project and why it matters.
• 😀 Seek feedback from others, particularly those with experience in grant writing, to help refine your proposal and remove unnecessary content.

Q & A

What is the most common mistake people make when writing grant proposals?

The most common mistake is being too long-winded. Many grant writers think they need to sound sophisticated or use big words, which can complicate the message. It's important to keep sentences short, direct, and clear to avoid losing the reader's attention.

Why is it important to write in active voice in grant proposals?

Writing in active voice makes your statements more direct and impactful. It helps to eliminate unnecessary words and makes your proposal easier to read. Active voice ensures that the focus is on the action, keeping the proposal concise and to the point.

How can you improve the flow of a grant proposal?

To improve the flow, structure your proposal logically: start with a clear problem statement, followed by the solution your project offers, and then explain the expected outcomes. This helps the reader see the connection between the issue, your program, and its potential impact.

What should you do if you're unsure about a grant funder's requirements?

If you're uncertain about a grant funder's requirements or whether your project aligns with their priorities, it's best to reach out to them directly. Communication is key to clarifying what they're looking for and to ensure your proposal meets their expectations.

What is a common issue when the narrative and budget don’t match in a grant proposal?

If the budget doesn’t align with the narrative, funders may question your credibility. For example, if you're proposing to serve a large number of people but request a very small budget, it may appear unrealistic. It's important to be transparent and realistic about costs and resource needs.

How do you research a grant funder before writing a proposal?

Start by reviewing the funder's mission, funding priorities, and past grants. Check their website, look for their strategic goals, and ensure your project aligns with their objectives. This research helps you tailor your proposal and increases the chances of securing funding.

What role does data play in grant writing?

Data is essential to back up your claims, especially in the problem statement and the expected outcomes. It provides evidence of the need for your project and supports the effectiveness of your proposed solution. Be sure to include relevant data, such as statistics or past program outcomes, to strengthen your case.

What is a 'need statement' in grant writing, and why is it important?

A need statement identifies the problem your project aims to address. It is important because it sets the foundation for your proposal by explaining why your project is needed. A strong need statement is backed by data and paints a clear picture of the problem's scope and impact.

What should you do if a grant funder’s application asks for an audit but your organization doesn’t have one?

If you don’t have an audit, you can reach out to the funder to see if they would accept alternative documentation, like a financial review. Funders may be flexible, especially for small organizations, so it's worth communicating your situation and exploring options.

Why should you not use the same proposal for every grant submission?

Each grant funder is different, with unique priorities and requirements. Using the same proposal for all funders is a mistake because it doesn't address their specific interests. Instead, customize each proposal to align with the funder’s goals and expectations for the best chance of success.