Securing grant funding is key for many non-profit organizations. Whether it’s funding to get a new program off the ground, to help expand a current program, or something to help ease the financial burden of bringing on a new team member, grant funds can be essential for organizations to continue to grow and expand. To help make writing a grant proposal a little less daunting, the USHCC Foundation has put together step by step instructions to help make the process easier for you.
1) Make a Case
First and foremost, it’s important that you make a case for why your organization needs the grant funds you are applying for. Ensure you explain the problem you are addressing, or the need you are fulfilling. Define the expected outcomes and inherent value in those outcomes. Give an in depth look at what will be done, how it will be accomplished, and a timeline for it all.
2) Do Your Research
Make sure to do your research when applying for a grant. Applicant eligibility, geographic limitations, award restrictions, procedures, and deadlines are all key pieces of information you should know when starting the grant proposal process. Don’t let a small oversight take your proposal out of the running.
3) Write a Letter of Inquiry (Intent)
Some grants require that you write a letter of inquiry (intent) in order to apply. You want to keep this letter brief, preferably around one (1) page. When writing your letter of inquiry make sure it is specifically addressed to whomever you are sending it to. Include the title of the project, along with its objective and outcomes and a brief summary. Keep the references to cost at a minimum, however you may want to include a short summary on the budget.
4) Writing the Actual Proposal
Now it’s time to write the actual proposal! Here are a few tips to help make the process easier. First, make sure to plan ahead, you don’t want to be stuck scrambling to finish it at the last minute. Make sure to involve others; having multiple people review and contribute to the grant makes everyone’s work load easier, and more people to ensure that no mistakes make it through to the final draft. Finally, make sure you grant is reader friendly. The easier it is to read and understand, the easier it will be for the person reviewing it to get through it.
While writing your proposal make sure it includes all of the following components: cover sheet, abstract (executive summary), table of contents, introduction, problem/need statement, goals/outcomes, proposed solutions, timeline, impact of grant, rationale, staff, facilities, evaluation, budget, future funding, description of organization, and the appendix, which should include a 501(c)(3) letter (if applicable), a list of your board, your organizational budget, and an audited financial statement.
5) Review and Rewrite
After having finished the first iteration of your grant writing proposal, it is time to review and rewrite. Go through both internal and external reviews. Make sure that everyone reviewing is able to clearly come away with the “why, who, and how” of your grant proposal.
6) Submit & Follow Up
After you have gone through the editing process it is time to submit your grant proposal. Depending on your relationship with the organization you are submitting your proposal to you may want to send a follow up email letting them know you have submitted your grant proposal. In the unfortunate event that your proposal is rejected it is always a good idea to send a follow up email asking why. It can provide key insight on what you can improve for future grant proposals.
To learn more about writing grant proposals, register for our Chamber Training Institute (CTI) in Nashville on November 1–3. This upcoming CTI will focus on grant writing and will expand on the points discussed in this article. Also, the chamber with the best grant proposal will win a $2500 grant! Click here to register and the chance to walk away with $2500!
About the USHCC Foundation:
For more than three decades, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation has been educating and empowering the next generation of Hispanic business leaders and entrepreneurs. We do this through a variety of programs and scholarships that support business growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and influence our chambers to better serve their local communities. Each year, these programs equip thousands of new entrepreneurs and established business owners with the financial and technical resources, communications networks, and business trainings they need to succeed.
