Avoid Common Grantwriting Mistakes

Avoid Common Mistakes when writing Grant Proposals

Funders do not make grants to organizations simply because their proposals are well-written. They consider many criteria when evaluating an organization’s grant worthiness including the following:

o Financial stability
o Healthy financial practices
o A strong, active board of directors
o A solid reputation
o Services that address a serious need
o Documented program success
o Community support
o Well-qualified program and administrative staff
o Collaborations with other organizations
o Diversified sources of revenue
o A successful volunteer program

Nonetheless, the grant proposal is a reflection of the strength and viability of an organization. Therefore, it should be well-written and easy to read. It should also provide factual and comprehensive information about the organization and its programs. In addition, a proposal should clearly define what sets the organization apart from its competitors.

No document can ever be perfect, but to be effective a grant proposal must be as error free as possible. Listed below are mistakes that can hurt a proposal’s chances of persuading a funder to award a grant to your organization.

o The proposal does not include enough details about the organization or the program.
o The problem that the proposal addresses is not significant, especially when compared to other social problems.
o The problem is not explained in enough detail.
o The proposal does not include enough documentation about the problem (i.e., statistics and case studies).
o The proposal does not specifically state how the money will be used.
o There are no measurable program objectives.
o Program activities do not adequately address the problem.
o Program evaluation is not sufficient.
o The proposal rambles and contains jargon.
o The proposal contains grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
o The information is not presented in a logical, well-thought out manner.

Writing a well-organized grant proposal can be a difficult task, but it is not impossible. Compelling proposals are developed on the foundation of a well-managed, stable organization. Good writing skills, knowledge of the grant proposal writing process, and a clear understanding of the potential funder’s guidelines are also key ingredients for developing winning grant proposals.

References

Sarabi, Brigette. 1997. Fundraising readiness: How does your agency stack up? The Grantsmanship Center. http://www.tgci.com/magazine/Fundraising%20Readiness.pdf (accessed February 5, 2009).

Texas Department of State and Health Services. Tips to help your team write a successful grant proposal. http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/volunteer/roadmap/6gathering/6-19.htm December 2 (accessed 12/2/01).