Top 10 Technology Grant Writing Tips

Writing a good technology grant proposal is more than following directions. Many grant writers underestimate the competition. So, instead of setting themselves above everyone else, they continue to pound out mediocre applications.

The key, then, to successful grant writing is being different. Below are ten tips that will help you stand out from the crowd.

1. The wrong way to apply for a grant is to look at what's available.

Your first task is to determine what you want to accomplish. Don't try to force what you want into what a beneficiary needs. Be sincere in your efforts. If what you want to accomplish fits into what a funding source is willing to invest in, then go for it. Otherwise, move on.

2. Start early.

Grant funding should be a part of your business processes. It can take months, sometimes years, before you receive funding. Do your research. Find out which proposals won grants and why. This practice will take longer than a few weeks.

3. Look beyond typical funding sources.

Start local. Many city governments, civic organizations, and businesses offer grants to a very small pool of applicants. This is a great way to get connected within the community.

4. Talk to grant reviewers.

Better yet, be a grant reviewer. Ask how grant projects are reviewed. How does the funding source make a final decision? What one mistake will get a grant application ignored? Asking questions is a simple way to get smart on the process.

5. Use one writer with multiple subject experts.

Having a single author guarantees the tone will be the same. You want a grant reviewer to breeze through an application. Subtle nuances in writing styles will trip readers.

6. Set your deadline ahead of the real deadline.

This is similar to setting your watch faster so you're not late for work. Set an internal deadline at least three or four days before the real deadline. This will give you time in case you have to mail another copy or answer further questions.

7. Use peer reviewed research to back up your program.

There's nothing, almost nothing, more persuasive than using research to verify your program. It shows that you've taken the time to make sure your program will be a success.

8. Use a full-time effort to get the application written.

If you want to stand out, show the grant reviewers that you spent more than a few evenings working on the application. Thinking through and writing the application takes time. Don't underestimate it.

9. Have a realistic evaluation plan.

Funding sources want to know that you are planning to evaluate your results — good or bad. Include a plan to solve performance problems if they don't meet standards.

10. Say thank you.

Always thank a grantor for taking the time to read your proposal, even if it doesn't get funded initially. Surprisingly, very few grant seekers do this, to the detriment of their credibility.

Standing out from the rest of the grant "pack" isn't hard. Take care of the simple things and you'll go a long way to getting your grant funding the first time around.

 

Written by: Frank J Klein - CIO

Back to Articles | Next Article | Relativity | Watch the Video

Other Resources: A webmaster should know not only about web hosting but the web design as well as a few basics about internet marketing.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Do you want more? Do you want to be notified of new blog postings and other exciting developments weekly? Do you want the competitive edge over your marketplace?

Sign Up for Our Newsletter and get Free Gifts when you Sign Up and Confirm Your Subscription:

Name:
Email:

• Monthly Updates and Informative Articles and Videos from our team of experts.
• White Papers and Free Training Offers
• Special Discounts and Incentives on our Services and Products
• Special Discounts and Incentives from our Channel Partners
• Monthly Prizes and Incentives for Blog Postings
• Much, Much More

Have questions or suggestions?

Contact Us By Email:

Email :
Company:
Name:
Phone :
Site URL:
Question or Request:
	I have read and agree to the terms of service