It’s not easy being a grant writer. You have to juggle various deadlines, meet complex criteria, and pull off tricky writing tasks during the application process. But none of this is easy. That’s why we’ve gone above and beyond to ensure you have everything you need to succeed as a grant writer. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for ways to improve your craft, check out our guide. Below you’ll find some handy tips on how to ensure the integrity of your grant writing. And to top it all off, we even included a downloadable worksheet that you can use to keep everything organized as you work through the process.
Set Realistic Deadlines
Setting realistic deadlines is one of the most essential things you can do as a grant writer. After all, you can’t expect to crank out a flawless, 10-page application in one sitting. Plus, deadlines are constantly changing. As soon as you hit “submit” on one application, the clock is ticking on your next one.
To give you some breathing room, take advantage of the lull that comes with the end of a fiscal year. If you’re submitting your grants in June, wait until September to start the next application round. That way, you’ll have at least three months to work on a new one. The same goes for when the new fiscal year begins. In these cases, it’s best to wait until February to start applying for grants. By doing this, you’re giving yourself enough time to get everything done and still make it to the post office by the due date.
Late fees, missed deliveries, and damaged submissions are all things you don’t want to deal with. So making sure you meet the deadline is of the utmost importance. Even if you have extra time before the deadline, take advantage of it and get everything done. That way, you’ll be relaxed and ready to deal with any last-minute issues when the moment of truth arrives.
Don’t Overlook The Small Stuff
It’s easy to get so absorbed in the big picture that you overlook all the little things that could go wrong. Things like spelling errors, factual inaccuracies, and overly elaborate language. These are all things that could ruin your whole submission if you don’t catch them. And they’re all things that could happen even if you write the best grant application ever.
This is why it’s essential to go through each document and look for all the little things that could be improved upon. Even if you finish your application on time, there’s still room for errors. So don’t be afraid to find them and fix them. Spelling errors and awkward language are the kind of things that would never show up in an objective assessment of your work, but they can still hurt your appeal if you don’t correct them. Find these things and fix them before you send the application off. Doing this shows that you took the time to proofread and edit it. Which will make you stand out in a crowd of applicants.
Dress Appropriately
Another important aspect of grant writing is dressing appropriately. The people reviewing your application will be doing so from a distance, so you don’t want to look like a complete mess. There are a few simple yet effective tips you can follow to make sure you look your best.
For men, a slim mustache or beard is the perfect way to go. Something simple and neat, but still classy and distinguished. For women, a simple hairstyle and neutral makeup will give you a polished look akin to a fresh coat of paint. Neutrals like beige, brown, and white are the best colors to help you stand out.
Follow The Instructions
Grant writing is a complicated process that can feel a little bit like a formula. You have to follow a certain order, which can sometimes feel a little bit tricky. You have to gather the required information (if you’re applying for a grant from the government, you have to have a business plan and income and expenditure statements. If you’re applying for a grant from a foundation, you have to have a letter of proposal and a copy of your mission statement. Basically, there’s a formula for what you need to include in your application and it’s up to you to follow it carefully.)
This is why it’s important to read the instructions carefully. The application states what needs to be contained in each section, so it’s essential that you have everything. Going back and asking for information that’s not mentioned is a hassle the grant review team doesn’t need. Plus, you’re likely to trip over your own tongue while asking questions about where to put this information. So do your best to stick to the form and not wander off topic.
Use An Outstanding Voice
The last thing you want to do is write a substandard grant application and call yourself a writer. Even if you’re a newbie with no experience, you can still write a fantastic application. All it takes is a little bit of research and some talent. Plus, there are some fantastic writing tutors on YouTube who can help you polish your craft.
There are numerous pitfalls that can ruin a grant application. From factual errors to spelling mistakes, to overly verbose writing. Being overly attached to one’s work can also hurt an application. It won’t do any good to submit a fantastic application and then find out that the panel is a bit nitpicky when it comes to the little things. Finding the right tone of voice, being concise but engaging, and making sure you follow the instructions are all things you can do to ensure your application is as good as it can be. And remember, if you keep on top of these things, there’s no reason why you can’t write a flawless application.