Writing a grant proposal may seem intimidating, but it is really not that difficult. When you understand the process and look over the format and guidelines, you should feel fairly comfortable in getting started.
The general grant writing process means that one or more individuals submit a grant request to an organization that offers financial support for certain kinds of projects. For example, some computer companies make available discount coupons or even free computers that are donated to worthwhile causes. If you work for a school system that has few or no computers for students to use, you may be able to write a grant that seeks donated funds or goods for this purpose.
Grants often take the form of educational scholarships or supplies that can advance a minority project or disabled person's interests. To find grant-awarding organizations, do an online Google search for "grant resources" (or similar wording). As Web sites open in response to your search prompt, you can narrow the search to a more specific topic like "computer grants" or "K-12 computer grants" or whatever area of support you need.
Write a paragraph or two of description about the particular financial support needed by the organization. You may be seeking an arts grant for a school to produce a play or a company to host a highbrow event for the community. Grants can be sought for individual projects, like a folk art exhibit, or an entire community program, such as a professional speaker series. Add detail to explain what you are asking for, and use this draft as the basis for your grant, i.e., "the company seeks $5,000 in support of a modern dance program for disadvantaged youth in the community."
After finding several grant organizations in the resource listing, telephone the top three or four to discuss your project over the phone. If the person invites you to submit a grant after hearing your idea, request the application and get to work.
To fill out the proposal form you may need to gather key company information. Information like the company's owner, business, board of trustees, incorporation identification number, profit and loss statement, and annual report may be needed for a full-blown grant. Ask the business manager for help. On the other hand, for the initial grant request you may be asked to submit just a one- or two-page overview of your proposed project.
For the detailed request, the usual categories to be included are these:
-project title
-project description
-project director or coordinator (may be more than one person)
-grant amount requested
-project description
-who will benefit
-how results will be measured and evaluated
-other donors or contributors and their amounts
After completing the form, it will need to be reviewed by company officials, one of whom will sign it. The project director's signature also is needed. Make a copy for the file and send the number of copies requested with the application.
It can take months to get a response to your application. If your grant is approved, a check may arrive soon after. Get a photocopy of it for the file, then open an account (unless one already exists) for managing grant funds. Keep good records of all expenditures with receipts.
When the project ends you will need to submit a report to the grant-awarding organization. Emphasize the positives of their donation, such as the number of machines purchased or number of community residents served. Any residual funds may need to be returned to the grant office unless they are allowed to be kept as seed money for the next project.
Don't hesitate to ask questions when preparing a grant proposal. After all, the money, if awarded, will benefit the entire company, so everyone should be willing to help as needed. You also can call the grant office with questions about completing the paperwork or obtaining information.
Then sit back and wait for results, knowing you have done your best.
