Helpful Hints for Potential Grant Writers

Since all of the potential grant sources listed award grants competitively, here are some Helpful Hints for you to consider:

1.      DO use the funder’s preferred form of initial contact.  This may be a phone call, letter of inquiry or full proposal.

2.      DO write a project – not an equipment – grant (exception:  State Math/Science Equipment Grant).

3.      DO know your funder’s priorities and limitations.  Do you qualify?  Your proposal must address at least one of the priorities they fund.

4.      DO follow the guidelines and address each concern in the order they are requested with clearly marked headings.

5.      DO send a cover letter signed by the appropriate person, i.e. superintendent, principal, teacher.

6.      DO have your copying done by a reliable person.  Check your collating before sending the proposal.

7.      DO explain how the project will be funded after the grant period expires.  The funder does not want to adopt you.

8.      DO use a letter quality printer.  Check your typewriter/printer ribbon.

9.      DO use plain English.  The only jargon you use should be the funder’s jargon.

10.    DO fill in all of the blanks on a grant application.  Use N/A for not applicable.

11.    DON’T call and ask a funder to change their limitations or funding priorities.

12.    DON’T send a mass produced proposal to lots of funders.  Each should be tailor made.

13.    DON’T use fancy bindings or tabs.  Many times a staple in the top corner is preferred (remember to send the exact number of copies requested).

14.    DON’T send your proposal after the deadline.  Get a dated receipt from the post office.

15.    DON’T be cute.  Use normal fonts, black ink, and white paper.  DON’T crowd the margins or use condensed print when given space restrictions.

16.    DON’T bug the funder after you have submitted a proposal.

17.    DON’T be discouraged if your proposal is not funded.  Send the funder a thank you letter for being considered and politely ask them to send the evaluation of your proposal so that you might improve your skills.