A grant application writing requires a lot of effort and time. Make sure you make drafts first. This can help you perfect your final proposal. Though you know how to write proposal, still, there are things to keep in making your grant application successful.
Steps to Perfect Grant Application Writing
1. Follow the guidelines.
Straying from the right path may lead to failure in grant writing. Some grantors has application guidelines that you must read and understand. Follow their instructions or they will reject your application.
2. Never waste time.
Writing a proposal is not an easy task. It requires plenty of time. You must research the data and statistics thoroughly. Expect hours of browsing the Internet. Furthermore, when you plan to hire a grant writer, it takes a month or longer before you get the final output.
3. Make an interesting document.
Reading a proposal seems to be a bit tedious. Oftentimes, readers get bored going over many pages. But you can take this feeling away if your proposal is catchy. Contrary to the belief, reviewers do not read it from top to bottom. They just spend little time and have a quick look at it. So make your document clear and concise. Create a good concept and put section headings to make it more appealing to them. Make sure that the main idea is at the beginning of each paragraph. Thus, readers will find it easy to see the value of your application.
Moreover, here are other tips when you want to make an easy-to-read proposal:
- Come straight to the point.
- Avoid using acronyms and jargon words.
- Always use a third-person narrative.
- Single-digit numbers should be spelled out and leave two-digit ones in figures.
- Do not copy other’s work.
- Do a correct citation and quotation.
- Make use of action verbs.
- Do not express any “negative attitude.”
- Place page number to help grantors move through your proposal easily.
4. Have it proofread.
In this effort, there’s no room for flaws. Give yourself ample of time to go over and revise your work. Errors on grammar, punctuation, and spelling can harm your proposal. Keep in mind that it is a formal composition. If possible, have it proofread by someone else.
5. Submit ahead of the deadline.
If you are able to complete the the proposal and other papers ahead of time, the better. Early submission enables you to correct errors that the funder will inform you. Also, you can avoid unlikely situation that may impede your submission. There are instances when computer or printer might malfunction. Or you need a certification or signature, but the officer-in-charge is on leave and no one will take his place.
