Grant Writing Essentials: Keys to Funding Your Projects
By: Jill Franks + Ashley McVicker
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Grants can be a game-changer for businesses and nonprofits, offering the financial boost needed to grow, innovate, or sustain important work. But the world of grants can be intimidating, with complex processes and strict requirements. That's why we were thrilled to sit down with Tammy Gwaltney, a seasoned grant writer, who shared her wealth of knowledge on the dos and don'ts of grant writing. Whether you're a small business owner or leading a nonprofit, Tammy's insights will help you navigate the grant world with confidence.
What is a Grant, Really?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of grant writing, it's essential to understand what a grant is. According to Tammy, the term "grant" is often misunderstood. A grant is the money you receive after successfully writing a proposal, not the proposal itself. So when you're "writing a grant," you're actually writing a proposal to secure that funding.
Grants can come from various sources—local, state, federal, or private. Each of these sources has its own set of rules, criteria, and processes. For instance, local grants might involve a straightforward application, while federal grants could require you to navigate complex platforms like grants.gov.
The First Steps: Are You Eligible?
One of the most crucial steps before you even think about writing a grant proposal is ensuring your eligibility. Tammy emphasizes the importance of having your legal and organizational paperwork in order. If you're a nonprofit, this means having your 501(c)(3) status, Articles of Incorporation, and bylaws ready to go. For businesses, you need to be registered with the state, have an EIN number, and be prepared to provide these documents when applying for grants.
Skipping this step can result in wasted time and effort, as many grant applications will require proof of your legal status before you're even considered.
Understanding the Process: GATA, SAM.gov, and More
Navigating the world of grants involves understanding various terms and platforms. For those in Illinois, Tammy highlights the importance of being registered with GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) and SAM.gov for federal grants. These registrations are often prerequisites for applying for state and federal funding.
Another critical resource Tammy mentions is the Foundation Center Online, a platform that offers a comprehensive list of private grants. Access to this resource typically requires a subscription, but it's invaluable for serious grant seekers.
The Art of Proposal Writing
Once you've established your eligibility and identified a potential grant, the next step is writing a compelling proposal. Tammy offers several tips to ensure your proposal stands out:
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Read the Instructions Carefully: This might seem obvious, but Tammy stresses that many applicants overlook basic instructions like font size, page limits, and whether attachments are allowed. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in your proposal being disqualified before it's even read.
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Understand the Scoring Criteria: Most grant applications include a scoring rubric that outlines how proposals will be evaluated. Focus on the sections that carry the most weight, and ensure you address them thoroughly.
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Tell Your Story Clearly: Your proposal should tell a clear and compelling story about your organization and why it deserves funding. If you're not confident in your writing, consider having someone else review your work to ensure it's grammatically correct and easy to understand.
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Stick to the Requirements: If a proposal asks for specific details or documentation, provide exactly what's requested—nothing more, nothing less. Adding unnecessary information or failing to include required documents can harm your chances.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake Tammy sees is applicants getting excited about the potential funding without fully understanding the requirements or eligibility. Before investing time in a proposal, make sure you meet all the criteria.
Another pitfall is failing to account for matching funds. Some grants require you to match a certain percentage of the funds you're requesting. If you can't meet this requirement, it's better to move on to another opportunity.
Success Stories and Final Tips
Tammy has had her share of successes, from securing millions in federal funding for educational institutions to smaller grants that have made a significant impact on local communities. Her experience underscores the importance of patience, persistence, and thoroughness in the grant-writing process.
Her final piece of advice? "Do your homework." This means understanding the grant requirements, knowing your organization's needs and capabilities, and being meticulous in your proposal writing.
Ready to Start Your Grant Journey?
If you're inspired to dive into the world of grants, take Tammy's advice to heart. Make sure your organization is set up correctly, understand the funding landscape, and approach the process with diligence and care. Grants can be incredibly beneficial, but only if you're prepared to navigate the complexities of the application process.
For more resources and tips on grant writing, check out the links below, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Happy grant writing!
GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) - This is a platform for Illinois state grants. You can visit the GATA website to learn more about state-level grant opportunities and registration requirements.
SAM.gov - The System for Award Management (SAM) is a federal registration system that organizations need to be part of to apply for federal grants.
Grants.gov - The main portal for finding and applying for federal grants across all U.S. federal agencies.
Foundation Center Online - A comprehensive resource for private foundation grants. Subscription is required for access.
IRS.gov Charity Search - This tool allows you to search for registered charities and their financial records, including 990 forms.