Introduction

Grant writing is one of the most important skills a nonprofit leader can master. Whether you’re raising funds for education, health, the arts, or environmental protection, the ability to write a clear and compelling grant proposal can make the difference between getting funded or being overlooked.

These top tips are based on my decades of experience writing, reviewing, and funding grant proposals for nonprofits worldwide.

1. Be Clear, Concise, and Complete

Make your proposal easy to read and review quickly. Funders are busy people, so you want them to understand your project at a glance. Avoid spelling errors and answer all the key questions: Who, what, where, when, why, how, and how much it will cost.

2. Align With the Funder’s Priorities

The best proposals are written with the funder’s mission in mind. Review their guidelines carefully and ensure your project directly supports their objectives. If your proposal doesn’t align, you’re wasting everyone’s time.

3. Write a Powerful Executive Summary

This may be the only section the reviewers read closely. Make it compelling. Include your organization’s name, the amount requested, project location, goals, activities, and the people or communities you will serve.

4. Keep It Simple

Simple projects are easier to communicate, implement, and fund. If you are proposing a complex project, break it down into clear, logical components and show how each part contributes to the overall impact. If you can’t thoroughly explain each aspect of the project, consider simplifying.

5. Craft a Strong Budget

Budgets tell your story in numbers. Use a spreadsheet with itemized costs (item, quantity, cost per unit, total). Use formulas to avoid having to do math manually. Triple-check for errors. Ask for less than the maximum when possible, and justify every expense thoroughly.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not submit proposals with:

• Math errors
• Vague or overly technical language
• Inflated or unjustified costs
• Ignored guidelines or missed deadlines

7. Submit Early & Build Relationships

Don’t wait until the last minute. Submitting early demonstrates professionalism and gives you time to address any technical issues. Better yet, build relationships with funders in advance by attending their information sessions, webinars, or networking events.

8. Showcase Your Team & Partnerships

Funders want to know your team can deliver. Include names, roles, and qualifications of your team members and collaborators. Add letters of support or partnership agreements to build trust and show commitment.

9. Develop Your Grant Writing Skills

Rejection is part of the process. Learn from it. Ask funders for feedback and use it to strengthen your next proposal. Apply to multiple funders to diversify your funding base and build a track record of success. Recycle the text from your past proposals to speed up the application process.

10. Prepare for the Future

Funders love reliable partners. Demonstrate strong financial management, keep receipts, and submit high-quality reports on time. Deliver results and communicate your impact—this sets you up to become a recurring grantee.

Final Thoughts:

Successful grant writing combines strategic thinking, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail. By following these expert tips, you’ll be well-positioned to secure the funding your organization needs to achieve its mission.

Remember, grant writing is a skill that improves with practice. Each application, whether successful or not, provides valuable learning opportunities that will strengthen your future proposals.