How to Write Successful Grant Proposals

Carmichael Centre Facilitator:

Caroline Egan, Consultant & External Relations Manager

Where to begin?

Worth Noting …

Ten reasons why applications succeed and fail

What the grant giver thinks …

“A thoughtful and honest application always stands out in the crowd!... (it) isn’t a hurried and last minute dash to meet our deadlines with something dreamed up overnight. It is a serious and sincere attempt by your organisation to use its experience and skill to make a positive difference where it is needed”.

Children in Need Grant Guidelines 1998/99

Identify Project Outputs and Outcomes• Outputs: What and how much gets produced or delivered (usually

expressed in quantitative measures)

• Outcomes: The difference made. What are the short and long term benefits of the activity?

Example: The Youth Project

The aim of the project is to reduce criminal activity by offering support and group work to young people

Inputs: staff, budget, venue, advertising

Outputs: One-to-one support sessions, outings, group work

Outcomes: After the project young people will be more confident, aware of alternatives to crime and training

Long term change: Less social exclusion and less criminal activity

What impact will the project have?

Determining your Needs – Generate a Needs StatementIn Pairs,

1. Identify some of the issues/needs you might present to funders

2. How would you go about researching these problems and needs? Where will you find relevant information?

Writing Successful Grant Applications1. Be able to prove that the need or problem in your grant proposal

is significant2. Ensure your application delivers an answer to the stated need or a

solution to the problem. Your experience and ability should be apparent in the application

3. Your proposal should convey solid planning and research and if possible vision!

Writing Successful Grant Applications4.Research the grant makers. Identify their priorities and applicant

eligibility5. Ensure that your aims and those of the grant makers are compatible6. Do not limit your funding requests to one source7. Before completing the application, contact the grant maker to check

their guidelines

Writing Successful Grant Applications

8. Ensure your proposal is complete, is an appropriate length and includes all required attachments

9. Ensure that your project’s aims and objectives are clearly and concisely written and that the proposal is worthy of consideration

Writing Successful Grant Applications10. Cover all important criteria: project purpose, need, impact, funds required, applicant accountability and competence11. Answer the key questions on the proposal checklist (typically provided with grant application forms)12. Demonstrate project logic and outcomes, and relevant support13. Request feedback from the grant maker

Presenting the proposal – Check the guidelines

• Tell the funder about your aims, objectives and development plan

• Make the case for your project. Demonstrate both need and impact

• Clearly identify your projected outcomes, your targets and how you plan to evaluate the project

• Provide a project timeline containing identifiable milestones • Indicate whether your project can be sustained once funding

ceases• Present a realistic budget with costs related to project

activities

Style and Presentation Matters• Write in shorter sentences• Avoid jargon• Avoid unsubstantiated superlatives e.g. unique• Avoid the “everybody knows” syndrome• Make it clear and logical• Write for the reader • Be neat, tidy and positive!

Preparing the Budget

• Group budget headings under common themes• Headings should mirror project plans• There should be a basis for all the figures (include a notes column)• Don’t forget to account for inflation- Remember that funders have a good grasp of costs!

Monitoring and evaluating the project1. What information will you collect in respect of activities and

outputs (measurable)2. How will you measure progress towards meeting aims and

outcomes3. How often will you formally evaluate the project4. Who will conduct the evaluations5. How will you use the evaluation results