Grant Writing Tips

Applying for grants can be daunting and time-consuming. Luckily, most grants require the same basic information. If you gather the following information ahead of time, it should allow you to optimize your time searching and applying for donations. (Note: Review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying for a grant. Some donors will only consider organizations that support animals, alleviate hunger, etc.)

The Basics

• Establish the need for your program:
  Has the school budget been cut? Will the sports team/band/chorus, etc., not be able to participate without help from your parent organization?
• Explain what specifically you will use funds for, and how this will solve the problem:
  "With this donation of $1000, we will help purchase much needed uniforms for the ABC High School athletic program."
• Create a budget for the project/program to show exactly what the funds will be allocated to:
  Did the whole donation go towards one thing? Was a portion of the donation needed for administrative expenses?
• Determine how you will evaluate the success of the program:
  What will indicate that you were successful?
• Describe how the project/program will continue once the funds from the grant have been used:
  Will you be receiving other sources of income? (i.e. membership dues, personal donations, sales from items)

GetEdFunding is a great tool which provides resources for applying for grants and donations. You can also find additional information in the Search for Grants/Funders section of our website.