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UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF GRANTS - CONTINUED
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STEP 2: TAILOR YOUR PROPOSAL 4. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES: STEP 5: REVIEW AND REFINE TIPS:

Customize Your Application: Avoid generic proposals. Tailor Outline the specific goals of your project and the measurable outcomes Get a Fresh Perspective: Seek feedback from someone outside Keep It Brief: Limit the cover letter to one page. Be succinct and
you expect to achieve. Make sure these objectives are realistic and your organization to review the proposal. They can provide valuable focused, ensuring that it complements the detailed proposal.
each application to the specific funder’s interests, guidelines, and
requirements. Show how your project aligns with their goals and aligned with the funder’s priorities. insights into clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness. Be Direct: Clearly state the purpose of the grant request and its

address their specific questions or concerns. 5. PROGRAM PLAN: Be Clear and Concise: Ensure that your proposal is clear, concise, and relevance to the funder’s interests. Avoid vague language and get
Conduct Thorough Research: Understand the funder’s history, free of jargon. Use straightforward language and avoid unnecessary straight to the point.
details that may detract from the main points.
funding priorities, and application process. Use this information to Provide a detailed description of how you will implement the project, Show Understanding: Demonstrate your knowledge of the funder’s
craft a proposal that aligns with their strategic interests. including key activities, timelines, and responsibilities. Use a logical, Double-Check: Review all aspects of the proposal to ensure that it priorities and how your project aligns with their goals. This shows that you
step-by-step approach to demonstrate how you will achieve your meets the funder’s requirements, including formatting, attachments, have done your homework and are genuinely interested in a partnership.
STEP 3: FOCUS ON DATA AND IMPACT objectives. and deadlines. Verify that all calculations are accurate and that the
proposal is error-free. Grants can be a powerful tool for nonprofits to secure funding and
Use Data: Provide clear, compelling data to demonstrate the need for 6. CAPACITY: advance their missions, but navigating the application process requires

your project and its potential impact. Include statistics, case studies, GRANT PROPOSAL COVER LETTER careful planning and execution. By understanding the types of grants
and testimonials to support your case. Explain your organization’s readiness to manage the project, including available, assessing your organization’s readiness, and following a
Highlight Outcomes: Clearly articulate the expected outcomes staff qualifications, existing resources, and community support. Highlight COMPONENTS: structured approach to proposal writing, you can increase your chances
of success. Remember, grants should be part of a diversified fundraising
of your project and how they will address the identified need. Use any partnerships or collaborations that enhance your capacity.
specific, measurable indicators to show the anticipated impact. Project Introduction: Briefly introduce your project and the amount strategy and support well-planned projects that align with your
7. EVALUATION PLAN: of funding requested. Clearly state the purpose of the grant and why organization’s mission and goals. With a thorough understanding of the

STEP 4: WRITE THE PROPOSAL it is important. grant landscape and a commitment to crafting compelling proposals,
Describe how you will measure and assess the success of your project. Importance of the Project: Explain how the project aligns with the your organization can effectively leverage grants to achieve meaningful
1. PROPOSAL SUMMARY: Include specific evaluation methods, data collection strategies, and funder’s mission and priorities. Highlight the significance of the and lasting impact. MATTHEW BURKE, CPA
benchmarks for tracking progress. project and its potential impact. PARTNER
Start with a concise summary of your proposal, including the project’s
purpose, requested funding amount, and key objectives. This section 8. PROGRAM BUDGET: Proposal Contents: Outline what is included in the proposal, such as
should grab the funder’s attention and provide a snapshot of your the project description, budget, and evaluation plan. Provide a brief
summary of the key components.
project. Provide a detailed, itemized budget for the project, including expenses
and sources of matching funds if applicable. Ensure that the budget is Previous Contacts: If applicable, mention any prior interactions with

2. INTRODUCTION TO THE APPLICANT: realistic and aligns with the project’s goals. the funder or references to previous correspondence. This can help
establish a connection and provide context.
9. SUSTAINED IMPACT:
Describe your organization, including its mission, history, and Contact Details: Include your contact information for follow-up
achievements. Highlight your organization’s capacity to manage the questions or additional information. Provide a phone number, email
grant and execute the proposed project. Discuss how the project will have a lasting impact and outline your plans address, and any other relevant contact details.
for sustaining the project beyond the grant period. Explain how the
3. NEED STATEMENT: project will continue to benefit the community or organization. Signature: Ensure that the cover letter is signed by the organization’s
executive director or an authorized representative.

Clearly define the problem or need that your project will address. Use
data and real-life examples to illustrate the urgency and significance of
the issue.