Grant Writing is Story-Telling


Grant Writers may feel that their grant applications must be matter-of-fact and straight-to-the-point.  However, when funding bodies receive hundreds of grant applications that are all pretty much the same, it makes for eye-wateringly boring reading.  To make your grant application stand out, it’s important to think of grant-writing as story-telling.  Think about it!  Who doesn’t like hearing stories? We all know the feeling of being unable to put down a good book.  Believe it or not though, all the elements of a good story are all present in a good grant-application. Let me explain.



ORIENTATION

All stories being by introducing characters and setting the scene. In the orientation, we fall in love with the key players and the platform is laid for the unfolding drama.  The same is true in grant writing.  In your introduction, you must make the grant reviewer fall in love with your organisation. You cannot do this simply by giving raw facts.  You must use the art of story.  For example, you could say, “We are an organisation that helps at-risk youth find employment,” but this is boring and mechanical.  Instead you could try, “Billy Jones was an unemployed young person who was able to receive training through our organisation and, as a result, has now found steady employment. This has changed his life!”  Which is more compelling?  You decide. 

COMPLICATION

Every good story-teller knows that without a complication - some issue or problem that needs resolving, you don’t have the material for a good story.  The same is true for grant-writers.  Skillful grant writers paint a picture of a problem or a need that stirs a passionate discontent in the grant reviewer that makes them want to open their wallet and give.  Tell a story about the need.  What problem will your grant address? Why is it such a problem?  If you are a smart grant writer, you already know what areas of passion and interest the funding body has.  Focus on these areas. 

THE CLIMAX

A skillful grant-writing does such a good job of building the tension that you could picture a grant-reviewer leaning forward and yelling, “So what’s the answer?!”  Then, you hit them with the climax… your solution! You have the answer!  Explain your solution and how it addresses the problems and issues you have raised. 

RESOLUTION

Finally, tell a story about how the world will be better or different because your organisation received this grant. Make sure the grant reviewer can picture it in their mind. Therefore, it must be achievable, measurable and desirable.  Also, you need evaluation and assessment measurements to ensure that your goals are achieved and the reassure the funding body that you will use their money wisely. 

Grant writing is not so different to story-telling.  It’s an art!  If you’re a grant writer, consider getting some professional help.  Red Tape Busters are specialist in grant and tender writing and can help your organisation or business win grant funding or achieve successes with tenders. Visit http://www.redtapebusters.com/  for more information. We are specialists in providing the following services:
·         Lobbying;
·         Tender Writing;
·         Grant Writing;
·         Resumes/Job Applications;
·         Organisational/Business Development.

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