Grant Application Writing Made Easy




Grant application writing can often be a daunting task especially when it is not something you do on a daily basis. There are so many different avenues for funding, how and where you apply can be a maze that seems impossible to get through.  Despite this there is a way that you can prepare for grant application writing. In almost all grant applications typical questions are asked. Having some ideas on how to individually address each of these questions can make your task a whole lot easier. Let’s take a look at some of the typical questions grant writing applications ask.

1. Organisation details
Almost all grant writing applications will ask for details of your organisation. These are the particulars that explain who you are, what your organisation does and who does it. Organisational details can include aspects such as:
· staffing structure
· the skill set and qualifications of staff
· vision and goals
· demographic of clients / consumers
· location
Preparing this information in advance will save a lot of time and it can easily be adapted for any relevant grant application.

2. What is your identified area of expertise?
Every organisation has something that they focus on. What is that area for you? Is it youth homelessness? It is advocacy for the elderly? Is it providing legal assistance to those who may not be able to otherwise have it? Whatever it may be take the time to gather evidence of your focus to support your grant writing application. This can include up to date statistics on how many people are accessing your service, how many clients are allocated to each staff member and /or how many programs have been undertaken in the past 6-12 months. It can also include evidence from outside sources that back up your programs. For example, a local council report that provides statistics on homelessness in your area may provide an evidence base to apply for a grant writing application that has funds to support this cause.

3. Grant writing applications almost always want to see community involvement
Networking and maintaining good relationships with community organisations is vital in the grant writing world. It is now the norm for grant writing applications to ask what community benefits there will be and what other organisations will be involved in the project. Take time to build your networks so that when the time comes you can call on these people to either work with you on your grant writing application or support you throughout the process.

4. Detailed budget
All grant writing applications will ask for a detailed budget. Being aware of your organisations budget will enable a quicker and more accurate response to this question. It is important to note that many grant writing applications want to see that the organisation can contribute some of their own funds to the project. This is something that could be discussed at the start of the financial year, during the budget preparation phase. How much money can be set aside to contribute to any funding opportunities that may arise throughout the year?

Still feeling unsure on how to navigate the grant writing world? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Red Tape Busters has been operating for over 15 years and has hand-picked its consultants to ensure that they have all the grant writing application skills mentioned above. Each consultant has worked in the industry for several years and will work with you to produce the best job application possible.

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.

Please also “friend” or “like” us on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/RedTapeBustersShaneBowering, follow us on Twitter – Red Tape Busters or check us out on YouTube just search for Red Tape Busters.  

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