How to Make Your Grant Writing Application Stand Out





With competition for grant applications at an all-time high, it’s important that your grant writing applications hit the mark every time. In fact, you should assume that every time you submit a grant writing application, you are competing with hundreds of other organisations and/or individuals for the same money.  Is it any wonder that many grant writing proposals get shelved without a second look?  However, there are certain things that you can do to make your grant application stand out.  Here are our top tips:  

Grant Application Writing Tip Number 1:  SHOW THAT YOU CARE ABOUT THE FUNDING BODY
Funding bodies can tell when organisations are looking for a cash grab.  Therefore, the first question you ask, and the question that drives the initial stages of your grant writing application, should be, “What does the funder want?”  In grant application writing, it’s vital to know what the funder cares about, their purpose, mission, and objectives. Without a full and profound understanding for why they exist and how they want to invest their money, your proposal is likely to miss the target.  Besides which, why would you want to partner with a funding body who objectives don’t match your own?  
Grant Application Writing Tip Number 2:  MAKE THE FUNDER CARE ABOUT YOU
Once you understand what the funding body cares about, demonstrate why your organisation is like-minded.  Explain how funding your proposal will be mutually beneficial because it will achieve the mission an objectives of both your organisation and the funding body. Above all, the best way to make a funder care about what you are doing is to clearly demonstrate to them that without your program, your community suffers. You need to show them the gaps, the issues, and the problems in your community and help them understand how your solution is one that will make a difference in solving the problem. 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.  

Grant Application Writing Tip Number 3: SHOW THE FUNDER THE DIFFERENCE THEY COULD MAKE
Finally, tell a vivid story about how the world will be better or different because your organisation received this grant application. Make sure the grant application reviewer can picture it in their mind. Therefore, it must be achievable, measurable and desirable.  Also, as a grant writer, 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 Application Writing Tip Number 4:  DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Funding Bodies receive hundreds of grant writing applications and you can bet that many of them offer the same kind of solutions to the same kind of problems.  If you want to stand out, then think outside the square.  Funders are looking for innovation.  Funders prefer to try something new than to constantly fund the old.  Shoe the funding body that your solution is distinct, that it’s unlike anything they have seen before.  
Grant Application Writing Tip Number 5: GET PROFESSIONAL HELP
If you’re a grant application 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 Application Writing;
· Grant Application Writing;
· Resumes/Job Applications;
· Organisational/Business Development.

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