Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering applying for a grant.

Things to keep in mind when preparing a grant application:

1. When a grant opportunity presents itself, always take a good look at what it can offer your agency or organization. Is this something that you had already considered doing and now have the opportunity with this funding? Be sure not to take on an additional project just because it presents the opportunity for funding. Along with grant funding comes other necessary costs that your agency will have to come up with. You have to weigh the benefits to the additional costs first.
   
   
2. Is this project sustainable? Often times, the grant opportunity is for a year or two. That means that if you ask for personnel in the grant application, you will have to find a way to fund those positions after the grant has ended. If the project is a necessary project and the funds would have to be found anyhow, then application might be worth it. If the project is not something that can be sustained after initial funding, then application should be reconsidered. Finding continuation funding after startup money is obtained is difficult. Most funders want to see that the project is self-sustained or a governmental agency picks up the costs after the startup year(s).
   
   
3. What is the timeframe? Do you have the time to prepare a quality application? The application should be well prepared, thoughtfully planned, and concisely packaged. If the timeframe does not permit you completing a well-prepared application, do not apply. The opportunity may present itself again when there is more time to dedicate to the proposal. Do not submit an incomplete and thrown together last minute application. This may be a potential funder who will not even consider your application next time if a poorly written one was submitted previously.
   
   
4. When preparing the application, remember to keep it simple. Do not use jargon. Use clear, understandable language. Present supporting facts for stated assumptions. Be specific. Be sure to include: the nature of the project and how it will be conducted, the timetable for the project, the anticipated outcomes and how best to evaluate results, and staffing and volunteer needs.
   
   
5. The following elements should also be included:
   • Executive Summary: umbrella statement of your case and summary of the entire proposal
   • Statement of need: why this project is necessary
   • Project Description: nuts and bolts of how the project will be implemented and evaluated
   • Budget: financial description of the project plus explanatory notes
   • Organization Information: history and governing structure of the organization; it's primary activities, audiences, and services
   • Conclusion: summary of the proposal's main points