The actual writing of a federal or state grant is the final step in a long list of stringent requirements. This is not a job to be taken lightly, and it is not a project that will be completed overnight.
By the time the grant writer is ready to write, most of the preliminary research should be complete. This includes the initial step of locating the appropriate government funding source to match the needs of the project. The U.S. government has a website dedicated to grants, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Grants.gov not only provides listings of all available grants, it is the place where interested persons can download the government grant application package.
If the grant is through a particular government agency, it may have its own template for data collection. Both the application package and government grant templates are intimidating. For this reason, an agency or institution will often hire a grant writing specialist for this job. And, they will have a legal team or legal advisor available to approve the final contract.
Thousands of grants are available through government agencies and these will fund everything from a one-time, special project to multi-year projects that employ a full staff with all the expenses associated with such an undertaking. To complete the grant application successfully and accurately, follow the following tips.
1. SET A PROJECTED COMPLETION DATE
Grants have a final application date. Make sure that you or your agency has the time needed to assemble information, have the proposal reviewed by legal staff and complete the application process well ahead of that deadline date. Otherwise, you will wait it out for at least a year before the same grant opportunity arises.
2. COLLECT DATA
The grant writer needs to have on hand everything from a computer-loaded budget and other legal documents to a full description of the project, its objectives and target population, the institution or agency which will support the grant, and, be aware of any limitations that may cause problems in fulfilling the grant, if awarded.
3. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
This sounds like obvious advice but too often, grant proposals are rejected simply because the applicant did not give the grantor the information requested. Or the data was incomplete. Remember: you are writing for the U.S. government. This leads to the next tip.
4. CREATIVITY DOES NOT COUNT
In other words, flowery language and broad promises will not get you a grant. The grant should be written in clear and concise language with appropriate documentation. The grant is all about numbers, figures, data, deliverables, objectives, terms. This is a legal contract between you and the government and a knowledge of legal and business terminology is essential.
5. STAND READY TO SUBSTANTIATE
The grantor may ask for additional information to substantiate any data you provide. Do not inflate numbers or make claims that you cannot prove. If the grant is awarded, there will likely be site visits. The government representative will have access to your agency’s books and go over them with the eye of an auditor. They may ask to interview staff and, if applicable, people that you serve with the grant funding. Never distort information at any point in the application or implementation. If discovered, the grantor can pull the grant, fine you and your agency, and in rare circumstances, file charges that result in imprisonment.
Get your data in order. Adhere to the grant application requirements. Then wait. You are just one of many competing for the same funding. Good luck!
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