The document provides 5 tips for writing effective grant proposals: 1) Do thorough research on funders and opportunities; 2) Describe your organization's capacity and successes in managing funds; 3) Carefully plan programs by addressing community needs, connecting activities to goals and outcomes, and collaborating where helpful; 4) Clearly describe performance measures and offer results for funders; 5) Ask questions, follow guidelines, follow up, and keep communication open.

1. 5 Tips for Writing Effective Grant Proposals
Christina Ryder
CEO
The Grantwell, LLC
Christina@thegrantwell.com

2. Tip #1: Take The Time To Do Research
●
Research Funders and Funding Opportunities
●
Free and Low Cost Foundation Grant Databases
●
990s and Guidestar Access to 990s
●
Broad vs. Targeted Approaches
●
Relationships and Utilizing the Connections of Volunteers
and Board Members

3. Tip #2: Describe Organizational Capacity
●
Discuss Organizational History
●
Outline Your Successes
●
Describe Your Ability to Manage Grant Funds
●
Understand and Plan for Organizational Limitations
●
Leverage Organizational Operating Costs, Donations,
Match Funds, and Programmatic Strengths

4. Tip #3: Program Planning
●
Research and Address Community/Organizational Gaps in
Service
●
Connect Proposals to Other Strategic Development
Initiatives
●
Clearly and Concisely Describe Project Activities
●
Connect Activities to Clear Goals and Objectives
●
Connect Goals and Objectives to Outcomes
●
Connect Outcomes to Performance Measures
●
Collaborate When Appropriate and Helpful

5. Tip #4: Evaluation Methodologies
●
Clearly Describe Performance Measures
●
Seek Assistance with Evaluation Processes if Needed
●
Offer Both Financial and Programmatic Results for
Funders
●
Data Can Be Your Friend During the Grant Time Frame
●
Utilizing Data to Increase Effectiveness, Efficiency, and
When Applying for Future Grants

6. Tip #5: Communication
●
Ask Questions
●
Follow Formatting Guidelines and Instructions
●
Follow Up and Follow Through
●
Seek Direction if Refused for Funding
●
Keep Lines of Communication Open

7. Contact Information
●
Fan us on Facebook: 'The Grantwell'
●
Follow us on Twitter: 'grantwell'
●
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletter: www.thegrantwell.com
●
Seek Additional Training if Needed:
www.thegrantwell.com/grant_school
●
Christina@thegrantwell.com