A well-written, award-winning grant proposal illustrates why a cause is qualified for funding. When it comes to getting approval, most grant-makers often require project outlines and other tedious data. Passion can get lost in reports, graphs, and other supporting documents. And it’s true, your grant application must be 100% fact-based. However, bear this in mind. Funders do not invest in projects. They invest in people. Grant writers should balance data with the grassroots passion of the mission or cause for which they advocate. To put it bluntly, your proposal will stand out when your passion is reflected in your grant application. The professional grant writers at GrantWriterTeam know this and work to ensure your commitment and enthusiasm jump off the page. However, whether you write the grant yourself or you hire an expert, it’s the passion for the cause that makes a grant application shine bright!
Finding Passion For The Cause
Grant writers are responsible for creating an outline of the expected impact and feasibility of a project. However, a key element in award-winning grant writing is, you guessed it, passion. Because of this, many grant writers build a niche for themselves. After all, if you don’t care about the work, how can you inspire a funder to give you a grant? Grant proposals must be fact-based, but a balance between data and passion must be achieved. Passion cannot be forced. However, if you connect to those at ground zero it will help you tap into the spirit of the organization. Protect the deep-rooted mission of the cause you are advocating for. For example, set up an interview to learn why the organization was founded. This will ensure that the core values of the organization’s mission are not lost in the data.
Illustrating Passion: Grant Writing Tips
Grant writers usually work for various organizations. Because of this, grant writers may be hired to write a grant for causes that they are not directly impacted by. However, by learning the ins and outs of an organization they can bring out the cause’s passion in grant applications. By researching the history of awarded grants a grant writer can locate critical elements. For example, locating past letters of support from the community. You may be able to include the letter and add to the appeal of a proposal.
- Beyond Fact-Finding – Interview the founder to discover why an organization was created. This will help you write a grant application that illustrates the deeply-rooted mission of the organization.
- Market Research – Look for articles about your cause. Is this a global issue? What is social media saying about your cause? Market research will provide perspective. Learn how direct competitors and well-known activists or groups within the industry are approaching the cause you are writing grants for. Furthermore, using the correct terminology and buzzwords for your cause will increase your chances of being awarded.
- Read Testimonials – We encourage you to read the testimonials and reviews for your cause. Hearing from those who are directly impacted will help you connect with the real-world change the cause has provided.
- Review Past Grants – Review awarded grants to see how the impact was illustrated in the past and to locate data to show growth. Numbers do not lie. Furthermore, you may find a letter of support from a credible source that you can include to beef up future proposals.
- See the Action First-Hand – While many grant writers work remotely, if you can tour a client’s facility this will help you connect to the cause. If an in-person tour is not practical, ask for a virtual tour.
Deep Dive Into Award-Winning Grant Writing
For those of you new to grant writing we encourage grant-seekers to learn to write grants by reading Libby Hikind’s first book, The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO. This narrative will inspire confidence in your ability to navigate the grant-seeking and grant-writing process. This book is structured into five sections and goes beyond mere theory by providing practical insights into crafting each part of a grant application. Each segment is enriched with anecdotes, lessons learned, and practical advice. Furthermore, there is a dedicated section featuring model responses for various components commonly found in grant applications
My greatest hope is that this book will demystify the grant application and writing processes and become an integral part of your granting writing toolkit. What’s more, I am confident that with the instruction you gain, it will help you become a more successful grant writer and entrepreneur.
– Founder & CEO, Libby Hikind of GrantWriterTeam and GrantWatch
Passion For Award-Winning Grant Writing In Conclusion
Above all, grant writers ensure the organization meets a grant’s eligibility requirements and that grant applications follow the funder’s requirements. In truth, many grant writers will complete high volumes of grant proposals. While these tasks are critical, research shows that those who incorporate passion when grant writing are awarded more grants. How will you find your passion?
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect option for your cause. Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
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