Course Content
Grant Proposal Writing
OBJECTIVE Learn how to write effective and persuasive proposals to gain funding and support for new projects and grant programs
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The Writing process
Proposal Writing Structure
Specific criteria and guidelines for writing a grant proposal structure
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Proposal Writing Structure
Drafting, Revising & Editing
The drafting stage is where you will start to organize your ideas to tell the story you want to tell. The revising stage is rewriting or rearranging sentences to make sense, make changes and improvements to word choice in the rough draft This is one of the most important stages in the writing process. It is best done by a professional or someone with strong writing skills to edit for you.
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Drafting, Revising & Editing
Proposal writing mistakes
Avoid these common proposal writing mistakes
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Proposal writing mistakes
Grant Proposal Writing Quiz
Grant Proposal Writing

Avoid these common proposal writing mistakes

  • Not following instructions
    • Most grant proposals and applications have instructions, criteria that must be met and a list of questions to answer
    • Many applications are denied because they did not follow instructions or show how they met the criteria or answer questions
    • Make sure you follow the instructions, meet the criteria and answer all of the questions

 

 

  • Budget does not match the narrative
    • You budget need to include every aspect of activity
    • If there is something that has never been done in your organisation or in this project or program and it is part of your budget but not in your proposal description, it will be regarded as a mismatch
    • If you indicate 250 volunteers will be trained and the budget covers only for 50, it is a mismatch
    • Always review your budget to make sure amounts are consistent throughout the proposal
    • That is accurately reflects the scope of work that you will do

 

  • Target group is not clearly defined
    • “We will work with local populations that are not currently reached by other organisations” is a vague statement and too generic
    • Clearly define your target audience or group based on demographics, geographical area and other factors that will explain the context, specific needs and situation
    • Show how your proposal addresses the target group’s specific needs and overcomes barriers or current challenges

 

 

  • Lack of a plan
    • You need a clear plan in the proposal that shows how you will use the funding to achieve objectives and results
    • Show how you will develop the online training and measure its effectiveness
    • Show how you will recruit the volunteers who will take the training
    • Show how you will verify they are ready to volunteer
    • Show how you will deploy them when they are needed
    • “We will use this funding to develop an online training, develop volunteers and deploy them when needed” is not a proper plan

 

 

  • Funders fund solutions to problems, not activity
    • Funders do not fund people or items
    • They fund solutions to problems
    • The problem you are solving should begin with the description of your project or program and should correspond with your summary
    • It should be clear how each activity will address the problem you are trying to solve

 

 

 

 

 

This marks the end of Grant Proposal Writing Training. 

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