Grants 101

As a professional grantwriter, I am much like a meteorologist (weatherman). I can be wrong half the time and still keep my job. Writing grants is hard work, especially if you are not a particularly gifted writer. However, it can be learned BY ANYONE. No degree is required. A lot of patience is...and some clever thinking. Here are some hints when considering a grant:
1. Gather good information upfront about your project or program. Information should include cost estimates; details about your purpose, goals, and past acheivements; who you serve and will serve.
2. Gather information about your organization. Examples include a budget of the organization, organizational documents, mission statement, list of the organizations leadership, and brief history.
3. Provide information about results you expect and how it will improve things for the organization and those you serve. Include details about need.
4. Have another person without significant knowledge of the project review it for clarity (does it make sense) and grammar.
5. Review your grant, especially the narrative, for completeness.
6. If you have a grantwriter do much of it, review it anyway. Do not assume they know your organization or project.
7. Learn the "buzzwords" of the organization. If their rules say, "fund projects in the areas of arts and culture", and you ask for housing funds, you ain't gettin' any. Research websites, call others that have written grants, view past grant lists, and call reps of the company, foundation, or agency.
8. Don't wait for the last minute, especially if you must mail it a long ways or do it online, because you must assume you will have computer problems. Trust me.
9. Don't pay big money for lists of foundations and grant sources. They can be helpful but spending big money is often not necessary.
10. Note the "matching" requirement or other rules about how the money must be used. One thing I run into at my job is the people that think they can get grants for everything (entire project cost). I tell them, "If you are not willing to put some of your own money into a project or program, why should you expect them to do so?" Plan ahead of time what amount of funds you can put into the effort before you apply for other funds.

If you want more grant info, make a comment, so I know you are interested, and I'll keep adding more tips, links, etc.