Federal grant writing tip: Review the review criteria
If you’ve ever sat down to read a federal funding announcement or RFP (request for proposals), you’ve likely had to pry your eyelids open just to get to the last page. These are lengthy, dry documents, and there’s a ton of information to digest—even for a federal grant writing expert.
On the other end of that long list of requirements is a group of grant reviewers who are intimately familiar with the criteria. They’re going to tear your proposal apart, sniffing out every weakness and determining each missing link. Even when you think you’ve mastered the massive RFP, the reviewers could still ding you a few points here and there.
The best way to improve your federal grant writing skills is to review the review criteria. By doing this, you’ll see the proposal the way a grant reviewer would. Federal grant RFPs usually come with a rubric of some sort that outlines the points assigned for meeting various criteria. You should view the rubric as an important part of the RFP. Even though it’s often not part of the main document.
The review criteria often detail extra requirements that aren’t explicitly stated in the original RFP — a frustrating but realistic situation. So review the review criteria carefully, commit it to memory, refer back to it as you’re writing, and use it as a checklist when you’re finalizing for submission.
For more federal grant writing tips, visit:
- What to include in an MOU for a federal grant application
- Are you eligible for a federal grant?
- Tips for writing and managing a federal grant
Interested in learning more about our grant writing services? Contact us.
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