7 elements of a winning grant application
Grant funding can make or break a nonprofit project. To stand out, your application must include seven key elements: a clearly defined project, a compelling narrative, a well defined statement of need, an evidence-based approach, a clear budget and sustainability plan, strong organizational capacity, and alignment with funder priorities.
Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Clearly defined project
The first key element of a strong grant application is a clearly defined project. The project should have a clear objective, and the grant application should explain how the project will meet the objective. The grant application should also explain the project’s relevance and importance. This way, you can lay the groundwork for arguing in support of funding your work.
2. A compelling narrative
A strong grant application should tell a compelling story that showcases the project’s significance and impact. This should include a description of the problem the project aims to address, the strategies the project will use to address the problem, and the expected outcomes of the project.
3. A well defined statement of need
Funders invest in solutions to real problems. Your statement of need should define the issue using data and local context, explain its urgency, and show why your organization is uniquely positioned to address it. For actionable tips, check out these easy ways to improve your grant’s statement of need.
4. Evidence-based approach
The grant application should use an evidence-based approach to demonstrate the project’s feasibility and potential for success. This can include citing research or studies that support the project’s proposed strategies or highlighting previous successes of similar projects.
5. Clear budget and sustainability plan
A strong grant application should include a clear budget that outlines the costs of the project and how the grant funds will be used. The budget should also demonstrate a sound financial plan for the project’s sustainability beyond the grant period. The sustainability plan should describe how the project will continue to operate and achieve its goals after the grant funds are exhausted.
6. Strong organizational capacity
The grant application should demonstrate that the organization has the capacity to carry out the proposed project successfully. This can include information on the organization’s track record of implementing similar projects, the qualifications and experience of staff, and partnerships with other organizations.
7. Alignment with funder priorities
A strong grant application should align with the funder’s priorities and objectives. You can accomplish this by carefully reviewing the funder’s guidelines and requirements and tailoring the grant application to meet their expectations. It’s essential to ensure that the project aligns with the funder’s goals and demonstrates how the project will contribute to achieving those goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes a grant project clearly defined?
A clearly defined project has a specific objective and explains how it will achieve it, highlighting its relevance and importance.
Q2: Why is a compelling narrative important in a grant application?
It captures the project’s significance by outlining the problem, strategies, and expected outcomes, making the case more persuasive.
Q3: What should be included in the statement of need?
Use data and local context to explain the issue’s urgency and why your organization is best positioned to address it.
Q4: What should a grant budget and sustainability plan include?
A clear budget should show how funds will be used and how the project will continue once the grant ends.
Q5: How do you align your application with funder priorities?
Review the funder’s guidelines carefully and tailor your project to directly support their goals and objectives.
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