writing grant application

The Ultimate Grant Writing Guide (and How to Find and Apply for Grants)

Securing grants requires strategic planning. Identifying relevant opportunities, building collaborations, and crafting a comprehensive grant proposal are crucial steps. Read our ultimate guide on grant writing, finding grants, and applying for grants to get the funding for your research.

Updated on February 22, 2024

Embarking on a journey of groundbreaking research and innovation always requires more than just passion and dedication, it demands financial support. In the academic and research domains, securing grants is a pivotal factor for transforming these ideas into tangible outcomes. 

Grant awards not only offer the backing needed for ambitious projects but also stand as a testament to the importance and potential impact of your work. The process of identifying, pursuing, and securing grants, however, is riddled with nuances that necessitate careful exploration. 

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a budding academic, navigating this complex world of grants can be challenging, but we’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps of applying for grants, providing expert tips and insights along the way.

Finding grant opportunities 

Prior to diving into the application phase, the process of finding grants involves researching and identifying those that are relevant and realistic to your project. While the initial step may seem as simple as entering a few keywords into a search engine, the full search phase takes a more thorough investigation.

By focusing efforts solely on the grants that align with your goals, this pre-application preparation streamlines the process while also increasing the likelihood of meeting all the requirements. In fact, having a well thought out plan and a clear understanding of the grants you seek both simplifies the entire activity and sets you and your team up for success.

Apply these steps when searching for appropriate grant opportunities:

1. Determine your need

Before embarking on the grant-seeking journey, clearly articulate why you need the funds and how they will be utilized. Understanding your financial requirements is crucial for effective grant research.

2. Know when you need the money

Grants operate on specific timelines with set award dates. Align your grant-seeking efforts with these timelines to enhance your chances of success.

3. Search strategically

Build a checklist of your most important, non-negotiable search criteria for quickly weeding out grant options that absolutely do not fit your project. Then, utilize the following resources to identify potential grants:

• Online directories
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Foundations

4. Develop a tracking tool

After familiarizing yourself with the criteria of each grant, including paperwork, deadlines, and award amounts, make a spreadsheet or use a project management tool to stay organized. Share this with your team to ensure that everyone can contribute to the grant cycle.

Here are a few popular grant management tools to try: 

• Jotform : spreadsheet template
• Airtable : table template
• Instrumentl : software
• Submit : software

Tips for Finding Research Grants

Consider large funding sources : Explore major agencies like NSF and NIH.

Reach out to experts : Consult experienced researchers and your institution's grant office.

Stay informed : Regularly check news in your field for novel funding sources.

Know agency requirements : Research and align your proposal with their requisites.

Ask questions : Use the available resources to get insights into the process.

Demonstrate expertise : Showcase your team's knowledge and background.

Neglect lesser-known sources : Cast a wide net to diversify opportunities.

Name drop reviewers : Prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Miss your chance : Find field-specific grant options.

Forget refinement : Improve proposal language, grammar, and clarity.

Ignore grant support services : Enhance the quality of your proposal.

Overlook co-investigators : Enhance your application by adding experience.

Grant collaboration 

Now that you’ve taken the initial step of identifying potential grant opportunities, it’s time to find collaborators. The application process is lengthy and arduous. It requires a diverse set of skills. This phase is crucial for success.

With their valuable expertise and unique perspectives, these collaborators play instrumental roles in navigating the complexities of grant writing. While exploring the judiciousness that goes into building these partnerships, we will underscore why collaboration is both advantageous and indispensable to the pursuit of securing grants.

Why is collaboration important to the grant process?

Some grant funding agencies outline collaboration as an outright requirement for acceptable applications. However, the condition is more implied with others. Funders may simply favor or seek out applications that represent multidisciplinary and multinational projects.

To get an idea of the types of collaboration major funders prefer, try searching “collaborative research grants” to uncover countless possibilities, such as:

• National Endowment for the Humanities
• American Brain Tumor Association

For exploring grants specifically for international collaboration, check out this blog:

• 30+ Research Funding Agencies That Support International Collaboration

Either way, proposing an interdisciplinary research project substantially increases your funding opportunities. Teaming up with multiple collaborators who offer diverse backgrounds and skill sets enhances the robustness of your research project and increases credibility.

This is especially true for early career researchers, who can leverage collaboration with industry, international, or community partners to boost their research profile. The key lies in recognizing the multifaceted advantages of collaboration in the context of obtaining funding and maximizing the impact of your research efforts.

How can I find collaborators?

Before embarking on the search for a collaborative partner, it's essential to crystallize your objectives for the grant proposal and identify the type of support needed. Ask yourself these questions: 

1)Which facet of the grant process do I need assistance with:

2) Is my knowledge lacking in a specific: 

• Population?

3) Do I have access to the necessary:

Use these questions to compile a detailed list of your needs and prioritize them based on magnitude and ramification. These preliminary step ensure that search for an ideal collaborator is focused and effective.

Once you identify targeted criteria for the most appropriate partners, it’s time to make your approach. While a practical starting point involves reaching out to peers, mentors, and other colleagues with shared interests and research goals, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone.

Beyond the first line of potential collaborators exists a world of opportunities to expand your network. Uncover partnership possibilities by engaging with speakers and attendees at events, workshops, webinars, and conferences related to grant writing or your field.

Also, consider joining online communities that facilitate connections among grant writers and researchers. These communities offer a space to exchange ideas and information. Sites like Collaboratory , NIH RePorter , and upwork provide channels for canvassing and engaging with feasible collaborators who are good fits for your project. 

Like any other partnership, carefully weigh your vetted options before committing to a collaboration. Talk with individuals about their qualifications and experience, availability and work style, and terms for grant writing collaborations.

Transparency on both sides of this partnership is imperative to forging a positive work environment where goals, values, and expectations align for a strong grant proposal.

Putting together a winning grant proposal

It’s time to assemble the bulk of your grant application packet – the proposal itself. Each funder is unique in outlining the details for specific grants, but here are several elements fundamental to every proposal:

• Executive Summary
• Needs assessment
• Project description
• Evaluation plan
• Team introduction
• Sustainability plan 

This list of multi-faceted components may seem daunting, but careful research and planning will make it manageable. 

Start by reading about the grant funder to learn:

• What their mission and goals are,
• Which types of projects they have funded in the past, and
• How they evaluate and score applications.

Next, view sample applications to get a feel for the length, flow, and tone the evaluators are looking for. Many funders offer samples to peruse, like these from the NIH , while others are curated by online platforms , such as Grantstation.

Also, closely evaluate the grant application’s requirements. they vary between funding organizations and opportunities, and also from one grant cycle to the next. Take notes and make a checklist of these requirements to add to an Excel spreadsheet, Google smartsheet, or management system for organizing and tracking your grant process.

Finally, understand how you will submit the final grant application. Many funders use online portals with character or word limits for each section. Be aware of these limits beforehand. Simplify the editing process by first writing each section in a Word document to be copy and pasted into the corresponding submission fields.

If there is no online application platform, the funder will usually offer a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) to guide the structure of your grant proposal. The RFP: 

• Specifies page constraints
• Delineates specific sections
• Outlines additional attachments
• Provides other pertinent details

Components of a grant proposal

Cover letter.

Though not always explicitly requested, including a cover letter is a strategic maneuver that could be the factor determining whether or not grant funders engage with your proposal. It’s an opportunity to give your best first impression by grabbing the reviewer’s attention and compelling them to read further. 

Cover letters are not the place for excessive emotion or detail, keep it brief and direct, stating your financial needs and purpose confidently from the outset. Also, try to clearly demonstrate the connection between your project and the funder’s mission to create additional value beyond the formal proposal.

Executive summary

Like an abstract for your research manuscript, the executive summary is a brief synopsis that encapsulates the overarching topics and key points of your grant proposal. It must set the tone for the main body of the proposal while providing enough information to stand alone if necessary.

Refer to How to Write an Executive Summary for a Grant Proposal for detailed guidance like:

• Give a clear and concise account of your identity, funding needs, and project roadmap.
• Write in an instructive manner aiming for an objective and persuasive tone
• Be convincing and pragmatic about your research team's ability.
• Follow the logical flow of main points in your proposal.
• Use subheadings and bulleted lists for clarity.
• Write the executive summary at the end of the proposal process.
• Reference detailed information explained in the proposal body.
• Address the funder directly.
• Provide excessive details about your project's accomplishments or management plans.
• Write in the first person.
• Disclose confidential information that could be accessed by competitors.
• Focus excessively on problems rather than proposed solutions.
• Deviate from the logical flow of the main proposal.
• Forget to align with evaluation criteria if specified

Project narrative

After the executive summary is the project narrative . This is the main body of your grant proposal and encompasses several distinct elements that work together to tell the story of your project and justify the need for funding. 

Include these primary components:

Introduction of the project team

Briefly outline the names, positions, and credentials of the project’s directors, key personnel, contributors, and advisors in a format that clearly defines their roles and responsibilities. Showing your team’s capacity and ability to meet all deliverables builds confidence and trust with the reviewers.

Needs assessment or problem statement

A compelling needs assessment (or problem statement) clearly articulates a problem that must be urgently addressed. It also offers a well-defined project idea as a possible solution. This statement emphasizes the pressing situation and highlights existing gaps and their consequences to illustrate how your project will make a difference.

To begin, ask yourself these questions:

• What urgent need are we focusing on with this project?
• Which unique solution does our project offer to this urgent need? 
• How will this project positively impact the world once completed?

Here are some helpful examples and templates.

Goals and objectives

Goals are broad statements that are fairly abstract and intangible. Objectives are more narrow statements that are concrete and measurable. For example :

• Goal : “To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.”
• Objective : “To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.”

Focus on outcomes, not processes, when crafting goals and objectives. Use the SMART acronym to align them with the proposal's mission while emphasizing their impact on the target audience.

Methods and strategies

It is vitally important to explain how you intend to use the grant funds to fulfill the project’s objectives. Detail the resources and activities that will be employed. Methods and strategies are the bridge between idea and action. They must prove to reviewers the plausibility of your project and the significance of their possible funding.

Here are some useful guidelines for writing your methods section that are outlined in " Winning Grants: Step by Step ."

• Firmly tie your methods to the proposed project's objectives and needs assessment.
• Clearly link them to the resources you are requesting in the proposal budget.
• Thoroughly explain why you chose these methods by including research, expert opinion, and your experience.
• Precisely list the facilities and capital equipment that you will use in the project.
• Carefully structure activities so that the program moves toward the desired results in a time-bound manner.

A comprehensive evaluation plan underscores the effectiveness and accountability of a project for both the funders and your team. An evaluation is used for tracking progress and success. The evaluation process shows how to determine the success of your project and measure the impact of the grant award by systematically gauging and analyzing each phase of your project as it compares to the set objectives.

Evaluations typically fall into two standard categories:

1. Formative evaluation : extending from project development through implementation, continuously provides feedback for necessary adjustments and improvements. 

2. Summative evaluation : conducted post-project completion, critically assesses overall success and impact by compiling information on activities and outcomes.

Creating a conceptual model of your project is helpful when identifying these key evaluation points. Then, you must consider exactly who will do the evaluations, what specific skills and resources they need, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.

Sustainability

Presenting a solid plan that illustrates exactly how your project will continue to thrive after the grant money is gone builds the funder's confidence in the project’s longevity and significance. In this sustainability section, it is vital to demonstrate a diversified funding strategy for securing the long-term viability of your program.

There are three possible long term outcomes for projects with correlated sustainability options:

• Short term projects: Though only implemented once, will have ongoing maintenance costs, such as monitoring, training, and updates.

(E.g., digitizing records, cleaning up after an oil spill)

• Projects that will generate income at some point in the future: must be funded until your product or service can cover operating costs with an alternative plan in place for deficits.

(E.g., medical device, technology, farming method)

• Ongoing projects: will eventually need a continuous stream of funding from a government entity or large organization.

(E.g., space exploration, hurricane tracking)

Along with strategies for funding your program beyond the initial grant,  reference your access to institutional infrastructure and resources that will reduce costs.

Also, submit multi-year budgets that reflect how sustainability factors are integrated into the project’s design.

The budget section of your grant proposal, comprising both a spreadsheet and a narrative, is the most influential component. It should be able to stand independently as a suitable representation of the entire endeavor. Providing a detailed plan to outline how grant funds will be utilized is crucial for illustrating cost-effectiveness and careful consideration of project expenses. 

A comprehensive grant budget offers numerous benefits to both the grantor , or entity funding the grant, and the grantee , those receiving the funding, such as:

• Grantor : The budget facilitates objective evaluation and comparison between multiple proposals by conveying a project's story through responsible fund management and financial transparency.
• Grantee : The budget serves as a tracking tool for monitoring and adjusting expenses throughout the project and cultivates trust with funders by answering questions before they arise.

Because the grant proposal budget is all-encompassing and integral to your efforts for securing funding, it can seem overwhelming. Start by listing all anticipated expenditures within two broad categories, direct and indirect expenses , where:

• Direct : are essential for successful project implementation, are measurable project-associated costs, such as salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, and external consultants, and are itemized and detailed in various categories within the grant budget.
• Indirect : includes administrative costs not directly or exclusively tied to your project, but necessary for its completion, like rent, utilities, and insurance, think about lab or meeting spaces that are shared by multiple project teams, or Directors who oversee several ongoing projects.

After compiling your list, review sample budgets to understand the typical layout and complexity. Focus closely on the budget narratives , where you have the opportunity to justify each aspect of the spreadsheet to ensure clarity and validity.

While not always needed, the appendices consist of relevant supplementary materials that are clearly referenced within your grant application. These might include: 

• Updated resumes that emphasize staff members' current positions and accomplishments. 
• Letters of support from people or organizations that have authority in the field of your research, or community members that may benefit from the project.
• Visual aids like charts, graphs, and maps that contribute directly to your project’s story and are referred to previously in the application. 

Finalizing your grant application

Now that your grant application is finished, make sure it's not just another document in the stack Aim for a grant proposal that captivates the evaluator. It should stand out not only for presenting an excellent project, but for being engaging and easily comprehended . 

Keep the language simple. Avoid jargon. Prioritizing accuracy and conciseness. Opt for reader-friendly formatting with white space, headings, standard fonts, and illustrations to enhance readability.

Always take time for thorough proofreading and editing. You can even set your proposal aside for a few days before revisiting it for additional edits and improvements. At this stage, it is helpful to seek outside feedback from those familiar with the subject matter as well as novices to catch unnoticed mistakes and improve clarity.

If you want to be absolutely sure your grant proposal is polished, consider getting it edited by AJE .

How can AI help the grant process?

When used efficiently, AI is a powerful tool for streamlining and enhancing various aspects of the grant process.

• Use AI algorithms to review related studies and identify knowledge gaps.
• Employ AI for quick analysis of complex datasets to identify patterns and trends.
• Leverage AI algorithms to match your project with relevant grant opportunities.
• Apply Natural Language Processing for analyzing grant guidelines and tailoring proposals accordingly.
• Utilize AI-powered tools for efficient project planning and execution.
• Employ AI for tracking project progress and generating reports.
• Take advantage of AI tools for improving the clarity, coherence, and quality of your proposal.
• Rely solely on manual efforts that are less comprehensive and more time consuming.
• Overlook the fact that AI is designed to find patterns and trends within large datasets.
• Minimize AI’s ability to use set parameters for sifting through vast amounts of data quickly.
• Forget that the strength of AI lies in its capacity to follow your prompts without divergence.
• Neglect tools that assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
• Settle for software that is not intuitive with automated reminders and updates.
• Hesitate to use AI tools for improving grammar, spelling, and composition throughout the writing process.

Remember that AI provides a diverse array of tools; there is no universal solution. Identify the most suitable tool for your specific task. Also, like a screwdriver or a hammer, AI needs informed human direction and control to work effectively.

Looking for tips when writing your grant application? 

Check out these resources:

• 4 Tips for Writing a Persuasive Grant Proposal
• Writing Effective Grant Applications
• 7 Tips for Writing an Effective Grant Proposal
• The best-kept secrets to winning grants
• The Best Grant Writing Books for Beginner Grant Writers
• Research Grant Proposal Funding: How I got $1 Million

Final thoughts

The bottom line – applying for grants is challenging. It requires passion, dedication, and a set of diverse skills rarely found within one human being.

Therefore, collaboration is key to a successful grant process . It encourages everyone’s strengths to shine. Be honest and ask yourself, “Which elements of this grant application do I really need help with?” Seek out experts in those areas.

Keep this guide on hand to reference as you work your way through this funding journey. Use the resources contained within. Seek out answers to all the questions that will inevitably arise throughout the process.

The grants are out there just waiting for the right project to present itself – one that shares the funder’s mission and is a benefit to our communities. Find grants that align with your project goals, tell your story through a compelling proposal, and get ready to make the world a better place with your research.

The AJE Team

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Start » strategy, how to write a grant application for your organization.

Writing a strong grant application can help your organization receive the funding it needs to fulfill its mission. These tips will help you get started.

For many organizations, grant writing is the most important component of their entire fundraising strategy. In fact, a single grant application can make or break your organization, so if you’re trying to secure funding for your nonprofit, community organization or research group, it’s important to learn how to write a strong, successful proposal. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

[ Read more: 22 Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business ]

What to consider before writing a grant application

The best grant proposals are clear, organized documents that illustrate why your organization should receive funds from the grantor. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan in advance and get some things in order. Here are three things to know or accomplish before you start writing your proposal:

• Your audience. First and foremost, get to know the institution that is offering the grant. Consider its goals, values and objectives. Understanding these elements will later help you demonstrate how and why your organization is a good fit.
• The minimum requirements. Research the eligibility expectations for each specific grantor and make sure you meet the minimum requirements. If you find that your organization does not meet these requirements, contact the grantor directly to discuss your options.
• Your organization’s credibility. Compile a list of testimonials, recommendations, data sets and success stories to include with your application. Every grantor is different, but they all want to know their money is being used wisely.

Elements of a grant proposal

Grant applications are organized in specific sections that help the reviewer parse through information quickly and find potential grantees. Here are the main elements to include in a grant proposal:

• Cover letter. Some, but not all, granting organizations ask that you include a cover letter to introduce yourself. This section should establish why you are seeking the available grant, describe your organization or project and illustrate your professionalism.
• Executive summary. Also known as an abstract or overview, the executive summary should state the most important information from the entire proposal. This section should be concise, yet fully describe your goals, what steps you will take, why you need funding and how you will measure progress. It is often best practice to write this section last.
• Needs assessment. The needs assessment, also known as the statement of need, problem statement or literature overview, defines the lack in resources, information or opportunities that you are trying to solve. Include as much data and research as possible and show how your organization is the key link between the problem and the solution.
• Project description. Also known as the project narrative, this section states how you will address the problems described in the needs assessment. The description should include your goals , your projected timeline, how you will measure progress and how you will recognize success. Focus on the impact your work will have on the given issue.
• Budget. This section should clarify why you are asking for funding. State how each dollar will be spent, and illustrate how the cost of labor, materials or equipment is required to fulfill your mission.
• Supplemental documentation. Finally, you may need to provide an appendix with all the supporting materials you’ve included in your application. This may include additional data, business records, employment information, letters of reference, organizational qualifications and so on.

[ Read more: How to Get a Grant to Start a Business ]

It’s important to remember that there are so many factors beyond a nonprofit’s control that influence decision-making...

Arianna Maysonave, Director of Development at Herbicide-Free Campus

4 tips for writing a grant application

• Stick to your mission. It’s not uncommon for inexperienced grant writers to stretch their application too far and create a weak proposal. “Write grants based on your mission,” said Lauren Balkan, Deputy Director of Wellspring Center for Prevention . “Stay true to your mission and then be creative with how to meet that mission within the scope of the grant funding.”
• Build your network. Even if you’re not actively writing a grant application, start meeting with grantors to build a professional relationship. Networking will help you better understand the mission, values and objectives of specific granting organizations, which will give you a head start when you are ready to prepare a proposal. “Relationship building is the number one key to success in securing a grant,” said Arianna Maysonave, Director of Development at Herbicide-Free Campus . “Identify the interest of the grantor long before their grant deadline, and begin connecting with relevant partners months or even years before you expect to receive a grant.”
• Expect to receive rejection letters. Learning how to craft solid grant applications takes time and experience. If your organization doesn’t earn a grant, use it as a learning opportunity. “It’s important to remember that there are so many factors beyond a nonprofit’s control that influence decision-making,” said Maysonave. “Do your best and don’t be afraid to follow up and ask why you weren’t chosen.”
• Learn from your community. Finally, learn from other organizations within your community or industry to better understand what funders are looking for. “Connect to many community groups where organizations come together,” Balkan said. “Workgroups or committees usually provide information about possible funding opportunities, [so] pay attention when similar organizations are talking about their funding and where they get it.”

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Grant Writing 101: What is it & how do you get started?

Have you been thrown into the deep end working at a nonprofit organization and tasked to apply for grant funding for the first time? Maybe you've heard about the field, catching the buzz from a friend starting a grant writing side hustle . Or you've seen how others have pivoted their careers to launch grant writing consultant businesses.

However you found grant writing, we're glad you're here!

Grant writers are perceived to have superpowers—they know how to get free money!

Well, it's not quite that easy. There is no such thing as free money, and grant writing is a lot of hard work.

However, it is very learnable and an incredible skill set to have in your quiver. Even newcomers succeed with the right guidance and training under their belt.

This crash course in grant writing will cover everything you need to know to start approaching grant writing like a boss!

Grant Writing Essentials: Definitions & FAQs

• Grant Writing vs. Nonprofit Fundraising

The Grant Writing Process for Beginners

Understanding the grant fundraising landscape, why grant writing is such a valuable skill.

Curious about how to get into grant writing without prior experience? Check out this video to learn more.

Let’s start with the essentials: a few grant writing definitions and frequently asked questions.

What is grant writing?

Grant writing is the process of crafting a written proposal to receive grant funding from a grant making institution in order to fund a program or project.

Grant writing involves laying out your case for why the grant will do the most good for you (or your project or organization). A stellar grant proposal will clearly show the funder that your plan is the best possible choice for accomplishing your shared goals.

Think of grant writing like making a pitch to investors or lenders but to receive funding that you won’t need to pay back.

That begs the question…

What are grants?

A grant is a financial award to support a person, organization, project, or program. It is intended to achieve a specific goal or purpose. Nonprofits can use grants to complete projects, run programs, provide services, or continue running a smooth operation.

Great, now where is all of this money coming from?

Who provides grant funding?

Typically, grants are awarded to organizations from grant making institutions (also called grantors ). These include foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

Grantors provide grants to help further their goals in their communities (or around the country or world) and to support other organizations that do on-the-ground work. These goals are typically philanthropic or social in nature, but grants might also be offered for educational, scientific, or any other purpose.

Grants usually come with very specific guidelines for what the money can and can’t be used for, as well as rules for how the “winner” of the grant (or the grantee ) will report on its progress. When a grant has specific guidelines, we call these funds restricted . Restricted funding means they can only be used for the purposes laid out in the proposal and specified by the funder.

So, can anybody and everybody get grant money?

Who is eligible for grant funding?

Many different types of organizations are eligible to write proposals and apply for grant funding. Most notably, 501(c) nonprofit organizations that have IRS Letters of Determination (basically any type of legit nonprofit).

More specifically, these types of organizations are eligible for grants through grant writing:

• Nonprofits/public charities with IRS-recognized status
• Unincorporated community groups with fiscal sponsors
• Tribal organizations (and sometimes housing authorities)
• Faith-based organizations (which sometimes must provide direct social services depending on the grantor’s guidelines)
• Local governments

Exciting, right? Grants can do a lot of good for organizations of all sizes. But who’s doing the work?

Who does the actual grant writing and drafts the proposal?

All different kinds of folks! Each organization finds their sweet spot for getting the work done. Grant proposals can be written by:

• Employees of eligible organizations
• Volunteers lending their time
• Freelance grant writers providing a contract-based service
• Grant writing consultants who provide organizations with ongoing help through retainer contracts

Successful grant writing leads to positive impacts on real people and real communities. Grant writers put in the elbow grease because they care about charitable organizations and their missions. They want to see their communities thrive.

Is Grant Writing A Good Career For You?

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How do you learn grant writing?

Grant writing is a set of specific skills and processes, so it can be taught and learned like any other subject.

There are a few different avenues you can explore to level up your grant writing skills.

• DIY Method: You can binge-watch YouTube content to pick up the bits and pieces of grant writing. This is certainly a cost-effective method! However, factoring in the stress of reinventing the wheel while riding the struggle bus of going it alone, you’re spending more time (and $$) in the long run to learn grant writing skills.
• Higher-Ed Programs: Several universities offer certifications in nonprofit management, but most do not focus solely on grant writing. For a semester or two, the curriculum will teach you the ins and outs of nonprofit organizations, which includes grant writing. These courses include a university certificate for formal education. The downside, however, is that university programs fall short of helping students bridge the gap between learning the material and actually applying it—in other words, getting paid tp use your newly acquired knowledge in the field.
• Online Courses: There’s a wide variety of online courses to help you learn how to become a grant writer. Online education is flexible for those who are looking to add grant writing as a new skill set on top of a full-time schedule (life, work, etc.) or level up their skills. Yes, even if you’re an in-house grant writer working with a nonprofit organization, professional training is applicable. You can check out a roundup of the best grant writing classes here.

Curious about how to break into grant writing without prior experience and with no added debt? The Global Grant Writers Collective is the only program of its kind to show you how to be a world-class grant writer while also building a flexible, fulfilling life you love.

Grant Writing vs. Non Profit Funding

We’ve covered all the basics, but there’s a bit more important context to understand as you launch your grant writing journey.

You know that grants provide funding to organizations to do good work in their communities, but how does this relate to the bigger concept of fundraising?

TL;DR — Grant Writing vs. Fundraising

Fundraising is how you raise money for your organization. Grant writing is one type of fundraising activity. Grant writing includes asking foundations or government entities for support while other fundraising activities usually target individual donors.

What is nonprofit fundraising?

Fundraising is generally defined as the process of soliciting financial support for a cause or project.

Central to the idea of fundraising is the collection of cash donations (although all kinds of assets can be donated). Donations can be collected immediately or over months or years, as is the case for long-term pledges of large donations to capital campaigns.

Fundraising is an essential way for most nonprofits to bring in revenue for their missions. Monies raised through general fundraising activities are often referred to as unrestricted funds and can be used for any expenses, such as staff salaries or rent. Donors can also require that their money be used in a specific (or restricted) way.

Who fundraises, and what do you need to do it?

Nonprofits are the most common group to fundraise. However, other groups like those adorable Girl Scouts selling their highly addictive cookies (our greatest weakness 😋) and people raising funds for mission trips are eligible for fundraising, too.

The only thing you technically need to fundraise is trust from your donors. But when you represent an organization, establishing trust means getting official with a 501(c)(3) designation and publishing an annual report.

Remember that fundraising isn’t so much about asking for money as it is about inviting others who have a passion for what you do to join you in your mission. Once you find them, you can do that work together—the beauty of fundraising!

How is grant writing different from fundraising?

As you can already tell, fundraising has a much broader definition than grant writing.

Fundraising can take many forms, and grant writing falls under that umbrella.

Fundraising usually refers to generating cash donations by:

• Building relationships with individual donors
• Holding fundraising events
• Making public appeals for donations and marketing your organization to the community

When you submit a proposal for a grant, it’s a one-on-one targeted pitch to a funder. You understand their past giving history. You’ve vetted them for mission alignment, and your project meets their goals for impact. The relationship between you and the funder is more formalized (though there is room for personal relationships over time).

With fundraising through individual donors, not through a grant, your approach is less formal. You likely don’t need a lengthy proposal, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a plan. To fundraise from individual donors, you may be soliciting funds from individuals whose circumstances and philanthropic interests are largely unknown to you. Your approach can usually be applied to a wider audience, whereas grant writing targets one organization with specific guidelines.

In either case, relationship-building and strategies like prospect research are very important for nonprofits.

Then what do grant writing and fundraising have in common? In both cases, you need to do research, pursue leads, prepare talking points, evaluate opportunities, and cultivate relationships. The essence of both practices is the same. What is different is the target and approach.

With all the context out of the way, let’s get to the meat and potatoes. How do you actually write a grant proposal? What are the key steps to follow?

Here it is: our signature 7-step process for writing a winning grant. We’ll summarize the key points to understand for each step, but please check out our longer grant writing process explainer for a deep dive into the nitty gritty.

• Follow your North Star (the funding guidelines). A funder will provide guidelines for their grant that all applicants need to follow to be considered. Think of these as instructions. Guidelines can vary a lot from one grant to another, so it’s important to never take them for granted (see what we did there?). Download, print, read, and reread the guidelines.
• Prepare your narrative skeleton. Every grant should tell a story, but sitting down to write a prizewinning story on a blank page is a lot easier said than done. Give yourself an easier start by outlining your proposal based on the funding guidelines themselves. These are the questions you’ll have to answer, so bake them into your story from the very start. Simple bullet points will do here—no need to lock down full sentences just yet.
• Host a kick-off meeting. Gather everyone involved in the project to get on the same page. These are all the people who’ll provide you with the information you need for the grant as well as those who’ll be involved in running the project that it funds. Remember, everyone loves an organized meeting—send an agenda and your narrative skeleton in advance, then a summary of action items after, plus an invite to a progress check-in meeting.
• Finalize your grant budget. Next, you need to know how much the project you’re proposing will cost to complete—this budget will impact all other parts of your application. For example, funders often ask for a “budget narrative” that explains how you determined your final numbers. Some grants are structured to provide a percentage of your total costs rather than a flat sum. Grab a copy of our free grant budget template when you’re ready!
• Write your narrative fast and furiously. With your budget in hand, now’s the time to start putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys). Review your grant guidelines again, and start filling in your narrative skeleton with the details it needs to paint a compelling picture. We could go on and on with all the tips and hacks we’ve learned—check them out in Step 5 of our grant writing process guide.
• Prep your key attachments. Funders usually want more than just your perfectly written document. They often ask for additional attachments like separate budget documents, a resolution, and letters of support. Some attachments, like resolutions, can take a long time to get finalized, which is why understanding your guidelines early is so important so that you can get the ball rolling quickly.
• Review and submit your grant! Phew—you made it! But you’re not done yet. Reviewing and double-checking your proposal is a must, and it should be done by an independent reviewer who hasn’t been knee-deep in the process like you. Collect and discuss their feedback, make changes, review one last time, and then hit submit (ideally a day or two before the deadline). After the adrenaline wears off, take the afternoon off.

There’s no magic formula for writing a winning grant—your proposal should always be tailored to that unique grant and funder—but there are best practices and principles that give you a reliable roadmap to follow each time. Our 7-step grant writing process condenses a ton of them into one digestible process, but for an even closer look, join our free grant writing class!

Free Grant Writing Trainings

These how-to videos offer a smattering of webinar replays from our online grant writing training and feature topics such as working remotely, project management, fundraising, and how to utilize the Freedom of Information Act for federal funding.

Essential Grant Writing Tips for Newcomers

Once you’ve mastered the steps above, you’re probably wondering how to actually put rubber to the road and get started. Here are our top 5 recommendations:

• Find a real project to work on! Try identifying a real grant opportunity and approaching a nonprofit in your community. Or if that idea terrifies you—we get it—you can start slower with sample projects and training courses.
• Commit to excellence in project management. Grant writing is complicated, no way around it. Familiarize yourself with project management best practices and you can stay organized and energized.
• Fake it until you make it. Imposter syndrome is very real, and even experienced grant writers deal with it. But don’t let it hold you back. When you invest in your grant writing skills and get real-world practice, you have something worth sharing. Build some momentum and see how far you can go!
• Have a process mindset. When you pull the mask off the big hairy grant writing monster, you’ll find it’s really just a big stack of steps and processes—learnable steps and processes. Master these, and you’ll have a reliable framework for success.
• Don’t be stubborn (said with love). Trying to go it alone when learning grant writing leads to more mistakes and wasted time and money. Grant writing is a craft, after all, and there’s a lot to be gained from connecting with fellow grant writers.

P.S. Want more grant writing videos like this one? There’s more where that came from.

Check out our YouTube channel and give us a follow!

If you’re new to grant writing (or even considering turning it into a side hustle), it’s important to understand the big picture. Why do grants matter?

Grants make up a considerable chunk of nonprofits’ operating revenue.

According to Nonprofit Impact Matters , the nonprofit sector generates roughly 31.8% of its revenue from government sources (including both grants and paid contracts) and 2.9% from foundations in the form of grants.

It’s generally recommended that grant funding should provide 10-20% of a nonprofit’s total annual budget.

Funding from foundations is growing.

Total giving from foundations reached $105.21 billion in 2022, a 2.5% increase from the year before, and it’s part of a continued upward trend. Put another way, foundations provided 21% of total giving to nonprofits , or $1 of every $5 given to charity.

This is one of only a few areas that saw growth when adjusted for inflation. Family foundations (founded by families as a way to better manage their philanthropic activities) and corporate foundations have led the charge.

Grants are an important part of a safe revenue mix.

Nonprofits need to have diversified revenue streams so that they can rely on other ways to generate money when one shrinks or dries up.

Grants are an essential part of this equation, especially as a turbulent economy causes individual donors to rein in their spending. Case in point—the 2023 Giving USA Report found that giving from individuals declined 6.4% in 2022 (or 13.4%, when adjusted for inflation), a finding that sent shockwaves through the nonprofit world.

But when a nonprofit has a sturdy fundraising program, grant writing process, and an active grant opportunity pipeline, it becomes much easier to weather the storms and keep on doing the good work their communities need.

This leads us to a logical conclusion (which you might have already caught onto)...

Grant writing is an incredibly valuable skill because:

• It’s always in demand.
• It helps nonprofits secure the diverse funding they need to thrive.
• It drives on-the-ground good by funding projects and programs.

Competition for grants will only get tougher as giving from foundations grows and donor habits keep changing in the coming years.

The right unicorn of a grant writer can make a world of difference for nonprofit missions of all sizes and build the fulfilling career they want: a win-win!

Study up on grant writing best practices. Stretch your grant writing muscles by taking a free class or investing in more lessons, coaching, and community (like through the Global Grant Writers Collective ).

Whether you’re looking to win more funding for your nonprofit or break out into a new freelance field, anyone can succeed with grant writing with the right preparation and practice.

Want to learn more? We know you do. We recommend these additional resources:

• Can I Make Money as a Grant Writer?
• Three Possible Career Paths Through Grant Writing Training
• Why Start a Side Hustle Grant Writing?
• Grant Writing for Nonprofits: Our Top 10 Tips
• Tips for Writing Your First Draft of a Grant Narrative
• Top Mistakes Grant Applicants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
• A Review of the Top 10 Grant Databases

Free Grant Writing Class

Learn the 7-steps to write a winning grant application and amplify the impact you have on your community.

About the author...

Alexis Swenson serves as Unicorn Coach and Content Director for Learn Grant Writing. The product of small-town northwestern Minnesota, she is a self-declared “old soul” and grounded free spirit. She has secured over $2.7 million in grant funding in her career. Alexis writes to help people learn, laugh, and not be so hard on themselves.

Want To Learn More?

We made this video to answer your questions about how to build a career in grant writing without the fear of where you will find clients or the fear of failure. We cover the top three mistakes that keep people from making the leap from a soul-sucking job to something more meaningful.

Watch Video

Customized Training For You

Listen to the audiobook, take free grant writing class, free grant writing resources, take our career fit quiz, take our business diagnostic audit quiz.

 The Ultimate Guide to Successful Grant Applications

• April 29, 2023

 The Ultimate Guide to Successful Grant Applications: 10 Expert Tips, Tricks, and Practical Examples.

The process of applying for a gran t can be both challenging and competitive. To increase your chances of success, you must stand out from the crowd and submit an application that speaks to the funder’s needs and interests.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with 10 expert tips for creating successful grant applications , complete with practical examples and high-ranking keywords to make your application shine.

By following  The Ultimate Guide to Successful Grant Applications proven strategies, you’ll be well on your way to securing the funding you need for your project.

Research and Identify the Right Grant Opportunities

Before you begin the grant application process, it’s crucial to research and identify the grant opportunities that are best suited for your project or organization.

To find the right grant opportunities, you can:

• Search online grant databases such as Grants.gov or Foundation Directory Online
• Investigate government websites for federal, state, and local grants
• Network with professionals in your field who have experience with grant applications

Practical Example:

Let’s say you run a non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation. You should search for grants specifically targeting environmental projects, as these grants will have the most relevance to your organization’s mission and goals.

Read the Grant Guidelines Thoroughly

It’s essential to read the grant guidelines carefully and understand what the funder is looking for in a successful application.

Pay close attention to:

• Eligibility requirements
• Application deadlines
• Required documentation
• Evaluation criteria
• Reporting requirements

The XYZ Foundation has a grant opportunity for environmental conservation projects. You’ll want to read through the guidelines to ensure your organization meets the eligibility requirements and can provide the necessary documentation. This will help you avoid wasting time on an application that may not be considered.

Develop a Compelling Project Idea

A compelling project idea is the foundation of a successful grant application.

Your project should:

• Address a pressing problem or need
• Offer a unique and innovative solution
• Align with the funder’s priorities and goals
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact

Your environmental conservation organization might propose a project to restore a local wetland habitat. You’ll want to emphasize the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and how your project will lead to measurable improvements in water quality and habitat restoration.

Create a Well-Structured Grant Application

A well-structured grant application makes it easy for the reviewer to understand your project and see its potential for success. Ensure your application includes:

• A clear and concise project title
• An engaging executive summary
• Detailed project goals and objectives
• A project timeline and milestones
• A comprehensive budget and financial plan

When writing your grant application, use headings and subheadings to clearly organize your content. For example, you could have sections for “Project Overview,” “Goals and Objectives,” “Methodology,” “Evaluation and Outcomes,” and “Budget.”

Write Persuasively and Clearly

Your grant application should be persuasive and clearly convey the importance of your project. Use strong, convincing language to demonstrate the project’s potential impact and its alignment with the funder’s goals. Additionally, make sure your application is free of jargon and is easy to understand.

Instead of saying, “We will restore the wetland habitat,” say, “Our project will revitalize the wetland habitat, providing a vital sanctuary for endangered species, improving water quality, and fostering community engagement.”

Show Your Track Record and Expertise

Demonstrate your organization’s capacity to carry out the project successfully by highlighting your track record and expertise in the field.

Show that your organization has:

• A history of successful projects or programs
• Qualified staff and volunteers
• Strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders
• A solid financial history and stability

In your grant application, you could include a section on “Organizational Capacity,” where you discuss previous projects your environmental conservation organization has completed, the expertise of your team members, and partnerships with local government agencies or other non-profits.

Develop a Comprehensive and Realistic Budget

A well-developed budget is essential for a successful grant application. Your budget should be:

• Comprehensive, including all project costs
• Realistic, based on accurate cost estimates
• Clearly categorized and itemized
• Aligned with the funder’s guidelines and requirements

Your wetland restoration project budget might include costs for land acquisition, permits, equipment rental, contractor fees, staff salaries, and supplies. Be sure to research and accurately estimate each cost to ensure your budget is realistic and comprehensive.

Include a Strong Evaluation Plan

project evaluation

An evaluation plan demonstrates your commitment to measuring the success of your project and shows the funder that their investment will have a measurable impact. Your evaluation plan should:

• Detail how you will measure project outcomes and impact
• Include both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods
• Address any potential challenges or limitations in the evaluation process

For your wetland restoration project, you might measure the success of the project by tracking improvements in water quality, increases in biodiversity, and community engagement in conservation efforts. You could use a combination of field measurements, surveys, and interviews to gather this data.

Proofread and Edit Your Application

A polished and professional grant application is essential for making a strong impression on the funder. Before submitting your application:

• Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
• Edit for clarity and conciseness
• Ensure your application meets the funder’s formatting requirements
• Have a colleague or professional editor review your application for an objective perspective

After completing your grant application, set it aside for a day or two. Then, return to it with fresh eyes and proofread for errors and areas that need improvement. You might also consider using a professional editing service to ensure your application is polished and error-free.

Follow Up and Build Relationships with Funders

Building relationships with funders can increase your chances of success in future grant applications. After submitting your application:

• Send a thank you email or letter to the funder for their consideration
• If awarded the grant, maintain regular communication with the funder, providing updates on the project’s progress
• If not awarded the grant, request feedback on your application and apply the lessons learned to future applications

If your environmental conservation organization receives a grant from the XYZ Foundation, make sure to send progress reports and updates on the wetland restoration project. This will demonstrate your organization’s accountability and commitment to the project, fostering a strong relationship with the funder.

In conclusion:

By following  The Ultimate Guide to Successful Grant Applications, 10 expert tips for successful grant applications, you’ll be well-equipped to create a strong, compelling application that stands out to funders. Remember to research and identify the right grant opportunities, develop a compelling project idea, and craft a well-structured, persuasive application. With dedication, persistence, and attention to detail, your organization can secure the funding it needs to make a lasting impact.

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Grant Writing Tips

Obtaining and maintaining funding is critical in sustaining a research career. Whether your funding comes from a foundation or philanthropy, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), or another government agency, the tips within this section can support you. This resource provides strategies and tools to help you effectively navigate the process of  prewriting ,  writing , and  rewriting  your grant application to maximize your chances of success.

Set a Foundation 

Diversify your Portfolio

Choose a Topic 

Make Connections

Establish Deadlines

Create & Compile Credentials 

Understand the Grant Scoring Process

Are You Ready?

Know Your Audience

Provide a Cover Letter

Make an Impact

Write Your Specific Aims Page

Use Style Tips

Format Your Grant

Pre-Review Your Grant Application

Understand Proposal Flaws

Craft Your Response 

Respond to a Summary Statement

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Learn how to write winning grant applications with FREE online courses, videos, and certificate programs from experts in nonprofit grant writing.

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Learn best practices to help you find the right grant, avoid common mistakes in writing grant proposals, and more.

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• CAREER FEATURE
• 20 December 2019

Secrets to writing a winning grant

• Emily Sohn 0

Emily Sohn is a freelance journalist in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

When Kylie Ball begins a grant-writing workshop, she often alludes to the funding successes and failures that she has experienced in her career. “I say, ‘I’ve attracted more than $25 million in grant funding and have had more than 60 competitive grants funded. But I’ve also had probably twice as many rejected.’ A lot of early-career researchers often find those rejections really tough to take. But I actually think you learn so much from the rejected grants.”

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Grant Proposals (or Give me the money!)

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write and revise grant proposals for research funding in all academic disciplines (sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts). It’s targeted primarily to graduate students and faculty, although it will also be helpful to undergraduate students who are seeking funding for research (e.g. for a senior thesis).

The grant writing process

A grant proposal or application is a document or set of documents that is submitted to an organization with the explicit intent of securing funding for a research project. Grant writing varies widely across the disciplines, and research intended for epistemological purposes (philosophy or the arts) rests on very different assumptions than research intended for practical applications (medicine or social policy research). Nonetheless, this handout attempts to provide a general introduction to grant writing across the disciplines.

Before you begin writing your proposal, you need to know what kind of research you will be doing and why. You may have a topic or experiment in mind, but taking the time to define what your ultimate purpose is can be essential to convincing others to fund that project. Although some scholars in the humanities and arts may not have thought about their projects in terms of research design, hypotheses, research questions, or results, reviewers and funding agencies expect you to frame your project in these terms. You may also find that thinking about your project in these terms reveals new aspects of it to you.

Writing successful grant applications is a long process that begins with an idea. Although many people think of grant writing as a linear process (from idea to proposal to award), it is a circular process. Many people start by defining their research question or questions. What knowledge or information will be gained as a direct result of your project? Why is undertaking your research important in a broader sense? You will need to explicitly communicate this purpose to the committee reviewing your application. This is easier when you know what you plan to achieve before you begin the writing process.

Diagram 1 below provides an overview of the grant writing process and may help you plan your proposal development.

Applicants must write grant proposals, submit them, receive notice of acceptance or rejection, and then revise their proposals. Unsuccessful grant applicants must revise and resubmit their proposals during the next funding cycle. Successful grant applications and the resulting research lead to ideas for further research and new grant proposals.

Cultivating an ongoing, positive relationship with funding agencies may lead to additional grants down the road. Thus, make sure you file progress reports and final reports in a timely and professional manner. Although some successful grant applicants may fear that funding agencies will reject future proposals because they’ve already received “enough” funding, the truth is that money follows money. Individuals or projects awarded grants in the past are more competitive and thus more likely to receive funding in the future.

Some general tips

• Begin early.
• Apply early and often.
• Don’t forget to include a cover letter with your application.
• Answer all questions. (Pre-empt all unstated questions.)
• If rejected, revise your proposal and apply again.
• Give them what they want. Follow the application guidelines exactly.
• Be explicit and specific.
• Be realistic in designing the project.
• Make explicit the connections between your research questions and objectives, your objectives and methods, your methods and results, and your results and dissemination plan.
• Follow the application guidelines exactly. (We have repeated this tip because it is very, very important.)

Before you start writing

Identify your needs and focus.

First, identify your needs. Answering the following questions may help you:

• Are you undertaking preliminary or pilot research in order to develop a full-blown research agenda?
• Are you seeking funding for dissertation research? Pre-dissertation research? Postdoctoral research? Archival research? Experimental research? Fieldwork?
• Are you seeking a stipend so that you can write a dissertation or book? Polish a manuscript?
• Do you want a fellowship in residence at an institution that will offer some programmatic support or other resources to enhance your project?
• Do you want funding for a large research project that will last for several years and involve multiple staff members?

Next, think about the focus of your research/project. Answering the following questions may help you narrow it down:

• What is the topic? Why is this topic important?
• What are the research questions that you’re trying to answer? What relevance do your research questions have?
• What are your hypotheses?
• What are your research methods?
• Why is your research/project important? What is its significance?
• Do you plan on using quantitative methods? Qualitative methods? Both?
• Will you be undertaking experimental research? Clinical research?

Once you have identified your needs and focus, you can begin looking for prospective grants and funding agencies.

Finding prospective grants and funding agencies

Whether your proposal receives funding will rely in large part on whether your purpose and goals closely match the priorities of granting agencies. Locating possible grantors is a time consuming task, but in the long run it will yield the greatest benefits. Even if you have the most appealing research proposal in the world, if you don’t send it to the right institutions, then you’re unlikely to receive funding.

There are many sources of information about granting agencies and grant programs. Most universities and many schools within universities have Offices of Research, whose primary purpose is to support faculty and students in grant-seeking endeavors. These offices usually have libraries or resource centers to help people find prospective grants.

At UNC, the Research at Carolina office coordinates research support.

The Funding Information Portal offers a collection of databases and proposal development guidance.

The UNC School of Medicine and School of Public Health each have their own Office of Research.

Writing your proposal

The majority of grant programs recruit academic reviewers with knowledge of the disciplines and/or program areas of the grant. Thus, when writing your grant proposals, assume that you are addressing a colleague who is knowledgeable in the general area, but who does not necessarily know the details about your research questions.

Remember that most readers are lazy and will not respond well to a poorly organized, poorly written, or confusing proposal. Be sure to give readers what they want. Follow all the guidelines for the particular grant you are applying for. This may require you to reframe your project in a different light or language. Reframing your project to fit a specific grant’s requirements is a legitimate and necessary part of the process unless it will fundamentally change your project’s goals or outcomes.

Final decisions about which proposals are funded often come down to whether the proposal convinces the reviewer that the research project is well planned and feasible and whether the investigators are well qualified to execute it. Throughout the proposal, be as explicit as possible. Predict the questions that the reviewer may have and answer them. Przeworski and Salomon (1995) note that reviewers read with three questions in mind:

• What are we going to learn as a result of the proposed project that we do not know now? (goals, aims, and outcomes)
• Why is it worth knowing? (significance)
• How will we know that the conclusions are valid? (criteria for success) (2)

Be sure to answer these questions in your proposal. Keep in mind that reviewers may not read every word of your proposal. Your reviewer may only read the abstract, the sections on research design and methodology, the vitae, and the budget. Make these sections as clear and straightforward as possible.

The way you write your grant will tell the reviewers a lot about you (Reif-Lehrer 82). From reading your proposal, the reviewers will form an idea of who you are as a scholar, a researcher, and a person. They will decide whether you are creative, logical, analytical, up-to-date in the relevant literature of the field, and, most importantly, capable of executing the proposed project. Allow your discipline and its conventions to determine the general style of your writing, but allow your own voice and personality to come through. Be sure to clarify your project’s theoretical orientation.

Develop a general proposal and budget

Because most proposal writers seek funding from several different agencies or granting programs, it is a good idea to begin by developing a general grant proposal and budget. This general proposal is sometimes called a “white paper.” Your general proposal should explain your project to a general academic audience. Before you submit proposals to different grant programs, you will tailor a specific proposal to their guidelines and priorities.

Organizing your proposal

Although each funding agency will have its own (usually very specific) requirements, there are several elements of a proposal that are fairly standard, and they often come in the following order:

• Introduction (statement of the problem, purpose of research or goals, and significance of research)

Literature review

• Project narrative (methods, procedures, objectives, outcomes or deliverables, evaluation, and dissemination)
• Budget and budget justification

Format the proposal so that it is easy to read. Use headings to break the proposal up into sections. If it is long, include a table of contents with page numbers.

The title page usually includes a brief yet explicit title for the research project, the names of the principal investigator(s), the institutional affiliation of the applicants (the department and university), name and address of the granting agency, project dates, amount of funding requested, and signatures of university personnel authorizing the proposal (when necessary). Most funding agencies have specific requirements for the title page; make sure to follow them.

The abstract provides readers with their first impression of your project. To remind themselves of your proposal, readers may glance at your abstract when making their final recommendations, so it may also serve as their last impression of your project. The abstract should explain the key elements of your research project in the future tense. Most abstracts state: (1) the general purpose, (2) specific goals, (3) research design, (4) methods, and (5) significance (contribution and rationale). Be as explicit as possible in your abstract. Use statements such as, “The objective of this study is to …”

Introduction

The introduction should cover the key elements of your proposal, including a statement of the problem, the purpose of research, research goals or objectives, and significance of the research. The statement of problem should provide a background and rationale for the project and establish the need and relevance of the research. How is your project different from previous research on the same topic? Will you be using new methodologies or covering new theoretical territory? The research goals or objectives should identify the anticipated outcomes of the research and should match up to the needs identified in the statement of problem. List only the principle goal(s) or objective(s) of your research and save sub-objectives for the project narrative.

Many proposals require a literature review. Reviewers want to know whether you’ve done the necessary preliminary research to undertake your project. Literature reviews should be selective and critical, not exhaustive. Reviewers want to see your evaluation of pertinent works. For more information, see our handout on literature reviews .

Project narrative

The project narrative provides the meat of your proposal and may require several subsections. The project narrative should supply all the details of the project, including a detailed statement of problem, research objectives or goals, hypotheses, methods, procedures, outcomes or deliverables, and evaluation and dissemination of the research.

For the project narrative, pre-empt and/or answer all of the reviewers’ questions. Don’t leave them wondering about anything. For example, if you propose to conduct unstructured interviews with open-ended questions, be sure you’ve explained why this methodology is best suited to the specific research questions in your proposal. Or, if you’re using item response theory rather than classical test theory to verify the validity of your survey instrument, explain the advantages of this innovative methodology. Or, if you need to travel to Valdez, Alaska to access historical archives at the Valdez Museum, make it clear what documents you hope to find and why they are relevant to your historical novel on the ’98ers in the Alaskan Gold Rush.

Clearly and explicitly state the connections between your research objectives, research questions, hypotheses, methodologies, and outcomes. As the requirements for a strong project narrative vary widely by discipline, consult a discipline-specific guide to grant writing for some additional advice.

Explain staffing requirements in detail and make sure that staffing makes sense. Be very explicit about the skill sets of the personnel already in place (you will probably include their Curriculum Vitae as part of the proposal). Explain the necessary skill sets and functions of personnel you will recruit. To minimize expenses, phase out personnel who are not relevant to later phases of a project.

The budget spells out project costs and usually consists of a spreadsheet or table with the budget detailed as line items and a budget narrative (also known as a budget justification) that explains the various expenses. Even when proposal guidelines do not specifically mention a narrative, be sure to include a one or two page explanation of the budget. To see a sample budget, turn to Example #1 at the end of this handout.

Consider including an exhaustive budget for your project, even if it exceeds the normal grant size of a particular funding organization. Simply make it clear that you are seeking additional funding from other sources. This technique will make it easier for you to combine awards down the road should you have the good fortune of receiving multiple grants.

Make sure that all budget items meet the funding agency’s requirements. For example, all U.S. government agencies have strict requirements for airline travel. Be sure the cost of the airline travel in your budget meets their requirements. If a line item falls outside an agency’s requirements (e.g. some organizations will not cover equipment purchases or other capital expenses), explain in the budget justification that other grant sources will pay for the item.

Many universities require that indirect costs (overhead) be added to grants that they administer. Check with the appropriate offices to find out what the standard (or required) rates are for overhead. Pass a draft budget by the university officer in charge of grant administration for assistance with indirect costs and costs not directly associated with research (e.g. facilities use charges).

Furthermore, make sure you factor in the estimated taxes applicable for your case. Depending on the categories of expenses and your particular circumstances (whether you are a foreign national, for example), estimated tax rates may differ. You can consult respective departmental staff or university services, as well as professional tax assistants. For information on taxes on scholarships and fellowships, see https://cashier.unc.edu/student-tax-information/scholarships-fellowships/ .

Explain the timeframe for the research project in some detail. When will you begin and complete each step? It may be helpful to reviewers if you present a visual version of your timeline. For less complicated research, a table summarizing the timeline for the project will help reviewers understand and evaluate the planning and feasibility. See Example #2 at the end of this handout.

For multi-year research proposals with numerous procedures and a large staff, a time line diagram can help clarify the feasibility and planning of the study. See Example #3 at the end of this handout.

Revising your proposal

Strong grant proposals take a long time to develop. Start the process early and leave time to get feedback from several readers on different drafts. Seek out a variety of readers, both specialists in your research area and non-specialist colleagues. You may also want to request assistance from knowledgeable readers on specific areas of your proposal. For example, you may want to schedule a meeting with a statistician to help revise your methodology section. Don’t hesitate to seek out specialized assistance from the relevant research offices on your campus. At UNC, the Odum Institute provides a variety of services to graduate students and faculty in the social sciences.

In your revision and editing, ask your readers to give careful consideration to whether you’ve made explicit the connections between your research objectives and methodology. Here are some example questions:

• Have you presented a compelling case?
• Have you made your hypotheses explicit?
• Does your project seem feasible? Is it overly ambitious? Does it have other weaknesses?
• Have you stated the means that grantors can use to evaluate the success of your project after you’ve executed it?

If a granting agency lists particular criteria used for rating and evaluating proposals, be sure to share these with your own reviewers.

Example #1. Sample Budget

Jet travel $6,100 This estimate is based on the commercial high season rate for jet economy travel on Sabena Belgian Airlines. No U.S. carriers fly to Kigali, Rwanda. Sabena has student fare tickets available which will be significantly less expensive (approximately $2,000).

Maintenance allowance $22,788 Based on the Fulbright-Hays Maintenance Allowances published in the grant application guide.

Research assistant/translator $4,800 The research assistant/translator will be a native (and primary) speaker of Kinya-rwanda with at least a four-year university degree. They will accompany the primary investigator during life history interviews to provide assistance in comprehension. In addition, they will provide commentary, explanations, and observations to facilitate the primary investigator’s participant observation. During the first phase of the project in Kigali, the research assistant will work forty hours a week and occasional overtime as needed. During phases two and three in rural Rwanda, the assistant will stay with the investigator overnight in the field when necessary. The salary of $400 per month is based on the average pay rate for individuals with similar qualifications working for international NGO’s in Rwanda.

Transportation within country, phase one $1,200 The primary investigator and research assistant will need regular transportation within Kigali by bus and taxi. The average taxi fare in Kigali is $6-8 and bus fare is $.15. This figure is based on an average of $10 per day in transportation costs during the first project phase.

Transportation within country, phases two and three $12,000 Project personnel will also require regular transportation between rural field sites. If it is not possible to remain overnight, daily trips will be necessary. The average rental rate for a 4×4 vehicle in Rwanda is $130 per day. This estimate is based on an average of $50 per day in transportation costs for the second and third project phases. These costs could be reduced if an arrangement could be made with either a government ministry or international aid agency for transportation assistance.

Email $720 The rate for email service from RwandaTel (the only service provider in Rwanda) is $60 per month. Email access is vital for receiving news reports on Rwanda and the region as well as for staying in contact with dissertation committee members and advisors in the United States.

Audiocassette tapes $400 Audiocassette tapes will be necessary for recording life history interviews, musical performances, community events, story telling, and other pertinent data.

Photographic & slide film $100 Photographic and slide film will be necessary to document visual data such as landscape, environment, marriages, funerals, community events, etc.

Laptop computer $2,895 A laptop computer will be necessary for recording observations, thoughts, and analysis during research project. Price listed is a special offer to UNC students through the Carolina Computing Initiative.

NUD*IST 4.0 software $373.00 NUD*IST, “Nonnumerical, Unstructured Data, Indexing, Searching, and Theorizing,” is necessary for cataloging, indexing, and managing field notes both during and following the field research phase. The program will assist in cataloging themes that emerge during the life history interviews.

Administrative fee $100 Fee set by Fulbright-Hays for the sponsoring institution.

Example #2: Project Timeline in Table Format

Example #3: project timeline in chart format.

Some closing advice

Some of us may feel ashamed or embarrassed about asking for money or promoting ourselves. Often, these feelings have more to do with our own insecurities than with problems in the tone or style of our writing. If you’re having trouble because of these types of hang-ups, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it never hurts to ask. If you never ask for the money, they’ll never give you the money. Besides, the worst thing they can do is say no.

UNC resources for proposal writing

Research at Carolina http://research.unc.edu

The Odum Institute for Research in the Social Sciences https://odum.unc.edu/

UNC Medical School Office of Research https://www.med.unc.edu/oor

UNC School of Public Health Office of Research http://www.sph.unc.edu/research/

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Holloway, Brian R. 2003. Proposal Writing Across the Disciplines. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Levine, S. Joseph. “Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal.” http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal/ .

Locke, Lawrence F., Waneen Wyrick Spirduso, and Stephen J. Silverman. 2014. Proposals That Work . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Przeworski, Adam, and Frank Salomon. 2012. “Some Candid Suggestions on the Art of Writing Proposals.” Social Science Research Council. https://s3.amazonaws.com/ssrc-cdn2/art-of-writing-proposals-dsd-e-56b50ef814f12.pdf .

Reif-Lehrer, Liane. 1989. Writing a Successful Grant Application . Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Wiggins, Beverly. 2002. “Funding and Proposal Writing for Social Science Faculty and Graduate Student Research.” Chapel Hill: Howard W. Odum Institute for Research in Social Science. 2 Feb. 2004. http://www2.irss.unc.edu/irss/shortcourses/wigginshandouts/granthandout.pdf.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to Write a Grant Application: Our Top 10 Tips for Success

Grant writing is no easy feat. Even for the most seasoned grants professional learning how to write a grant application , more importantly a successful grant application often takes time. Especially when you’re faced with a large application process that requires supporting documentation and evidence. Multiply this with the many funding opportunities at once and the whole process can seem overwhelming. You may be thinking, “why isn’t there some tips to help me along the way?”. Well, that’s where we come in. 

At The Grants Hub, our goal is to make finding grants easy. Before you abandon your next grant application, consider these handy tips on how to write a grant application. They’ll not only prepare you for what’s to be expected but will also help you craft a high-quality grant submission, capable of winning a great opportunity. 

1) Determine why you require funding

Before you write any grant application, decide what the grant will be applied to and used for. Determining the ‘why’ first up helps you look at the bigger picture, and this information will be even more useful during the application process. By finding out this element of your project or your idea, you’ll reveal its likelihood of success, and even determine if it’s something already being covered. It’s vital to establish a case for support. 

2) Ensure eligibility

It would be heartbreaking to start or submit an application only to realise after so much hard work that your organisation is ineligible. Clear this hurdle early by researching the funding providers guidelines to identify what deems eligibility. Ensure you meet the criteria before applying. If you’re still unsure after reviewing the application details, contact the grant organiser as they’ll have a great representative ready to assist all applicants.  

3) Rally community and legitimate support

The more people who know and support what you’re doing, the better. Some grants ask for letters of support, so it’s best to connect with your community and show how your project or idea will benefit more than just one person. The value of your application is always increased significantly with the inclusion of community support, statistics and evidence. Think about teaming up with established organisations who may support your application.

4) Research the funding body and previous grant recipients

Competition for grants can be quite intense. To increase your chances of success we recommend doing extensive research into the funding providers and the previous recipients of that particular grant. This can help identify where previous grants have been awarded and some opportunities may even give examples of the types of answers the funding provider is looking for. Understanding the driving forces behind a funding body will influence your case for support. 

5) Be proactive about grants

At the end of the day, time is your best friend so the longer you have to prepare for, and write, a grant application, the more high-quality your submission will be. Revise the application format and what the funding provider is asking for. Ensure you set yourself a realistic timeframe for each requirement and start gathering your assets ahead of time. The whole grant application process won’t seem as daunting if you’re proactive and organised. Knowing about opportunities ahead of time will make your application stronger. Also, did you know that at The Grants Hub we have a calendar feature that helps you organise upcoming grants? These tools will help you stay ahead of any funding opportunity.

6) Set some realistic goals and ideas for your application

Make sure your application is achievable and clearly defined. This may mean you need to engage in a bit of research as to why your project or idea should receive funding over others. You also want to ensure your idea is unique to your organisation or community and that someone hasn’t already pitched the same concept or successfully established a similar project. Read the grant guidelines and ensure you’re a great fit for the funding opportunity. Then back your claims and develop a compelling case as to why you require funding. 

7) A good budget always helps

In any grants application, the budget is an opportunity to demonstrate that your project or idea is well-planned, well-conceived, cost-effective and feasible. A well-developed budget will highlight how achievable your goals are and where the funding income will be applied. Include quotes where required, and list all sources of income, with matching income/expenditure totals. Ensure your budget is detailed and that everything outlined will be used in your project. Grant providers want to see the funds benefitting the community, wherever possible. 

8) Write the proposal with life and passion

Put yourself in the shoes of a grants reviewer, who needs to assess many applications. A case filled with enthusiasm will not only help drive points home, but it will standout amongst other applications. In saying that, you need to write for someone who may have limited time, so make sure those ideas maintain a clear and concise tone of voice. Don’t lose your passion. Use up-to-date data with clear language, and follow any complex points with a sentence that sums up the big picture. A grant application is about convincing your project or idea is exciting and worthy of funding. 

9) Revise, revise again and revise with friends

Your goal is to develop a clear and concise grant application that communicates your project or idea effectively and passionately. Spelling or grammar errors, waffling sentences or vague ideas could hinder your overall application. A fresh set of eyes will always assist with these types of things and help you address areas you may have left out, so don’t hesitate to hand your application over to a trusty source for editing. Take on board their feedback and rewrite again if necessary. 

10) Submit ahead of time

Submit the application as per the guidelines and ahead of time. Don’t leave it to the last minute, in case you encounter any unexpected errors along the way. Stress can play havoc and you don’t want to miss out on any element, because you were rushing to make the deadline. 

Grant writing takes time, perseverance and dedication. By following these tips on how to write a grant application you’ll be ready for your next grant submission. If ever in doubt, our Grants Experts can help you succeed. At The Grants Hub, our online directory lists over 1500+ open national and state-by-state funding opportunities with many great features to make searching and applying easier than ever.

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Introduction to Grant Writing

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Introduction

Professional grant writers use clear, specific language to focus the reader’s attention, and to persuade the reader to fund their proposal. Learning to write successful grant proposals is no small task, but the writing process can become easier with practice and awareness of a few common missteps.

No doubt, the first step of successful grant writing is to plan the project, but the second step is following the directions of the granting organization (called, the grantmaker). In most cases, grantmakers require a(n): cover letter , executive summary , problem statements/need description , work schedule, budget, qualifications , conclusions , and appendices (or, supporting materials). Each section will have specific requirements and while keeping to a word limit is straightforward, being specific is less easy.

A Note on Following the Grantmaker’s Rules

Following directions helps the grantmaker read applications efficiently. Specificity of content will not only vary by grantmaker, but also by proposal sections. For example, a grantmaker may limit your application in general terms for background information on the contexts of your proposal:

“Please tell the grant committee in 2 to 3 pages about the support your institution or community will provide for your project if your proposal is granted the requested funds.”

Likewise, a grantmaker may explicitly limit your response to a section on the grant applicant’s qualifications by stating:

“In no more than 350 words, please summarize the grant applicant’s specific qualifications to manage the finances of the proposal. Discuss any financial experience (for example, certifications in accounting services), or other relevant office managerial duties that will help the applicant distribute funds and write regular quarterly financial reports.”

Keep in mind that many grantmakers will not read past the point of your departure from the application rules, no matter how worthy the project is or how neat and well designed the application package looks. So, while there is no guaranteed way to win a grantmaker’s funds, not following directions is a sure fire way of losing your chances at getting any funds. Ultimately, not following directions indicates carelessness—which is not a characteristic of a promising proposal.

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How To Write A Grant Application That Will Stand Out

by Fundid on May 31, 2023 7:00:00 AM

For small business owners, applying for a grant can be an excellent way to obtain additional funding for your business. However, with only a limited amount of grant money available, the competition can be fierce. That's why it's crucial to know how to write a grant application that stands out from the crowd.

Writing an effective grant application can be a great way to acquire the resources necessary for success. With the right approach, your grant proposal could stand out from the rest and result in a successful outcome that will further propel your business forward. In this guide, we'll provide some tips and tricks for creating a grant application that catches the eye of those reviewing it.

Related Reading:  The Complete Guide to Business Grants  

Step #1. Research Grant Opportunities

The first step is to research and find grants that align with your business goals and needs. The best place to start is by checking out the grants offered by the government. Many other organizations, including private foundations and corporations, also offer business grants. Check eligibility criteria, deadlines, and requirements. You can ask other business owners, business incubators, accelerators, and professionals for recommendations.

Step #2. Evaluate The Eligibility Criteria

Once you identify the grants' criteria, review the eligibility conditions carefully. Verify the minimum and maximum size of the business; annual sales revenues, number of employees, industry, location, or any other relevant factors. Do not apply for a grant if you don't qualify under the terms and conditions. Understand the paperwork and documentation required to accompany your grant application.

Related Reading: How to Apply for a Business Grant

Step #3. Make Your Executive Summary Short And Engaging

The executive summary serves as the gateway or introduction to your business. It gives an overview of your business, why you need the grant, and how you intend to use the funds.

Although this may seem like a lot of information to provide, remember you only have a few paragraphs. So put your best foot forward. Make your summary short, engaging,  and cut to the chase. Your aim here is to encourage the grant reviewers to keep reading.

Step #4. Make Your Application Easy to Read

Grant reviewers sift through lots of applications daily, and they often have to do that on top of their other responsibilities. That means making it easy to read is critical to catch the reviewer's eye. Avoid long paragraphs and use bullet points, headings, and subheadings. Ensure that the language used in the grant application is clear and concise.

Step #5. Know Your Numbers When Creating Your Budget

You may have touched on your budget in your project description, but when writing the budget you want to provide the specifics. It should be detailed and realistic. Experts recommend keeping your numbers within the funding limits. And before submitting your budget and application, review your numbers multiple times. A simple discrepancy could disqualify an entire application.

Step #6.  Highlight Your Business's Unique Traits

A key aspect of writing a grant application is to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Part of this includes accentuating your business's unique qualities. Remember that your grant proposal is a chance to pitch your business, be sure to highlight what separates you from the competition. By showcasing your business’s unique selling point, you will catch the attention of the reader, and they will be more inclined to pay attention to the details of your application.

Step #7. Review and Edit

Once you've written your grant application, take the time to revise and edit. This is the time to have someone read over your draft and offer feedback. This will help ensure that your grant application is free from grammatical errors and typos and is easy to read and understand. You can also seek professional help from people who have successful grant applications. There are many online resources available to help you with your grant proposal writing process.

Start Searching for Business Grants

Applying for a grant can be time consuming, but by following these tips, you will be on your way to writing a successful grant application. Remember to research and tailor your application to the grant's objectives to make it stand out. Clarify your goals, provide realistic numbers, highlight your USP, make your application easy to read, and have someone revise and edit your application. With these steps, your application will have the best chance of getting the attention it deserves.

Start searching for business grants through the Fundid Grant Marketplace , updated weekly with new grant finds!

Editor's Note: This blog was originally published on January 20, 2021, and has been updated   for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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Samples: Applications, Attachments, and Other Documents

As you learn about grantsmanship and write your own applications and progress reports, examples of how others presented their ideas can help. NIH also provides attachment format examples, sample language, and more resources below.

On This Page:

Sample Grant Applications

Nih formats, sample language, and other examples.

With the gracious permission of successful investigators, some NIH institutes have provided samples of funded applications, summary statements, and more. When referencing these examples, it is important to remember:

• The applications below used the form version and instructions that were in effect at the time of their submission. Forms and instructions change regularly. Read and carefully follow the instructions in your chosen funding opportunity and the Application Guide .
• The best way to present your science may differ substantially from the approaches used in these examples. Seek feedback on your draft application from mentors and others.
• Talk to an NIH program officer in your area of science for advice about which grant program would be a good fit for you and the Institute or Center that might be interested in your idea.
• Samples are not available for all grant programs. Because many programs have common elements, the available samples can still provide helpful information and demonstrate effective ways to present information.

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How to Write a Successful Grant Application

• April 18, 2023

Steve Dowling

Home » Insights » How to Write a Successful Grant Application

Writing your first government grant application, or looking to improve on a previous attempt? It can be a daunting task—gathering information and writing while under considerable time pressure.

But with the right approach and some time-saving tips, the grant writing process becomes easier.

Here’s how to write a grant application that’s high quality and more likely to succeed.

Confirm your organisation is eligible for the grant

Every grant has eligibility criteria which you need to meet as a first step. Always read the eligibility criteria carefully before commencing any grant application. You must be certain that you meet all criteria, so if you are unsure, speak to a grants consultant to confirm whether it’s worth applying. 

Start with ‘why?’

One of the first questions worth asking before starting a grant application is ‘why?’. This will help you to create a strong application because you’ll be thinking about the benefits of your project.

There are two parts to the question of ‘why’:

The first ‘why’: rational

Consider the following:

• Why is your project a good investment for your business?
• Why are you seeking funding for your project?

The other ‘why’: opportunity cost

It’s also important that you consider the opportunity cost . That’s because applying for a grant is going to eat up time, resources, and money that might otherwise be spent on improving other areas of your business.

• How much time and resources are required to complete your grant application?
• Are you well prepared enough to win the grant?
• Are your project plan and business plan complete?

If you’re unprepared, you may be better off waiting for another opportunity. You are better off applying for a grant when you have an investment-ready project idea that is supported by a clearly documented plan.

Think of it this way: every grant is an exciting opportunity, but you also need to consider the costs associated with applying. Do the benefits outweigh those costs? Perform this simple cost vs. benefit analysis to ensure that applying for the grant is the right move for your business.

Mindset: think of the application as a project in itself

A great way to ensure you submit a strong application is to treat it as its own project. This ensures you adopt the correct mindset and give your application the time and attention it needs.

Like your grant project, your application has key timings and vital components you must include.

If a critical element of your grant project was missing, you wouldn’t be able to move forward until you rectified the issue. It’s the same with your application; a poor quality or incomplete application won’t win support, so give yourself time to do a good job with your application.

Engage a grant writer

Some business owners are hesitant to invest in a professional grant writer . Their logic being that there’s no certainty of winning a grant just because you hired a grant writer. That may be true, but the reality is, your chances of winning will always improve when you hire someone with expertise and experiences in applying for grants. This is especially true with competitive government grants where there will be many other applicants all chasing the same prize. A professional grant writer will bring ideas on how to make your application more competitive and attractive to the grant body investment committee.

Grant writers know how to create attention-grabbing submissions that make a strong case for investment. And that is the difference between a winning application, and one that misses the mark.

Review previous awardees and their grant-winning projects

Want to know what sort of projects and project attributes are likely to win funding? Checking previous awardees and funded projects is a great reference point. Grant administrators often post the results of previous funding rounds online, so you can explore previous winners and the amount of funding they received.

This is an easy way to get insights into the grantors and the types of projects they are comfortable investing in. You will identify some patterns as you scan through the list of winners and their project titles and overviews.

Keep in mind that often grant programs evolve to support changing government-led priorities as they shift over time. An example is Victoria’s long-running Regional Jobs & Infrastructure Fund , which has included many different grant streams over the years. Ensure your project aligns to the latest grant objectives and reach out to your grant consultant if you aren’t sure.

Plan, plan, plan, then plan some more!

The biggest lever you can pull in your grant application is to give yourself time. That starts with planning and preparation. The most competitive submissions already have a project plan, application strategy, and some supporting information ready to go, by the time the grant opens for applications.

Don’t hesitate to start organising resources and supplier quotes early. The sooner this work is done, the more time there will be to work on a great application. You want to give yourself more time than you need to allow for contingencies—expect some delays with gathering critical information.

It’s also a good time to review and firm up your project goals. Read through the grant criteria and confirm that your project aligns to them.

In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, ‘if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail’. Solid advice for any grant application!

Work out your project costs and create a budget

Once you have a clear picture of what’s involved in your project, it’s best to spend some time creating your budget. The grant assessors will review the budget with intent, so the better it looks, the stronger your project will appear in their eyes. Numbers create a clear picture that can’t be masked with language or storytelling.

Simply put, if the numbers don’t stack up, it’s unlikely the assessors will select your project for investment. It’s their job to review and compare many submissions then approve only the most thoroughly-planned and financially viable ones. They’re looking for the stand-out, rock-solid applications that align to government policy.

Your budget should outline all the sources of income used to fund the project and include quotes for plant and equipment, contractors, prototyping, labour, travel, supplies and infrastructure. You must also indicate where grant funding will be used in the budget so there’s no uncertainty. Any cost estimates should be supported by quotations or at least clearly calculated, realistic, and most importantly, not inflated.

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Gather support

You may be required to submit letters of support with your application. You might want to review and discuss with the relevant parties before submitting, so reach out to them before you start your application.

Each piece of supporting evidence you present acts as verification for your project, a vote of confidence and validation.

Write a stand-out application

One of the key challenges to any grant application is the write up. It’s critical to your chances of success that you include the right information and present it in a clear and engaging way.

You need to be methodical when you write the application. There are usually word counts that can’t be exceeded, so the writing needs to be free of fluff, while also including the key facts and building a story. It’s not an easy task, because word count limits can make it feel like there isn’t enough room to explain everything as you’d like to.

Whether you plan to write your application yourself, or you are hiring a professional grant writer, don’t underestimate the time needed to craft the application—remember that to win, it needs to be strong, not just satisfactory.

When it comes to grant writing, consistency is key.

A good way to guarantee consistency is to have one person only responsible for the writing task—an experienced grant writer is ideal. This ensures the responses display one tone of voice, one writing style that is easy to follow.

‘Too many cooks’, as the saying goes, will lead to disjointed writing and variations in tone that can be distracting for the reader, and make the the project story less convincing.

A grant application consists of several aspects:

• The sales pitch: introducing your project, the key benefits, explaining where the demand is coming from and why it’s a good and sustainable investment
• The evidence: the facts and figures that validate your sales pitch
• The relevance: demonstrating how your project aligns with and helps to achieve the grant program’s objectives

Stay focussed on the question

When you’re answering questions or pitching your business, it can be easy to veer off on a tangent and forget to fully address the question at hand. This is a major pitfall I’ve encountered many times working with business owners on grant submissions.

As a business owner or director, it’s sometimes difficult to think objectively about your business and your project. But that’s what you must do to write a great application. Each response should be laser-focussed on the question and communicate the benefits of your project within the context of the grant program and its objectives .

Anything else is secondary—grant assessors aren’t looking for long backstories about your business, your processes, or your key people. In fact, providing too much secondary information will dilute the effectiveness of your responses! Tie your responses back to the question at every opportunity.

Allow plenty of time for the review

The review stage is where you’ll strengthen your application and prepare it for submission. Allow plenty of time for the review—you might be surprised at some of the errors you will pick up that could impact your chances of success. The best results usually come when you review and refine the content several times, which could take a couple of days or longer.

It’s always worth getting a fresh set of eyes to look over your application. This could be your grants consultant or writer, or failing that, somebody not directly involved in your business.

If you give your application to someone for a read through and they can’t understand what your project is about, your application needs more work.

Remember the person assessing your application doesn’t know your business or your project, and they may not be expert in the topic at hand. You need to make it easy for them to understand your project, your goals, and why they are important to the grant program.

Key information to include in your project plan

A solid project plan acts as the foundation of your application. It supports the narrative being told in your grant responses with hard facts and figures that solidify your case for investment.

Your project plan should:

• Provide an overview of your project, what’s involved and the key people
• Show when key project milestones will be completed on a timeline
• Explain how your project will come to life, including the necessary resources and funding
• Include a detailed budget showing all costs and how grant funding will be used
• Introduce your business capability, project demand drivers and economic rationale

Resources and help to get a grant

There are many more grants available—check out our  finding grants  article if you want to get better at discovering grants.

Our  Insights  showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application. But no matter how well prepared you are, winning grants takes time—something we know many business owners and directors just don’t have. And that’s why we’re here to help.

GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s next grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.

I need help applying for grants

Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight to help you reduce the stress levels when you apply for a grant.

Check out our Working with a Grant Writer to learn the benefits of hiring a grant writer and the secrets to winning a grant application.

Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.

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Our free eBook features 10 chapters of expert advice, professional tips and more to help you do better with grants, whether you’re new to the process or you’ve applied before.

Get your copy of the  Guide to Winning Grants  now.

Is your business eligible for this government grant? Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?

GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services , helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.

Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.

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Prepare Your Application

Completing a grant application can take 40 hours or more. We want to help you navigate the process.

Where to begin

Before you begin, ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)? Do I understand it?
• Is my organization eligible to apply, based on the eligibility criteria in the NOFO?
• Does my organization have the technical expertise, personnel, and financial capacity to successfully implement the project described in the NOFO?
• Are all my organization’s stakeholders supportive of applying for this grant?
• Is my organization prepared to successfully implement the project within the budget we're proposing?

Be sure you can answer “yes” to each of these questions. If you can, you’re ready to apply.

How we help you through the process

Our application guides help you prepare and submit your application through grants.gov .

When you apply, you need to fill out an SF-424 application form.

We created a guide for each of these forms:

• HRSA Application Guide (PDF - 673 KB)
• HRSA Two-Tier Application Guide (PDF - 704 KB)
• HRSA Research & Related (R&R) Application Guide (PDF - 831 KB)
• HRSA Research & Related Two-Tier Application Guide (PDF - 824 KB)

Note:  If you use assistive technology, you may not be able to access information in these files. For help, please email Doretha Dixon or call 301-443-1783.

Remember : these guides give you general HRSA information about the application and submission process.  Refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specific instructions.

Updated requirements in SF-424B & SF-424D

The government made the general certification and representation requirements standard in the following:

• SF-424B - Assurances - Non-Construction Programs
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Review Financial Assistance General Certifications and Representations .

On January 1, 2020 :

• The  System for Award Management (SAM) began storing the updated common certification and representation requirements.
• When you apply for federal financial help, you must confirm these requirements through the SAM each year.

How to write a strong application

Applications must be 80 pages or less. So, be brief, but precise as you describe:

• Define them clearly
• Be specific
• The need for the service or activity that the grant will support
• Your organization's track record in fulfilling that need
• Show how you plan to achieve the program’s purpose
•  Include supporting data whenever possible
• Elaborate on your organization’s knowledge, staffing, and fiscal stability
• Explain how these ensure you can carry out your proposal and meet the goals of the grant program
• A realistic plan that matches your goals and objectives
• Include a narrative that justifies the costs

Follow our ten tips

• Allow plenty of time to gather required information.
• Submit well before the deadline.
• Power failures aren’t an excuse for applying late.
• Place all information in the order we request.
• Write clearly.
• Complete all application elements and responses to the program requirements.
• Do not assume that reviewers are familiar with your organization, service area, barriers to health care, or health care needs in your community.
• Think about the review criteria when you write the application.
• Include candid accounts of problems and realistic plans to address them.
• If you omit any required information or data, explain why.
• Match content in tables, charts, and attachments with the proposal narrative.
• Your budget should reflect back to the proposed activities.
• Fill out forms accurately and completely.

Many applications fail to receive a high score because reviewers:

• Cannot follow the applicant’s thought process.
• Determine that application parts do not fit together.

Your application should show that you'll be responsible with public funds.

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• Cross-reference all tables and attachments to the appropriate text in the application.
• Upload the attachments in the order the NOFO requires.

Before you apply, print out your application. Review to ensure you:

• Complied with page limits
• Included all attachments

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How to write a successful grant application: guidance provided by the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy

Anita e. weidmann.

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Innsbruck University, Innsbruck, Austria

Cathal A. Cadogan

2 School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Daniela Fialová

3 Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

4 Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

Ankie Hazen

5 Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Martin Henman

6 Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Monika Lutters

7 Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland

Betul Okuyan

8 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey

Vibhu Paudyal

9 University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Francesca Wirth

10 Department of Pharmacy, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

Considering a rejection rate of 80–90%, the preparation of a research grant is often considered a daunting task since it is resource intensive and there is no guarantee of success, even for seasoned researchers. This commentary provides a summary of the key points a researcher needs to consider when writing a research grant proposal, outlining: (1) how to conceptualise the research idea; (2) how to find the right funding call; (3) the importance of planning; (4) how to write; (5) what to write, and (6) key questions for reflection during preparation. It attempts to explain the difficulties associated with finding calls in clinical pharmacy and advanced pharmacy practice, and how to overcome them. The commentary aims to assist all pharmacy practice and health services research colleagues new to the grant application process, as well as experienced researchers striving to improve their grant review scores. The guidance in this paper is part of ESCP’s commitment to stimulate “ innovative and high-quality research in all areas of clinical pharmacy ”.

Writing research grants is a central part of any good quality research. Once a detailed research proposal has been submitted, it is subjected to an expert peer review process. Such reviews are designed to reach a funding decision, with feedback provided to improve the study for this and any future submissions. Depending on the length of the proposal, complexity of the research and experience of the research team, a proposal can take between six to twelve months to write [ 1 ]. Ample time must be given to the writing of hypothesis/research aim, budgeting, discussion with colleagues and several rounds of feedback [ 2 ]. The draft research proposal should always be completed well before the deadline to allow for last minute delays. An application which is not fully developed should not be submitted since it will most likely be rejected [ 3 ].

Despite the large effort that goes into each grant application, success rates are low. Application success rates for Horizon 2020 were < 15% [ 4 ] and < 20% for the National Institute of Health (NIH) [ 5 – 8 ]. With these statistics in mind, it is evident that often repeated submissions are required before securing funding. Due to a paucity of specific clinical pharmacy grant awarding bodies, writing a grant application for a clinical pharmacy or pharmacy practice research project often involves multidisciplinary collaborations with other healthcare professions and focus on a specific patient population or condition. There is no guarantee of success when trying to secure funding for research. Even the most seasoned researchers will have applications rejected. The key is to never give up. This commentary provides useful pointers for the planning and execution of grant writing.

Conceptualising your research idea

Before writing a research grant proposal/application, consider what the research should achieve in the short, medium, and long term, and how the research goals will serve patients, science and society [ 9 , 10 ]. Practical implications of research, policy impact or positive impact on society and active patient/public involvement are highly valued by many research agencies as research should not be conducted “only for research”, serving the researchers’ interests. EU health policy and action strategies (CORDIS database) and other national strategies, such as national mental health strategy for grants within mental disorders, should be considered, as well as dissemination strategies, project deliverables, outcomes and lay public invitations to participate. The Science Community COMPASS has developed a useful “Message Box Tool” that can help in the identification of benefits and solutions, as well as the all-important “So What?” of the research [ 11 ]. Clearly determine what the lead researcher’s personal and professional strengths, expertise and past experiences are, and carefully select the research team to close these gaps [ 12 – 14 ].

How to find the right funding call

When trying to identify the right type of grant according to the research ambitions, one should be mindful that several types of grants exist, including small project grants (for equipment, imaging costs), personal fellowships (for salary costs, sometimes including project costs), project grants (for a combination of salary and project costs), programme grants (for comprehensive project costs and salary for several staff members), start-up grants and travel grants [ 15 ]. Types of grants include EU grants (e.g. Horizon, Norway Grant), commercial grants (e.g. healthcare agencies and insurance companies), New Health Program grants ideal for new, reimbursed clinical pharmacy service projects and national grants (e.g. FWF (Austria), ARRS (Slovenia), NKFIH (Hungary), NCN (Poland), FWO (Belgium), HRZZ (Croatia), GAČR (Czech Republic), SNSF (Switzerland), SSF (Sweden). It is worth remembering that early career researchers, normally within ten years of finishing a PhD, have a particular sub-category within most grants.

Many national agencies only have one “Pharmacy” category. This results in clinical pharmacy and advanced clinical pharmacy practice projects competing with pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical biology and pharmacy technology submissions, thereby reducing the success rate as these research areas can often be very advanced in most EU countries compared to clinical and advanced pharmacy practice. A second possible submission category is “Public Health”. Several essential factors can impact the grant selection, such as research field, budget capacity, leading researcher’s experience and bilateral grants. Examples of successful clinical pharmacy funded research studies can be found in the published literature [ 16 – 20 ].

Plan, plan, plan

One key element of successful grant writing is the ability to plan and organise time. In order to develop a realistic work plan and achieve milestones, it is imperative to note deadlines and to be well-informed about the details of what is required. The development of a table or Gantt Chart that notes milestones, outcomes and deliverables is useful [ 21 ].

All funders are quite specific about what they will and will not fund. Research your potential funders well in advance. It is vital to pay attention to the aims, ambitions and guidelines of the grant awarding bodies and focus your proposal accordingly. Submitting an application which does not adhere to the guidelines may lead to very early rejection. It is helpful to prepare the grant application in such a way that the reviewers can easily find the information they are looking for [ 15 , 22 ]. This includes checking the reviewers’ reports and adding “bolded” sentences into the application to allow immediate emphasis. Reviewers’ reports are often available on the agencies’ websites. It is extremely useful to read previously submitted and funded or rejected proposals to further help in the identification of what is required in each application. Most funding agencies publish a funded project list, and the ‘Centre for Open Science (COS) Database of Funded Research’ enables tracking of funding histories from leading agencies around the world [ 23 ]. Another useful recommendation is to talk to colleagues who have been successful when applying to that particular funder. Funding agency grant officers can provide advice on the suitability of the proposal and the application process.

It is important to pay particular attention to deadlines for the grant proposal and ensure that sufficient time is allocated for completion of all parts of the application, particularly those that are not fully within one’s own control, for example, gathering any required signatures/approvals. Funders will generally not review an application submitted beyond the deadline.

Lastly, it is important to obtain insight into the decision process of grants. Research applications are sent to several reviewers, who are either volunteers or receive a small compensation to judge the application on previously determined criteria. While the judging criteria may vary from funder to funder, the key considerations are:

• Is there a clear statement of the research aim(s)/research question(s)/research objective(s)?
• Is the proposed research “state-of-the-art” in its field and has all relevant literature been reviewed?
• Is the method likely to yield valid, reliable, trustworthy data to answer question 1.?
• If the answer to the second question is ’yes’, then what is the impact of financing this study on patient care, professional practice, society etc.?
• Is there sufficient confidence that the research team will deliver this study on time with expected quality outputs and on budget?
• Does the study provide value for money?

How to write

The key to good grant proposal writing is to be concise yet engaging. The use of colour and modern web-based tools such as #hashtags, webpage links, and links to YouTube presentations are becoming increasingly popular to improve the interest of a submission and facilitate a swift decision-making process. Ensure use of the exact section headings provided in the guidance, and use the keywords provided in the funding call documentation to reflect alignment with the funding bodies’ key interests. Attention to detail cannot be overstated; the quality and accuracy of the research proposal reflect the quality and accuracy of the research [ 24 ]. Try to adopt a clear, succinct, and simple writing style, making the grant easy to read. Having a clear focus can help to boost a grant to the top of a reviewer’s pile [ 25 , 26 ]. A clearly stated scientific question, hypothesis, and rationale are imperative. The reviewer should not have to work to understand the project [ 27 ]. Allow for plenty of time to incorporate feedback from trusted individuals with the appropriate expertise and consider having reviews for readability by non-experts.

What to write

Abstract, lay summary and background/rationale.

Take sufficient time to draft the scientific abstract and summary for the lay public. These should clearly state the long-term goal of the research, the aim and specific testable objectives, as well as the potential impact of the work. The research aim is a broad statement of research intent that sets out what the project hopes to achieve at the end. Research objectives are specific statements that define measurable outcomes of the project [ 28 , 29 ].

The lay summary is important for non-subject experts to quickly grasp the purpose and aims of the research. This is important in light of the increased emphasis on patient and public involvement in the design of the research. The abstract is often given little attention by the applicants, yet is essential. If reviewers have many applications to read, they may form a quick judgement when reading the abstract. The background should develop the argument for the study. It should flow and highlight the relevant literature and policy or society needs statements which support the argument, but at the same time must be balanced. It should focus on the need for the study at the local, national and international level, highlighting the knowledge gap the study addresses and what the proposed research adds. Ensure this section is well-referenced. The innovation section addresses the ‘‘So what?’’ question and should clearly explain how this research is important to develop an understanding in this field of practice and its potential impact. Will it change practice, or will it change the understanding of the disease process or its treatment? Will it generate new avenues for future scientific study? [ 30 ].

Hypothesis/aims and objectives

For the hypothesis, state the core idea of the grant in one or two sentences. It should be concise, and lead to testable specific aims. This section is fundamental; if it is unclear or poorly written, the reviewers may stop reading and reject the application. Do not attempt to make the aims overly complex. Well-written aims should be simply stated. Criteria such as PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) [ 31 ], and FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant) [ 32 ], provide useful frameworks to help in writing aim(s), research question(s), objective(s) and hypotheses. Pay attention to the distinction between aim(s), research question(s), objective(s) and hypotheses. While it is tempting to want to claim that enormously complex problems can be solved in a single project, do not overreach. It is important to be realistic [ 25 ].

Experimental design, methods and expertise

The methodology is one of the most important parts of getting a grant proposal accepted. The reviewing board should be convinced that the relevant methodology is well within the research teams’ expertise. Any evidence of potential success, such as preliminary results or pilot studies strengthen the application significantly [ 33 ]. The methodology must relate directly to the aim. Structuring this section into specific activities/ set of activities that address each research question or objective should be considered. This clarifies how each question/ objective will be addressed. Each work-package should clearly define the title of the research question/objective to be addressed, the activities to be carried out including milestones and deliverables, and the overall duration of the proposed work-package. Deliverables should be presented in table format for ease of review. Each subsequent work-package should start once the previous one has been completed to provide a clear picture of timelines, milestones and deliverables which reflect stakeholder involvement and overall organisation of the proposed project. Using relevant EQUATOR Network reporting guidelines enhances the quality of detail included in the design [ 34 ]. Key elements of this methodology are detailed in Table  1 .

Summary of the key elements of the experimental design, methods and expertise

Proposed budget

The budget should be designed based on the needs of the project and the funding agency’s policies and instructions. Each aspect of the budget must be sufficiently justified to ensure accountability to the grant awarding body [ 35 ]. Costing and justification of the time of those involved, any equipment, consumables, travel, payment for participants, dissemination costs and other relevant costs are required. The funders will be looking for value for money and not necessarily a low-cost study. Ensure that the total budget is within the allocated funding frame.

Provide a breakdown of the key work packages and tasks to be completed, as well as an indication of the anticipated duration. Include a Gantt chart (A table detailing the most general project content milestones and activities) to demonstrate that all aspects of the proposal have been well thought through [ 21 ].

Critical appraisal, limitations, and impact of the proposed research

It is important to detail any strengths and limitations of the proposed project. Omitting these will present the reviewing board with sufficient grounds to reject the proposal [ 36 ]. Provide a clear statement about the short and long-term impact of the research [ 37 , 38 ]. The reviewers will pay particular attention to the differences the study can make and how potential impact aligns with the funding bodies goals as well as national policies. This statement is essential to make an informed decision whether or not to support the application. Useful diagrams summarise the different levels of impact [ 39 ].

Table  2 provides a summary of the key elements of project grants and key questions to ask oneself.

Summary of the key elements of project grants and key questions to ask oneself.

(Adapted from [ 5 ]: Koppelmann GH, Holloway JW. Successful grant writing. Paediatr Respir Rev. 2012; 13:63–66.)

Although the grant writing process is time-consuming and complex, support is widely available at each stage. It is important to involve colleagues and collaborators to improve the proposal as much as possible and invest time in the detailed planning and execution. Even if the grant is not awarded, do not be disheartened. Use the feedback for improvement and exercise resilience and persistence in pursuing your research ambition.

The guidance in this paper is part of ESCP’s commitment to stimulate “innovative and high-quality research in all areas of clinical pharmacy”. In a previous ESCP survey, it was found that few opportunities for collaboration (especially for grant applications) was one of the key barriers for members towards conducting research [ 40 ]. ESCP promotes networking, which is essential for multi-centre grant applications, both among ESCP members and with other organisations as it recognises the need for “multi-centre research in all areas of clinical pharmacy both within countries and between countries or differing healthcare delivery systems”. ESCP is planning to relaunch its own research grant which was paused during the pandemic, and it is also planning to provide ESCP members with information about the research grants offered by other organizations. ESCP is exploring partnering with other organisations to develop research proposals in areas of common interest and, in the near future, it will ask its members about their research priorities. Taken together, these initiatives will inform ESCP’s research strategy and help it to formulate policies to address the challenges its members face.

Acknowledgements

Research works of Assoc. Prof. Fialová were also supported by the institutional program Cooperation of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University.

Open access funding provided by University of Innsbruck and Medical University of Innsbruck. This work was conducted without external funding.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have not disclosed any competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

• How to write a Wellcome grant application

We know that preparing funding applications is time-consuming and can be stressful, so we’ve put together some tips to help you write your Wellcome grant application. 

This advice applies to people applying to our Early-Career Awards , Career Development Awards and Discovery Awards .

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Before you start to write  

Check you are eligible.

Read all the guidance on the specific funding scheme page on our website . You’ll find information about eligibility and suitability, what we offer, how to apply and deadlines.

Make sure your research proposal is within our funding remit .

Gather all the information you need

If you want to get an idea of the information you’ll need to provide in your application, you can download a sample application form on a scheme page or look at the application on the  Wellcome Funding platform. 

There’s general funding information in the funding guidance section . If you can’t find the answer to your question, you can contact our funding information advisers .

If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, find out how we can support you .

Get as much advice as you can – ask other people if they are willing to share their successful and unsuccessful applications with you.

Contact the research support office at your administering organisation early in the application process, so they can give you advice and let you know when they need to receive your application.

"Ideally researchers need to contact me when they first have the idea of applying – the earlier the better. We can check eligibility – if they’re not eligible they’ll lose a lot of time. We can also put them in contact with previous applicants who might be willing to share their application."

Silvia Maretto, Research Support Officer, NUI Galway

Make sure your proposal is competitive

Discuss your ideas with your sponsor, mentor, and/or senior colleagues. Get input from colleagues who are inside and outside your research field.

You should think about the following, and take it into account when you write your application:

Your research proposal

• Importance of the research question(s) : Will your proposal generate significant shifts in understanding in your field?
• Quality and feasibility : Is your proposal well-designed? Do you have evidence to support your approach? Is there a clear rationale? What are the potential pitfalls and your contingency plans? Is the timescale realistic? Does your research team have the necessary skills and expertise?
• Creativity :  Is your proposal just a direct continuation of existing work? Will it develop and test new concepts, methods or technologies? Will your proposal combine existing ideas and approaches in a new way? Does it have the potential to stimulate new and innovative research?
• Knowledge : Can you show a breadth and depth of knowledge about your research area? Are other people doing similar research? Are you familiar with existing literature on the topic?
• Teamwork : If you are applying with coapplicants, explain why a collaborative approach is necessary for this project.

You as an applicant

• Experience : Can you demonstrate relevant experience and your ability to deliver what you propose? How do you plan to develop your research skills and experience of different methodologies?
• Your contributions to research :  How have you contributed to developing new ideas, tools or techniques? Which of your research outputs   is most relevant to your proposed research and what was your role in developing these outputs? How have you contributed to the wider research community? For example, contributions to conferences, to knowledge sharing activities or to improving research culture.
• Career development : How will you use continuing professional development training to develop yourself and any staff employed on your grant? Have you demonstrated a commitment to developing your leadership and management skills?
• Autonomy : Will you have intellectual ownership of the project? Will you be driving its development?

Your research environment

• Research environment :  How will your chosen research environment support you to undertake your research? Do you have appropriate facilities? Have you identified sponsors, mentors or collaborators  with the right expertise to support you and to make sure your project is a success?
• Opportunities for development :  How will your administering organisation support you to develop as a researcher? Which skills will you have the opportunity to build?  
• Your contribution to research culture :  How will you help to develop and maintain a positive and inclusive research culture within your administering organisation?  How will you support the development of other researchers?

"Successful applications provide answers to two key questions typically asked in review panels. First, how is this a new direction or approach that goes beyond the 'same-old' in the field? Second, how is the applicant positioned to do the work? Reviewers are excited when something new and exceptional is proposed that draws on a unique expertise of the applicant."

Professor Peter Robin Hiesinger, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Expert Review Group at Wellcome

Writing your application  

Give yourself plenty of time.

It’s really important that you avoid rushing your application. Allow plenty of time ahead of the deadline.

Check the specific funding scheme page for advice about your application, including deadlines and submissions.

Other timings that matter

Allow enough time for your application to be approved and submitted by the 'authorised organisational approver' at your administering organisation. Make sure you’re aware of any deadlines at your organisation that could delay this.

Also check that anyone involved in your application, such as your sponsor, mentor or coapplicants, can meet the scheme deadline.

Make your application easy to read and understand

• Aim your proposal at people who have specific expertise in your field as well as those who have broader research experience.
• Provide a balanced overview of the background, rationale and supporting evidence. Refer to appropriate studies by others and use preliminary data, pilot studies and/or scoping research to support your research question(s).
• Give enough detail that reviewers can understand what you’re proposing, how it will be carried out and whether it’s feasible.
• Request research costs that are necessary for your project. Make sure you’re aware of what you can and cannot ask for – this information is available on the scheme page.
• Use a title that is specific and reflects the importance of your proposal. Structure your writing with clear headings and subheadings.
• Write in plain language and avoid technical jargon where possible. Keep abbreviations and acronyms to a minimum – define them when they’re first used.
• List all references consistently, using the format requested.
• Use diagrams and figures where appropriate.

"A well-written grant reflects appreciation for both the larger context and attention to detail. The relevance in a larger context should be highlighted in a few clear and concise statements that reviewers outside the field can pick up on. Attention to detail is important when it comes to a thoughtful presentation of potential outcomes and alternative approaches."

Professor Peter Robin Hiesinger, Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Expert Review Group at Wellcome

"Include sub-headings in your main research statement, and make sure it is clearly laid out using the same font, text size and paragraph justification throughout. Reviewers have a lot of applications to read – make it easy for them to see what you want to do!"

Dr Alex Mold, Investigator Award grantholder in Humanities and Social Science

Using our online application system  

You’ll need to log in to our online application system Wellcome Funding  to apply. We reccomend doing this at an early stage so that you can familiarise yourself with the system.

When you’re filling in the application:

• Read the instructions carefully. Don’t forget to look at the pop-up help text which offers additional information.
• Complete every field on the form and upload any relevant supporting documents and figures.

You can save your online application as you go along and return to it at any time before the deadline.

And finally, ask your sponsor, mentor and/or senior colleagues to read your application critically before you submit it.

Related content  

• Disability-related support for applicants
• Discretionary Awards: funding outside of Wellcome’s schemes and funding calls
• Embedding lived experience expertise in mental health research
• Funding scheme application deadlines
• How to complete an outputs management plan
• How to prepare for a Wellcome funding interview
• Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID)
• Roles and responsibilities of people involved in Wellcome funding applications

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Blog Business Grant Proposal Examples: Win Funding for Your Project

Grant Proposal Examples: Win Funding for Your Project

Written by: Sneha May 08, 2024

If you need funds to execute a project or initiative, seeking grants is a great solution. However, most charitable organizations are inundated with grant proposals, so yours needs to be exceptional.

So, how do you create grant proposals that stand out from the competition? Whether for research, a social project, business, or further education, the formula is simple — convey your purpose, goals and objectives, implementation plan, expected outcomes, and proposed budget. 

In this blog, I’ll review compelling grant proposal examples of varying themes you can use as inspiration.

PS: You can make grant proposals using our  Grant Proposal Maker  or edit free grant proposal templates (no design skills necessary).  

Click to jump ahead: 

List of grant proposal examples

• How to write a grant proposal?

In this section, I’ll review 12 winning grant proposal examples covering various industries.

1. Art grant proposal example

As  Herbert Lui,  a renowned motion director and author once said: “Artists should be able to create art without worrying about money to focus on the process and serve their artistic practice.”

However, most artists struggle financially, which impacts their creativity. Art grant proposals help artists pursue their passion without constraints. 

This art grant proposal template starts with a minimalistic cover page. It then continues with a cover letter expressing the purpose behind the application.

It continues with a cover letter section to demonstrate your skills and highlight why you’re the ideal candidate to receive funding. It also has project details, budget breakdown, and artist bio sections. 

You can replace image placeholders with your own or customize the colors to match your identity.

In Venngage, you can rearrange or add new pages from other templates to personalize your art grant proposal.

Pick a template you like, click it, and it’ll automatically reflect in the initial template.

2. Nonprofit grant proposal example

Non-profit organizations rely on financial aid in the form of grants or donations to fund initiatives for the benefit of society. However, creating a nonprofit grant application can be time-consuming.

Use our nonprofit grant proposal template to create a proposal that includes all the necessary details — sections such as ‘about us’,’ ‘our team’,’ project details, required budget, and more. 

A great nonprofit grant proposal starts with an eye-catching title page. 

Once you have a reader’s attention, you’ll want to build credibility and trust by editing content in the ‘about us’ or ‘our team’ page.

3. Education grant proposal example

Providing access to quality education is the top priority of most institutions; however, lack of funds limits the ability to hire skilled instructors, build infrastructure, and provide students with relevant amenities. 

Education grant proposals are designed to fund institutions seeking to create better learning environments and build a better future. 

This education grant proposal template includes an engaging title page, cover letter, executive summary that describes challenges faced by the institution and separate pages to discuss its goals and objectives, and expected project budget to overcome challenges.

In education grant proposals, the goals, objectives, and strategy are your ‘money pages’.

4. Simple grant proposal example

A simple grant proposal can be used in almost every scenario. Simple grant proposal templates start with an executive summary that clearly and concisely captures your request. 

Other sections you’ll commonly find in grant proposal examples include organizational background, project overview, key objectives, and expected outcomes. 

One of the best elements of this simple grant proposal template is the description of project phases. It creates a clear flow so funders can easily understand the project details.

5. STEM grant proposal example

STEM is an educational approach that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to create a cohesive learning experience.  

A core principle of the STEM field is that institutions carry out research and experiments. 

STEM grant proposals help you fulfill that goal by providing the funding you may need to procure or maintain necessary to be successful, such as equipment or software requirements. 

This STEM grant proposal template starts with an appealing cover page.  

It also includes a section for a cover letter, organization overview, problem statement, project goals, and strategies. 

You can customize this template by adding your details and images. There is also a separate page for proposing a budget where you can add potential expenses. 

6. Technology grant proposal example

Technology grants are beneficial for any company wanting to promote digital inclusion. You can use it to secure funding to provide students access to computers, hire skilled faculty and support staff, and promote tech-related initiatives like AI workshops.

Here’s a great example of a minimalist technology grant proposal that can make a strong first impression.

This template has an impactful design and keeps text to a minimum. You can replace the placeholder text and images in each section, which includes the executive summary, project details, and budget details. 

The project details page has been divided into a listicle format to make scanning easy. 

7. Community garden grant proposal example

Recreational spaces are important places in communities as they allow social interaction, promote mental well-being, and serve as locations for celebrating culture.  

Though private residential communities usually have the resources to provide residents with the best facilities and experience, some public communities struggle to improve services, which is why communities can apply for grants.

Our community garden proposal template has multiple sections, including an executive summary, an area to explain issues faced by residents, and a project plan and proposed budget.

You can edit this template to add your information and visuals for maximum impact.

8. Startup grant proposal example

Many startups struggle, especially in initial years, due to insufficient funds. This impacts innovators’ confidence and is a loss to society. Grants help founders scale without worrying about finances.

Entrepreneurs or founders with novel ideas but lack resources to hit the ground running can use our startup grant proposal template to seek financial aid.

Our startup proposal template uses a minimalist gray color theme for a professional look. It has an eye-catching cover page where you can add a quick one-liner on why you’re seeking aid — for example, promoting AI-driven transformation. 

Start by editing the template to define a statement of need, business goals, and objectives. 

Next, define your core business methods and strategies to help investors understand your value proposition and increase the odds of winning the grant. 

9. Teen empowerment grant proposal example

Our teen empowerment grant proposal helps any organization wanting to promote youth skill development and empowerment secure financial aid.

In a rapidly changing world, a digital divide can leave the elderly feeling isolated and excluded from essential services.

Digital training institutes or organizations involved in social welfare can use this digital literacy template to convince grant-giving agencies. 

10. Small business grant proposal example

Grants are a great way for small businesses to adapt to changing technologies and grow in a competitive market. Our small business grant proposal template helps small business owners achieve success.

This small business grant proposal template is designed for a small business that makes child care affordable for working parents and wants to scale operations.

You can edit this template to replace the placeholder information with your business name, goals and objectives, methods and strategies, project description and estimated budget.

This grant proposal template uses a professional color theme, however, you can replace it to reflect your branding in one click using My Brand Kit (available to Business users only).

11. Digital literacy for seniors grant proposal example

Our digital literacy for seniors grant proposal template uses an evergreen color combination for a sleek and professional look. It has three separate sections to explain your needs. 

The budget page helps you provide clear details of the total grant amount, project activities, and the budget allocated to such activities.

12. Scholarship grant proposal example

High tuition fees and rising expenses make higher education inaccessible to underprivileged children and young.

If you are an organization helping students get the education they deserve, you can use this scholarship grant proposal to convince grantmaking bodies.

This scholarship grant proposal template includes an executive summary section where you can describe your organization’s mission, achievements, and principles.

You can also list your objectives and the strategies you will use to achieve the goals. 

How to write a grant proposal

If you’re trying to write a grant proposal and don’t know where to start, start by answering the following “whys”:

• Why have you chosen a particular project or initiative?: Explain the problem statement clearly and the expected outcome of the project.
• Why do you need funding?:  Explain why you need funds and provide a breakdown of how you will allocate the grant amount.
• Why should an investor fund your project?:  Discuss your project’s potential impact and how it aligns with an investor’s initiatives or goals.

Once you have these answers, it’s time to create your proposal structure. List the sections you want to include and gather details such as project scope, budget, mission statement, and team details. 

Next, shortlist a grant proposal template on Venngage and use our drag-and-drop editor to edit the template to make it your own.

Related: How to Write a Grant Proposal [Templates Included]

Conclusion: Create winning grant proposals in minutes using Venngage

Creating grants from scratch can be tedious. You have to brainstorm the design of each page and then manually add elements, text, tables, and images. Unless you’re a professional designer, your design will probably be mediocre.  

Why put in so much effort when you can create grant proposals using  grant proposal templates  from Venngage? Our templates have professional layouts, proper text alignment, relevant sections, and image placeholders that are ready for you to edit. 

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Ohio State University Extension

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Beginner's guide to grant writing, breadcrumb menu, osu extension community development hosts beginner’s guide to grant writing course.

The 2-day Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Course covers what to do before you write a grant; organizational mission and structure; components of a grant proposal; finding and connecting with funders; and writing and finalizing an actual proposal for review. Attendees should come prepared with a grant project idea which they will detail out further during the course. An optional review of the drafted grant by a professional grant writer is also included.  A grant writing program manual is provided as well as a discussion with a panel of grant writing experts.

The two-day program is taught by Educators from Ohio State University Extension and Central State University.

• Gwynn Stewart MS –  OSU Extension, Community Development - Noble County
• Kyle White, MBA – OSU Extension, Community Development - Medina County
• Melissa Rupp – OSU Extension, Family & Consumer Sciences - Fulton County
• Amber Twitty –  Central State University, CED Extension Educator Southern Ohio

To learn more, contact Gwynn Stewart at 740-305-3177 or [email protected] .

Upcoming Classes:

More dates coming soon!

Winning Big with Federal Funding: How Grant-Writing Trainings Are Yielding Big Results

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• Katie Dailinger
• Infrastructure
• Sustainability & Resilience
• Transportation

What do three mayors from Athens, Ohio; Maywood, Illinois; and Fairfax, Virginia , all have in common? Their participation in the Local Infrastructure Hub’s free training programs, led by the National League of Cities (NLC) , has resulted in substantial federal funds to tackle local projects. These small towns and mid-sized cities all faced challenges when applying for federal funds—from tight resources to limited staff—but still decided to take the leap and utilize the Local Infrastructure Hub’s training. These small towns and mid-sized cities are now witnessing the tangible results of their efforts.

Athens, Ohio: Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure

When the $1.2 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) took effect, Mayor Steve Patterson of Athens, Ohio, envisioned his city becoming a regional hub with an expansive electric vehicle charging network. By participating in the Local Infrastructure Hub’s free training program, Mayor Patterson and his staff learned that a coalition-based application would receive a higher score among federal grant reviewers. That vital information led the City of Athens to form the Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), a coalition of municipalities across southeast and southwest Ohio. Not too long ago, the city learned that SOPEC secured $12.5 million in federal funding to install roughly 50 charging stations.

“For the City of Athens, there was strength in numbers, and we’ve been able to forge important connections across southeast and southwest Ohio to fill critical gaps in the region’s EV charging network,” shared Mayor Patterson in a recent op-ed .

Maywood, Illinois: Strengthening Local Infrastructure

Mayor Nathaniel George Booker of Maywood, Illinois, viewed the training as a “no-brainer,” empowering his staff to participate in building resilient infrastructure, Brownfields, and safe drinking water programs. In March, Maywood found out they secured nearly $980,000 for infrastructure projects through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, an application they worked on with the Local Infrastructure Hub. The city was also able to repurpose this grant application to win more than $4 million through the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Cook County for water infrastructure.

“It’s the world of you don’t know what you don’t know, and it’s the world of you’re not thinking about what you’re not thinking about,” reflected Mayor Booker on the complicated grant application process. “If you are not a part of the Local Infrastructure Hub, you’re doing yourself and your community a disservice because it really is the factor that brings everything that’s in your brain to put it on paper … to actually have pen to paper saying we are ready to apply—that’s what the Local Infrastructure Hub is there for.”

Fairfax, Virginia: Connecting Various Transportation Methods

While the City of Fairfax, Virginia, had a director of transportation on staff, Mayor Catherine Read knew they’d need support to craft a winning grant application. Through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program training, the city refined its application and was able to effectively push it across the finish line. Fairfax was awarded $400,000 with a $100,000 match from the city to build an action plan to ensure all transportation operates cohesively—from their electric scooters, Capital Bikeshare, fare-free bus, and the cars of hundreds of students, faculty, and staff living in the city.

“In order to be more effective in how we’re going to invest our taxpayers’ tax dollars, I would absolutely recommend the boot camps,” said Mayor Read. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 1,700, 70,000, or 7 million—everybody’s going after funding. If you don’t have the people on your staff, then you need to go to the organization, NLC. They can offer you the expertise you need to get the funding that is sitting there waiting for you.”

Register for Free Grant-Writing Training

Don’t miss your chance to sign up for the Local Infrastructure Hub! Communities that have participated in the training have already secured more than $200 million in funding, and your community could be next. Registration ends May 15, 2024.

About the Author

Katie Dailinger is the Project Director of the Local Infrastructure Hub at the National League of Cities.

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Ten Ingredients for Writing Research Grant Proposals

Description.

Review this academic article on research grant proposals. It specifies "ten key ingredients" for scientific proposals, which can also be relevant to grants in other fields.

Table of contents

All investigators seeking funding to conduct implementation research face the challenges of preparing a high-quality proposal and demonstrating their capacity to conduct the proposed study. Applicants must demonstrate the progressive nature of their research agenda and their ability to build cumulatively upon the literature and their preliminary studies. Because implementation science is an emerging field involving complex and multilevel processes, many investigators may not feel equipped to write competitive proposals, and this concern is pronounced among early-stage implementation researchers.

This article addresses the challenges of preparing grant applications that succeed in the emerging field of dissemination and implementation. We summarize ten ingredients that are important in the implementation of research grants. For each, we provide examples of how preliminary data, background literature, and narrative detail can strengthen the application.

Every investigator struggles with the challenge of fitting into a page-limited application the research background, methodological detail, and information that can convey the project's feasibility and likelihood of success. While no application can include a high level of detail about every ingredient, addressing the ten ingredients summarized in this article can help assure reviewers of the proposed research's significance, feasibility, and impact.

Investigators seeking funding to conduct implementation research face the challenges of preparing a high-quality proposal and demonstrating their capacity to conduct the proposed study. Researchers need to demonstrate the progressive nature of their research agenda and their ability to build cumulatively upon the literature and their preliminary studies. Because implementation science is an emerging field involving complex and multilevel processes, most investigators may feel "new to the field." Furthermore, young investigators may have less preliminary data, and the path to successful proposal writing may seem less clear.

This article identifies ten important ingredients in well-crafted implementation proposals; in particular, it addresses how investigators can set the stage for proposed work through pilot data and a well-crafted and rationalized proposed study approach. It addresses questions such as: What preliminary work is important in the grant applications, and how can implementation researchers meet this challenge? How can investigators balance scientific impact with feasibility? Where in an implementation research proposal can investigators demonstrate their capacity to conduct a study as proposed?

The Importance of the Question

A significant and innovative research question is the first and primary ingredient in a successful proposal. A competitive implementation research application needs to pursue scientific questions that remain unanswered, questions whose answers advance knowledge of implementation with generalizability beyond a given setting. By definition, implementation research in health focuses on a health condition or disease, healthcare settings, and particular evidence-based interventions and programs with promise of reducing a gap in quality of care. It is conducted in usual care settings with practical quality gaps that stakeholders want to reduce.

However, to make a compelling argument for scientific innovation and public health significance, a research grant application must have potential beyond reducing a quality gap and implementing a particular evidence-based healthcare practice. The application must have the potential to advance the science of implementation by yielding generalizable knowledge. With only one journal devoted solely to implementation science, researchers must be aware of implementation literature scattered across several discipline-specific journals. Implementation researchers – akin to students with multiple majors – must demonstrate their grounding in implementation science, health diseases, disorders, treatments, and real-world healthcare delivery.

Although implementation science is often characterized as an emerging field, its bar for scientifically important questions is rising rapidly. Descriptive studies of barriers have dominated implementation science for too long, and the field is urged to "move on" to questions of how and why implementation processes are effective. Accordingly, the Institute of Medicine has identified studies comparing the effectiveness of alternative dissemination and implementation strategies as a top-quartile priority for comparative effectiveness research. However, experimental studies testing implementation strategies need to be informed by systematic background research on the contexts and processes of implementation. While investigators must demonstrate their understanding of these complexities, their grant proposals must balance feasibility with scientific impact. This paper addresses the challenges of preparing grant applications that succeed. Though this article focuses on U.S. funding sources and grant mechanisms, the discussed principles should be relevant to implementation researchers internationally.

Guidance from Grant Program Announcements

Grant review focuses on the significance of proposed aims, impact and innovation, the investigator's capacity to conduct the study as proposed, and support for the study hypotheses and research design. The entire application should address these issues. Investigators early in their research careers or new to implementation science often struggle to demonstrate their capacity to conduct the proposed study and the feasibility of the proposed methods. Not all National Institutes of Health (NIH) program announcements require preliminary data. However, those that do are clear that applications must convey investigator training and experience, capacity to conduct the study as proposed, and support for the study hypotheses and research design. The more complex the project, the more important it is to provide evidence of capacity and feasibility.

The R01grant mechanism is typically large in scope compared to the R03, R21, and R34 a . Program announcements for grant mechanisms that are preliminary to R01 studies give important clues on how to set the stage for an R01 and demonstrate feasibility. Investigator capacity can be demonstrated by describing prior work, experience, and training relevant to the application's setting, substantive issues, and methodology – drawing on prior employment and research experience. For example, the NIH R03 small grant mechanism is often used to establish the feasibility of procedures, pilot test instruments, and refine data management procedures for subsequent R01.

The NIH R21 and the R34 mechanisms support the development of new tools or technologies; proof of concept studies; early phases of research that evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, acceptability, and safety of novel treatments; demonstrate the feasibility of recruitment protocols; and support the development of assessment protocols and manuals for programs and treatments to be tested in subsequent R01 studies. These exploratory grants do not require extensive background material or preliminary information but serve as sources for gathering data for subsequent R01 studies. These grant program announcements provide a long list of how pre-R01 mechanisms can be used, and no single application can or should provide all the stage-setting work exemplified in these descriptions.

Review criteria, typically available on funding agency websites or within program announcements, may vary slightly by funding mechanism. However, grants are typically reviewed and scored according to such criteria as significance, approach (feasibility, appropriateness, robustness), impact, innovation, investigator team, and research environment.

Table 1 summarizes the ten ingredients, provides a checklist for reviewing applications before submission, and ties each ingredient to one or more of the typical grant review criteria.

Table 1 Ten Key Ingredients for Implementation Research Proposals

The literature does not provide a ". . . a comprehensive, prescriptive, and robust-yet practical-model to help…researchers understand (the) factors that need to be considered and addressed" in an R01 study. Therefore, we examined various sources to identify recommendations and examples of background work that can strengthen implementation research proposals. This paper reflects our team's experience with early career implementation researchers, specifically through training programs in implementation science and our work to provide technical assistance in implementation research through our university's Clinical and Translational Science Award CTSA program. We also studied grant program announcements in implementation science, notably the R03, R21, R18, and R01 program announcements. In various proposal sections, we studied how the successful implementation of research R01 grant applications 'set the stage' for the proposed study. We conducted a literature search using the following keywords: implementation research, implementation studies, preliminary studies, preliminary data, pilot studies, pilot data, pilot, implementation stages, implementation phases, and feasibility. We also drew on published studies describing the introduction and testing of implementation strategies and those that characterize key elements and phases of implementation research.

From these reviews, we identified ten ingredients that are important in all implementation research grants: the gap between usual care and evidence-based care; the background of the evidence-based treatment to be implemented, its empirical base, and requisites; the theoretical framework for implementation and explicit theoretical justification for the choice of implementation strategies; information about stakeholders' (providers, consumers, policymakers) treatment priorities; the setting's (and providers') readiness to adopt new treatments; the implementation strategies planned or considered in order to implement evidence-based care; the study team's experience with the setting, treatment, or implementation process and the research environment; the feasibility and requisites of the proposed methods; the measurement and analysis of study variables; and the health delivery setting's policy/funding environment, leverage or support for sustaining change.

Given the sparse literature on the importance of preliminary studies for implementation science grant applications, we 'vetted' our list of grant application components with a convenience sample of experts. Ultimately, nine experts responded to our request, including six Implementation Science editorial board members. We asked the experts to rate the importance of each of the ten elements, rating them as '1: Very important to address this is the application', '2: Helpful but not necessary to the application', or '3: Not very important to address' within the context of demonstrating investigator capacity and study feasibility. Respondents were also asked whether any additional factors were not listed.

While all the ten ingredients below were considered important for a successful application, several experts noted that their importance varies according to the aims of the application. For example, one expert affirmed the importance of the settings' readiness to change but noted that it might not be crucial to address in a given proposal: 'the setting's readiness may be unimportant to establish or report prior to the study, because the study purpose may be to establish an answer to this question.' However, another maintained, "In a good grant application, you must dot all the "I's" and cross all the "T's." I consider all these important.

One expert noted that applications might need to argue the importance of implementation research, including closing or reducing gaps in the quality of care. This was considered particularly important when the study section to review the grant may not understand or appreciate implementation research. In these cases, it may be important to define and differentiate implementation research from other clinical and health services research types.

For example, it may be useful to situate one's proposal within the Institute of Medicine's 'prevention research cycle', which demonstrates the progression from pre-intervention, efficacy, and effectiveness research to dissemination and implementation studies focusing on the adoption, sustainability, and scale-up of interventions. It may also be important to convey that implementation research is very complex, necessitating the use of multiple methods, a high degree of stakeholder involvement, and a fair amount of flexibility to ensure that implementers can respond appropriately to unforeseen barriers.

Ten Key Ingredients of a Competitive Implementation Research Grant Application

As emphasized at the beginning of this article, the essential ingredient in a successful implementation science proposal is a research question that is innovative and, when answered, can advance the field of implementation science. Assuming that an important question has been established for potential reviewers, we propose that the following ten ingredients can help investigators demonstrate their capacity to conduct the study and demonstrate the feasibility of completing the study as proposed. We provide examples of how preliminary data, background literature, and narrative detail can strengthen the application of each ingredient.

1. The Care Gap, or Quality Gap, Addressed in the Application

The primary rationale for all implementation efforts, and thus a key driver in implementation science, is discovering how to reduce gaps in healthcare access and quality or, from a public health perspective, reducing the gap between Healthy People 2020 goals and current health status. Accordingly, implementation research proposals should provide clear evidence that gaps exist and that there is room for improvement and impact through the proposed implementation effort. This is a primary way of demonstrating the public health significance of the proposed work.

Gaps in the quality of programs, services, and healthcare can be measured and documented at the population-, organization-, and provider levels. Several kinds of preliminary data can demonstrate the quality gap to be reduced through the proposed implementation effort. For example, investigators can emphasize the burden of disease through data that reflect its morbidity, mortality, quality of life, and cost. An implementation research grant should cite service system research that demonstrates unmet needs, the wide variation in the use of evidence-based treatments in usual care, or the association between the burden of disease and variations in the use of guidelines.

Investigators can also document that few providers adopt evidence-based treatments, that evidence-based treatments or programs have limited reach, or that the implementation study can address that penetration into a care system. Regardless of the specific approach to documenting a quality gap, investigators should use rigorous methods and involve all relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders can demonstrate their involvement and endorse quality gaps through letters of support attesting to the lack of evidence-based services in usual care.

2. The Evidence-Based Treatment to be Implemented

A second key ingredient in implementation research proposals is the evidence-based program, treatment, policies, or set of services whose implementation will be studied in the proposed research. The research 'pipeline' contains many effective programs and treatments in a backlog, waiting to be implemented. Moreover, many health settings experience a huge demand for better care. An appropriate evidence-based treatment contributes to the project's public health significance and practical impact, presuming that it will be studied in a way that contributes to implementation science.

Implementation research proposals must demonstrate that the evidence-based service is ready for implementation. The strength of the empirical evidence for a given guideline or treatment, a key part of 'readiness', can be demonstrated in various ways; in some fields, specific thresholds must be met before an intervention is deemed 'evidence-based' or 'empirically-supported'. For example, Chambless et al. suggest that interventions should demonstrate efficacy by superior to placebos or another treatment in at least two between-group design experiments or by showing efficacy in a large series of single-case design experiments. Further, Chambless et al.  note that the experiments must have been conducted with treatment manuals, the characteristics of the samples must have been specified, and the effects must have been demonstrated by at least two different investigators or investigative teams.

The strength of evidence for a given treatment can also be classified using the Cochrane EPOC's criteria for levels of evidence, which considers randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, time series designs, and controlled before-and-after studies as appropriate. Researchers who come to implementation research as effectiveness researchers or as program or treatment developers are well positioned because they can point to their prior research as part of their own background work. Other researchers can establish readiness for implementation by reviewing evidence for the treatment or program as part of the background literature review, preferably relying on well-conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (if available). At a minimum, evaluability assessment can help reflect what changes or improvements are needed to optimize effectiveness given the context of the implementation effort.

3. Conceptual Model and Theoretical Justification

Any research striving for generalizable knowledge should be guided by and proposed to test conceptual frameworks, models, and theories. Yet, the theory has been drastically underutilized and underspecified in implementation research. For example, in a review of 235 implementation studies, less than 25% of the studies employed theory in any way, and only 6% were explicitly theory-based. While translating theory into research design is not easy, the absence of theory in implementation research has limited our ability to specify key contextual variables and identify the precise mechanisms by which implementation strategies exert their effects.

McDonald et al.  present a useful hierarchy of theories and models, which serves to organize the different levels of theory and specify the ways in which they can be useful in implementation research. They differentiate between conceptual models, frameworks, and systems, which are used to represent global ideas about a phenomenon and theory, which is an 'organized, heuristic, coherent, and systematic set of statements related to significant questions that are communicated in a meaningful whole'. Within the realm of theory, they differentiate between grand or macro theories ( e.g. , Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory, mid-range theories ( e.g. , transtheoretical model of change), and micro-theories ( e.g. , feedback intervention theory). Though models, frameworks, and systems are generally at a higher level of abstraction than theories, it is important to note that the level of abstraction varies between and within the categories of the hierarchy. The thoughtful integration of conceptual models and theories can substantially strengthen an application.

Conceptual models, frameworks, and systems can play a critical role in anchoring a research study theoretically by portraying the key variables and relationships to be tested. Studies that address only a subset of variables within a conceptual model must be framed conceptually so that reviewers perceive the larger context (and body of literature) that a particular study proposes to inform. Given the confusion surrounding definitions and terminology within the still-evolving field of dissemination and implementation, grant proposals need consistent language, clear definitions for constructs, and the most valid and reliable measures for the constructs corresponding to the guiding conceptual framework or theoretical model.

Proposal writers should be cautioned that the theory or conceptual model used to frame the study must be used within the application. A mere mention will not suffice. A conceptual model can help frame study questions and hypotheses, anchor the background literature, clarify the constructs to be measured, and illustrate the relationships to be evaluated or tested. The application must also determine how potential findings will inform the theory or model.

Numerous models and frameworks can inform implementation research. For example, Glasgow et al.  RE-AIM framework can inform evaluation efforts in the area of implementation science. Similarly, Proctor et al.  have proposed a model that informs evaluation by differentiating implementation, service system, and clinical outcomes and identifying a range of implementation outcomes that can be assessed. Damschroder et al. 's Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research identifies five domains that are critical to successful implementation:  

• Intervention characteristics (evidentiary support, relative advantage, adaptability, trialability, and complexity),
• The outer setting (patient needs and resources, organizational connectedness, peer pressure, external policy and incentives),
• The inner setting (structural characteristics, networks and communications, culture, climate, readiness for implementation),
• The characteristics of the individuals involved (knowledge, self-efficacy, stage of change, identification with organization, etc.), and
• The process of implementation (planning, engaging, executing, reflecting, evaluating).

Others have published stage or phase models of implementation. For example, the Department of Veteran Affairs' QUERI initiative specifies a four-phase model spanning pilot projects, small clinical trials, regional implementation, and implementation on the national scale. Aarons, Hurlburt, and Horwitz developed a four-phase model of exploration, adoption/preparation, active implementation, and sustainment. Magnabosco delineates between the pre-implementation, initial implementation, and sustainability planning phases.

McDonald et al.  note that grand theories are similar to conceptual models and that they generally represent theories of change. They differentiate between classical models of change that emphasize natural or passive change processes, such as Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory, and planning models of change that specify central elements of active implementation efforts. Investigators may find it more helpful to draw from mid-range theories because they discuss the mechanisms of change at various levels of the implementation context.

For example, social psychological theories, organizational theories, cognitive psychology theories, educational theories, and a host of others may be relevant to the proposed project. While conceptual models are useful in framing a study theoretically and providing a 'big picture' of the hypothesized relationships between variables, mid-range theories can be more helpful in justifying the selection of specific implementation strategies specifying the mechanisms by which they may exert their effects. Given the different roles theory can play in implementation research, investigators should consider relevant theories at multiple levels of the theoretical hierarchy when preparing their proposals. It is far beyond the scope of this article to review conceptual models and theories in detail; however, several authors have produced invaluable syntheses of conceptual models and theories that investigators may find useful.

4. Stakeholder Priorities and Engagement in Change

Successful implementation of evidence-based interventions largely depends on their fit with the preferences and priorities of those who shape, deliver, and participate in healthcare. Stakeholders in implementation, and thus in implementation research, include treatment or guideline developers, researchers, administrators, providers, funders, community-based organizations, consumers, families, and perhaps legislators who shape reimbursement policies (see Mendel et al. ' article for a framework that outlines different levels of stakeholders). These stakeholders will likely vary in their knowledge, perceptions, and preferences for healthcare. Their perspectives contribute substantially to the context of implementation and must be understood and addressed if the implementation effort is to succeed.

A National Institute of Mental Health Council workgroup report calls for the engagement of multiple stakeholder perspectives, from concept development to implementation, in order to improve the sustainability of evidence-based services in real-world practice. The engagement of key stakeholders in implementation research affects the impact of proposed implementation efforts, the sustainability of the proposed change, and the feasibility and ultimate success of the proposed research project. Thus, implementation research grant proposals should convey the extent and manner in which key stakeholders are engaged in the project.

Stakeholders and researchers can forge different types of collaborative relationships. Lindamer et al.  describe three different approaches researchers and stakeholders can take that vary with respect to the level of participation of the stakeholders and community in decisions about the research. In the 'community-targeted' approach, stakeholders are involved in recruitment and disseminating the results. In the 'community-based' approach, stakeholders participate in selecting research topics, but the researcher makes the final decision on the study design, methodology, and data analysis. Finally, the community-driven approach or community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach entails the participation of the stakeholders in all aspects of the research. Some authors advocate for the CBPR model as a strategy to decrease the gap between research and practice because it addresses some of the barriers to implementation and dissemination by enhancing the external validity of the research and promoting the sustainability of the intervention. Kerner et al.  note:

'When community-based organizations are involved as full partners in study design, implementation, and evaluation of study findings, these organizations may be more amenable to adopting the approaches identified as being effective, as their tacit knowledge about what works would have been evaluated explicitly through research."

Stakeholder analysis can evaluate and understand stakeholders' interests, interrelations, influences, preferences, and priorities. The information gathered from stakeholder analysis can then be used to develop strategies for collaborating with stakeholders, facilitate the implementation of decisions or organizational objectives, or understand the future of policy directions.

Implementation research grant applications are stronger when preliminary data, qualitative or quantitative, reflect stakeholder preferences around the proposed change. Engagement is also reflected in publications that the principal investigator (PI) and key stakeholders have shared in authorship or methodological details that reflect stakeholder priorities. Letters of support are a minimal reflection of stakeholder investment in the proposed implementation project.

5. Context: Setting's Readiness to Adopt New Services, Treatments, Programs

Implementation research proposals are strengthened by information that reflects the setting's readiness, capacity, or appetite for change, specifically around the adoption of the proposed evidence-based treatment. This is not to say that all implementation research should be conducted in settings with a high appetite for change. Implementation research is often criticized for disproportionate focus on settings that are eager and ready for change. 'Cherry picking' sites, where change is virtually guaranteed, or studying implementation only with eager and early adopters, does not produce knowledge that can generalize to usual care, where change is often challenging. The field of implementation science needs information about the process of change where readiness varies, including settings where change is resisted.

Preliminary data on the organizational and policy context and its readiness for change can strengthen an application. Typically viewed as 'nuisance' variance to be controlled in efficacy and effectiveness research, contextual factors are key in implementation research. The "it's all about context" theme at the 2011 NIH Training Institute in Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health reflects the primacy of context. Because organization, policy, and funding context may be among the strongest influences on implementation outcomes, context needs to be examined front and center in implementation research. A number of scales are available to capture one key aspect of context: the setting's readiness or capacity for change. Weiner et al.'s extensive review focusing on the conceptualization and measurement of organizational readiness for change identified 43 different instruments, though they acknowledged substantial problems with the reliability and validity of many of the measures. Due in part to issues with the reliability and validity of the measures used in the field, work in this area is ongoing.

Other approaches to assessing readiness have focused on organizational culture, climate, work attitudes, and providers' attitudes toward evidence-based practices. Furthermore, prospective identification of implementation barriers and facilitators can be helpful in demonstrating readiness to change, increasing reviewers' confidence that the PI has thoroughly assessed the implementation context, and informing the selection of implementation strategies (discussed in the following section). An evaluation of barriers and facilitators can be conducted through qualitative or survey methodology. A number of scales for measuring implementation barriers have been developed. While weaker than data, letters from agency partners or policymakers can also convey the setting's readiness and capacity for change. Letters are stronger when they address the alignment of the implementation effort to setting organizational priorities or to current or emergent policies.

6. Implementation Strategy/Process

Assessing implementation barriers can play an important role in implementation research; the rising bar in the field demands that investigators move beyond the study of barriers to research that generates knowledge about the implementation processes and strategies to overcome them. Accordingly, the NIH has prioritized efforts to 'identify, develop, and refine effective and efficient methods, structures, and strategies to disseminate and implement' innovations in healthcare.

A number of implementation strategies have been identified and discussed in the literature. However, as the Improved Clinical Effectiveness through Behavioural Research Group notes, the most consistent finding from systematic reviews of implementation strategies is that most are effective some, but not all of the time, and produce effect sizes ranging from no effect to a large effect. Our inability to determine how, why, when, and for whom these strategies are effective is largely hampered by the absence of detailed descriptions of implementation strategies, the use of inconsistent language, and the lack of clear theoretical justification for selecting specific strategies.

Thus, investigators should provide detailed descriptions of implementation strategies to be observed or empirically tested. Implementation Science has endorsed using the WIDER Recommendations to Improve Reporting of the Content of Behaviour Change Interventions to improve the conduct and reporting of implementation research, and these recommendations will undoubtedly be useful to investigators whose proposals employ implementation strategies.

Investigators may also find the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) helpful. Additional design-specific reporting guidelines can be found on the Equator Network website. The selection of strategies must be justified conceptually by drawing upon models and frameworks that outline critical implementation elements. Theory should be used to explain the mechanisms through which implementation strategies are proposed to exert their effects, and it may be helpful to clarify the proposed mechanisms of change through the development of a logic model and illustrate the model through a figure.

According to Brian Mittman, in addition to being theory-based, implementation strategies should be multifaceted or multilevel (if appropriate); robust or readily adaptable; feasible and acceptable to stakeholders; compelling, saleable, trialable, and observable; sustainable; and scalable. We, therefore, emphasize taking stock of the budget impact of implementation strategies and any cost and cost-effectiveness data related to the implementation strategies. Although budget impact is a key concern to administrators and some funding agencies require budget impact analysis, implementation science to date suffers a dearth of economic evaluations from which to draw.

The empirical evidence for the effectiveness of multifaceted strategies has been mixed. Early research touted the benefits of multifaceted strategies, while a systematic review of 235 implementation trials by Grimshaw et al. found no relationship between the number of component interventions and the effects of multifaceted interventions. However, Wensing et al.  note that while multifaceted interventions were assumed to address multiple barriers to change, many focus on only one barrier.

For example, providing training and consultation is a multifaceted implementation strategy; however, it primarily increases provider knowledge and does not address other implementation barriers. Thus, Wensing et al.  argue that multifaceted interventions could be more effective if they address different implementation barriers ( e.g. , provider knowledge and the organizational context). While the methods for tailoring clinical interventions and implementation strategies to local contexts need to be improved, intervention mapping and a recently developed behavior change wheel are two promising approaches.

Proposals that employ multifaceted and multilevel strategies that address prospectively identified implementation barriers may be more compelling to review committees, but mounting complex experiments may be beyond the reach of many early-stage investigators and grant mechanisms. However, it is within the scope of R03, R21, and R34 supported research to develop implementation strategies and to conduct pilot tests of their feasibility and acceptability – work that can strengthen the case for sustainability and scalability. Proposal writers should provide preliminary work for implementation strategies in the same way intervention developers do, such as by providing manuals or protocols to guide their use and methods to gauge their fidelity. Such work is illustrated in the pilot study conducted by Kauth et al. , which demonstrated that an external facilitation strategy intended to increase the use of cognitive behavioral therapy within Veteran Affairs clinics was a promising and low-cost strategy; such pilot data would likely bolster reviewers' confidence that the strategy is feasible, scalable, and ultimately, sustainable. Investigators should also make plans to document any modifications to the intervention and, if possible, incorporate adaptation models into the implementation process because interventions are rarely implemented without being modified.

While providing a detailed specification of theory-based implementation strategies is critical, investigators must also acknowledge the complexity of implementation processes. Aarons and Palinkas comment:

'It is unrealistic to assume that implementation is a simple process, that one can identify all the salient concerns, be completely prepared, and implement effectively without adjustments. It is becoming increasingly clear that being prepared to implement EBP means evaluating, adjusting, and adapting in a continuing process that includes give and take between intervention developers, service system researchers, organizations, providers, and consumers.

Ultimately, proposals that reflect the PI's understanding of the complexity of implementing evidence-based practices and that provide supporting detail about strategies and processes will be perceived as more feasible to complete through the proposed methods.

7. Team Experience with the Setting, Treatment, Implementation Process, and Research Environment

Grant reviewers are asked to assess a PI's capacity to successfully complete a proposed study. Grant applications that convey the team's experience with the study setting, the treatment whose implementation is being studied, and implementation processes help convey the capacity and feasibility to complete an implementation research project.

The reader should observe that NIH gives different scores for the team's experience with the setting and for the research environment (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/writing_application.htm), but the purpose of both sections is to demonstrate the capacity to successfully carry out the study as proposed. Investigators can convey capacity in various ways. Chief among them is building a strong research team whose members bring depth and experience in areas the PI does not yet have. Implementation research exemplifies multidisciplinary team science, informed by diverse substantive and methodological fields.

A team that brings the needed disciplines and skill sets directly to the project enhances the project's likelihood of success. Early-stage implementation researchers who collaborate or partner with senior investigators reassure reviewers that the proposed work will benefit from the senior team member's experience and expertise. Similarly, collaborators play important roles in complementing or rounding out the PI's disciplinary perspective and methodological skill set. Early career investigators, therefore, should surround themselves with more established colleagues who bring knowledge and experience in areas key to the study aims and methods.  The narrative should cite team members' relevant work, and their prior work can be addressed in a discussion of preliminary studies. The new formats for NIH bio sketches and budget justifications also portray what each team member brings to the proposed study.

For the NIH applications, the research environment is detailed in the resources and environment section of a grant application. Here, an investigator can describe the setting's track record in implementation research, research centers, labs, and offices on which the PI can draw, and structural and historical ties to healthcare settings. For example, a PI can describe how their project will draw upon the University's CTSA program, statistics or design labs, established pools of research staff, and health services research centers. Preliminary studies and sketches provide additional ways to convey the environment's strengths and context within which an investigator will launch a proposed study.

In summary, researchers need to detail the strengths of the research environment, emphasizing in particular the resources, senior investigators, and research infrastructure that can contribute to the success of the proposed study. A strong research environment is especially important for implementation research, which is typically team-based, requires expertise of multiple disciplines, and strong relationships between researchers and community-based health settings. Investigators surrounded by experienced implementation researchers, working in a setting with strong community ties, and drawing on experienced research staff can inspire greater confidence in the proposed study's likelihood of success.

8. Feasibility of Proposed Research Design and Methods

One of the most important functions of preliminary work is to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed research design and methods. Landsverk urges PIs to consider every possible question reviewers might raise and to explicitly address those issues in the application. Data from small feasibility studies or pilot work around referral flow, participant entry into the study, participant retention, and the extent to which participants understand key measures, acceptable for use, and capture variability can demonstrate that the proposed methods will likely work.

The methods section should contain as much detail as possible and lay out possible choice junctures and contingencies should methods not work as planned. It is not only important to justify methodological choices, but also to discuss why potential alternatives were not selected. For example, if randomization is not feasible or acceptable to stakeholders, investigators should make that clear. Letters from study site collaborators can support, but should not replace, the narrative's detail on study methods. For example, letters attesting to the willingness of study sites to be randomized or to support recruitment for the proposed timeframe can help offset reviewer concerns about some real-world challenges of launching implementation studies.

9. Measurement and Analysis

A grant application must specify a measurement plan for each construct in the study's overarching conceptual model or guiding theory, whether those constructs pertain to implementation strategies, the implementation context, stakeholder preferences and priorities, and implementation outcomes. Yet, crafting the study approach section is complicated by the lack of consensus on methodological approaches to the study of implementation processes, measuring implementation context and outcomes, and testing implementation strategies.

Measurement is a particularly important aspect of study methods because it determines the quality of data. Unlike efficacy and effectiveness studies, implementation research often involves the customization of an intervention to fit the local context; accordingly, measurement plans must address the intervention's degree of customization versus fidelity. Moreover, implementation science encompasses a broad range of constructs from a variety of disciplines, with little standardization of measures or agreement on definitions of constructs across different studies, fields, authors, or research groups, further compounding the burden to present a clear and robust measurement plan along with its rationale.

Two current initiatives seek to advance the harmonization, standardization, and rigor of measurement in implementation science: the U.S. National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Grid-Enabled Measures (GEM) portal and the Comprehensive Review of Dissemination and Implementation Science Instruments efforts supported by the Seattle Implementation Research Conference (SIRC) at the University of Washington. Both initiatives engage the implementation science research community to enhance the quality and harmonization of measures. Their respective websites are populated with measures and ratings, affording grant writers an invaluable resource in addressing a key methodological challenge.

Key challenges in crafting the analysis plan for implementation studies include determining the unit of analysis, given the 'action' at individual, team, organizational, and policy environments; shaping meditational analyses given the role of contextual variables; and developing and using appropriate methods for characterizing the speed, quality, and degree of implementation. The proposed study's design, assessment tools, analytic strategies, and analytic tools must address these challenges somehow. Grant applications that propose the testing of implementation strategies or processes often provide preliminary data from small-scale pilot studies to examine feasibility and assess sources of variation. However, the magnitude of effects in small pilots should be determined by clinical relevance, given the uncertainty of power calculations from small-scale studies.

10. Policy/Funding Environment; Leverage or Support for Sustaining Change

PIs should ensure that grant applications reflect their understanding of the policy and funding context of the implementation effort. Health policies differ in many ways that impact quality, and legal, reimbursement and regulatory factors affect the adoption and sustainability of evidence-based treatments. Raghavan et al.  discuss the policy ecology of implementation and emphasize that greater attention should be paid to marginal costs associated with implementing evidence-based treatments, including expenses for provider training, supervision, and consultation. Glasgow et al.  recently extended their behaviorally focused RE-AIM framework for public health interventions to health policies, revealing the challenges associated with policy as a practice-change lever.

PIs can address the policy context of the implementation initiative through the narrative, background literature, letters of support, and the resource and environment section. Proposals that address how the implementation initiative aligns with policy trends enhance their likelihood of being viewed as having high public health significance and greater practical impact, feasibility, and sustainability. It is important to note that it may behoove investigators to address the policy context within a proposal even if it is not likely to be facilitative of implementation because it demonstrates to reviewers that the investigator is not naïve to the challenges and barriers at this level.

We identify and discuss ten key ingredients in implementation research grant proposals. The paper reflects the team's experience and expertise: writing for federal funding agencies in the United States. We acknowledge that this will be a strength for some readers and a limitation for international readers, whom we encourage to contribute additional perspectives. Setting the stage with careful background detail and preliminary data may be more important for implementation research, which poses a unique set of challenges that investigators should anticipate and demonstrate their capacity to manage. Data to set the stage for implementation research may be collected by the study team through preliminary, feasibility, or pilot studies, or the team may draw on others' work, citing background literature to establish readiness for the proposed research.

Every PI struggles with the challenge of fitting into a page-limited application the research background, methodological detail, and information that can convey the project's feasibility and likelihood of success. The relative emphasis on, and thus the length of text addressing, the various sections of a grant proposal varies with the program mechanism, application call, and funding source. For NIH applications, most attention and detail should be allocated to the study method because the 'approach' section is typically weighted most heavily in scoring.

Moreover, the under-specification or lack of detail in study methodology usually receives the bulk of reviewer criticism. Well-constructed, parsimonious tables, logic models, figures reflecting key concepts, and the analytic plan for testing their relationships help add clarity, focus reviewers, and prevent misperceptions. All implementation research grants need to propose aims, study questions, or hypotheses whose answers will advance implementation science. Beyond this fundamental grounding, proposed implementation studies should address most, if not all, of the ingredients identified here. While no application can include a high level of detail about every ingredient, addressing these components can help assure reviewers of the proposed research's significance, feasibility, and impact.

How to Write an RFP for Grants – Everything You Need to Know

Updated: May 09, 2024

Published: May 08, 2024

Beth Goldowitz, who’s been managing nonprofit organizations for the past 20 years, says that when “managed correctly, grants can keep organizations afloat. They’re stable and predictable, a revenue stream that the organization can count on for the duration of a contract.”

But do you know how long it takes to write a single grant application?

Over 30 hours, and considering that grant writers usually get paid between $25 and $100 per hour, depending on their experience, it’s a significant cost. That’s why it’s so important for nonprofits to decide which grants to pick.

Your organization can make it much easier for applicants to assess if they’re the right fit for your project. It all comes down to getting your RFP for grants right, including adding the right sections and asking the right questions.

Before I dive deeper into the subject, let’s answer the question: what is an RFP for grants?

What is an RFP for grants?

The challenges of writing an rfp for grants, the anatomy of an rfp for grants, how to write an rfp for grants, best practices for writing an rfp for grants, rfp for grants resources.

An RFP for grants, or Request for Proposals, is a document issued by grantors such as foundations and government agencies encouraging nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for funding.

Essentially, RFPs offer nonprofits an opportunity to secure funding for various initiatives, irrespective of whether they relate to education, healthcare, or environmental causes.

Each RFP is tailored to achieve a specific goal, so submitted proposals must be in line with the objectives outlined in the RFP.

Free RFP Templates

Fill out the form to get these templates.

• One-Pager RFP
• Longer In-Depth RFP
• Designed PDF RFP

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

I have spoken to a few people working at nonprofits to find out what challenges they came across, either while creating their own RFPs or preparing RFP proposals. Here are the most common obstacles.

Lack of Sufficient Information About the Procurement Process

The quality of your procurement process will impact the quality of the applications you receive. If you don’t share enough information about it, like the timeline, budget, selection criteria, etc., then two things might happen:

• You will receive applications that aren’t the right fit for the project.
• A lot of applicants who are the right fit won’t take part in the process as they’ll feel discouraged by the lack of clarity.

The more detailed and logical your procurement process is, the higher the chances of receiving high-quality proposals.

RFP Grants Failing to Communicate the Vision Clearly

This is an RFP grant challenge that has come up the most frequently.

Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl , says that “many organizations struggle to articulate what specific issues they are trying to address and how the grant they offer will drive impact.”

What often happens is that RFP grant writers take a scattered approach instead of having a cohesive strategic framework. As a result, it’s hard for founders who give out grants to evaluate the proposal’s purpose and potential.

Manglik adds that “the most effective RFPs have a sharply defined focus outlining the goals, target population, and theory of change for proposed activities.”

Not Understanding the Legal Implications of the Grant

Grants often come with terms and conditions that must be followed to stay compliant. Failing to do so might result in penalties or even in grants being revoked.

These terms and conditions should be clear and easy to understand to minimize the risk of breaching them.

Jonathan Feniak, general counsel at LLC Attorney , says, “When writing RFP grant proposals, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications of the grant and factor any liabilities into your plan.

If any IP is developed with grant funding, you must specify ownership rights to avoid potential conflicts with donors later.”

Feniak also notes that proposals should clearly outline your expectations, and you must agree on whether the charity or the investor owns its rights.

“Generally, it’s best to consult your legal team throughout the RFP writing process to manage the risks and clearly outline IP ownership,” adds Feniak.

Ensuring clarity and specificity in the language used.

It’s vital to use a language that is not only clear but also specific so it’s easier for potential bidders to understand what’s expected of them. This applies to the requirements, objectives, and expectations of the project.

Kimberly Wall, co-founder of BibleKeeper , says, “The challenge lies in articulating the project’s goals, objectives, and expected outcomes clearly using words that are not really overwhelming the potential applicants with unnecessary details.”

Using the right language will eliminate confusion among nonprofits and make sure that their proposals accurately correspond to the needs of the RFP issuer.

RFPs for grants come in two forms: concise, short tables, where information is filled out in bullet points, and longer ones, which cover each section in detail.

The former aims to give a high-level overview, while the latter is where applicants take a deep dive into their proposal.

So, there isn’t such a thing as an “ideal” length for an RFP. These types of documents can take up multiple pages and usually function as downloadable PDFs.

If you’re wondering what elements grantors should include, then here’s an RFP structure we recommend at HubSpot.

RFP: [Project Name]

Proposal Due By: [Date]

[Organization Name]

In addition to the name, this section could also feature a short overview of your mission. Don’t include a long history of your organization. Instead, use this space to provide a bit of context on what it does and its target market.

Project Overview

A brief introduction to the project itself to let nonprofits know right away if it’s something worth bidding on — no longer than 1-2 paragraphs.

Project Goals

This section identifies what you hope to accomplish through assigning funds to relevant organizations. Specify what you’ll see as a “win” so everyone is on the same page.

Scope of Work

A description of the project and a scope of work — either detailed, if it’s a long RFP, or bullet points if it’s short.

Current Roadblocks and Barriers to Success

In this section, mention any potential constraints that could either disqualify certain candidates or increase the operational complexity of meeting goals.

Evaluation Metrics and Criteria

Here, you outline how you’re going to choose grantees. There are different approaches — some companies use simple “yes” or “no” evaluations to check if a proposal meets the project objectives.

Other organizations use percentages to score more important criteria higher than others.

Submission Requirements

Exact guidelines bidders must adhere to.

Project Due By

If there is a specific project delivery date, mention it in the RFP. This will help you filter out applicants who can’t guarantee completing it within the required timeline.

Here, you should include the target budget. Specify if this budget will be distributed among multiple organizations or assigned to a single grantee.

General Conditions of Contract

This could include information like:

• Applicant’s legal status.
• Your stance on subcontracting.
• Indemnification, insurance, and liabilities.

Some templates also suggest asking questions that you expect bidders to answer — these can serve as a way to further check their alignment with your mission.

So, now that you know what goes into an RFP, let’s learn how to write them. Below, I’ll describe the steps you should take when tackling this paperwork.

In each section, I’ll work through the steps, as I build a mock RFP for sustainability nonprofits.

My sample organization, Earthly Partners, is looking to fund sustainability projects based in the Southwestern United States. Let's get started.

1. Identify the objectives.

In this step, I want to list all the key information, like goals, timeline, budget, and applicant profile.

As you gather these, you’ll likely come across some informational gaps or considerations that require expert knowledge, like legal considerations and grantor/grantee obligations.

This is an important preliminary stage, which should end with a complete list of information you’ll need to evaluate bidders.

Testing It Out

So, what does my organization, Earthly Partners, want to accomplish? We want to focus on fighting climate change in the South West, particularly through drought relief and community advocacy.

We are able to provide grants of up to $50,000 to each nonprofit.

2. Write an introduction.

Now, I want to provide a bit of information about the organization and the area we focus on. I may also include my organization’s values, current challenges, and the problems we would like to address.

Here is an example of an intro to Earthly Partners’ RFP. Here, we highlight the mission that we focus on and a little bit about our mock organization’s history.

Earthly Partners is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding to support projects that align with our mission of environmental conservation and advocacy.

Established in 2010, Earthly Partners has been dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices, water conservation, and community empowerment. We recognize the importance of fostering innovative solutions and collaborations within our community, and through this grant opportunity, we aim to support projects that demonstrate creativity, sustainability, and significant impact.

We are most interested in projects focused on community advocacy for climate policies and drought relief.

3. Provide a project description.

This section should serve as a high-level overview. Potential applicants will look at it to quickly assess whether they can propose a relevant project within the required timeline and available budget.

Here’s my project description for my mock sustainability nonprofit:

Grant Purpose: The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals for projects that address environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, or sustainable development.

We seek proposals that offer innovative approaches, foster community engagement, and contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of ecosystems and communities.

Grant Details:

• Total Funding Available: $50,000
• Grant Duration: 12 months
• Grant Amount: Grants may range from $2,500 to $10,000
• Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations and community groups operating within the Greater Metropolitan Area are eligible to apply.
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2024.

4. List clear requirements.

Here, I can specify what exactly I need to know about the proposal. That includes asking the applicants for the project description and how it will help fulfill the goals of your grant.

Continuing with the sustainability grant project from above, this section could look like the following:

Proposal Guidelines:

Applicants are invited to submit proposals that address the following key components.

• Project Description: Provide a detailed description of the proposed project, including its objectives, activities, target population, and anticipated outcomes.
• Project Impact: Clearly articulate the potential impact of the project on the environment or the local community. Describe how the project will contribute to positive change and address identified environmental or social needs.
• Innovation and Creativity: Highlight any innovative approaches or strategies proposed to address the identified environmental or social challenge. We encourage applicants to think creatively and propose solutions that may be outside traditional approaches.
• Sustainability: Demonstrate the project’s sustainability beyond the grant period. Describe plans for ongoing funding, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the long-term success of the project.
• Roadblocks to Success: Identify potential challenges or roadblocks that the project may face and describe strategies to overcome them. Consider factors such as regulatory hurdles, community resistance, funding constraints, or technical limitations.
• Budget and Timeline: Provide a detailed budget that outlines how grant funds will be used. Include a project timeline with key milestones and deliverables.

5. Include a submission deadline.

Here, I want to call out the deadline for submissions and explain my preferred way of submitting proposals.

For Earthly Partners, I want to have proposals by the end of July. I call that out, along with my preferred submission format, below.

Submission Instructions:

Please submit your proposal electronically to [email address] no later than July 31, 2024. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format and include the organization's name, contact information, and the title of the proposed project in the subject line.

​​​​6. Be clear on the evaluation factors.

It’s important to explain all the elements your organization will pay attention to while evaluating applications.

Applicants who do not meet your criteria will likely withdraw from submitting their proposal if they don’t see they’re a good fit. This, in turn, will help you pre-qualify organizations and shorten the selection process.

For Earthly Partners, I want to explain how we plan to evaluate applicants and give an overview of next steps. This allows me to explain what projects are likely to receive funding and the timeline for these evaluations.

Evaluation Process:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with Earthly Partner’s mission and grant objectives.
• Clarity and feasibility of the project proposal.
• Potential impact and sustainability of the project.
• Innovation and creativity of proposed approaches.
• Budget justification and cost-effectiveness.

Notification:

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by August 31, 2024. Successful applicants will receive further instructions regarding grant agreements, reporting requirements, and funding disbursement.

7. Proofread and edit the document.

I use the editing process to make sure that all the necessary elements are included in my RFP and that the instructions are easy to follow.

Failing to use easy-to-understand language might result in low-quality submissions. It’s a good idea to ask a few of your colleagues for feedback to ensure you’ve not missed any important details.

Here are a few considerations to take into account while preparing your RFP.

Dedicate time to selecting the right eligibility and application criteria.

This is, arguably, the single most important section of your RFP — perhaps even more important than “budget,” as NGOs will want to quickly assess their eligibility.

Esther Strauss, co-founder of Step by Step Business , agrees:

“Given the diversity of causes we support, from education to environmental conservation, finding a grant that provides the necessary funding and also aligns with our goals can be like searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Strauss says that, whenever applying for a grant herself, she needs to know if her organization can genuinely meet the grantor’s requirements while staying true to the organization’s objectives and values.

The need to get the application “right” can also extend to selecting the right application format or method. “The pressure to get it right is immense, as these grants can significantly impact our ability to serve our community,” she adds.

So, how can you make it easier for applicants to assess if they’re the right fit and avoid application mistakes?

Include clear information like:

• Only bidders who meet at least X out of Y criteria will be considered.
• Proposals must be sent in [FORMAT] by [DEADLINE]. Applications sent in through other channels will not be considered.
• Application needs to include a proposed schedule.
• Proposals must be shorter than [NUMBER] pages. Failure to comply with this guideline will result in an automatic rejection.

For a real-life example, you can also look at this RFP proposal from the U.N. , which keeps the requirement descriptions clear and concise.

As you can see, the quality of the proposals and organization fit lies largely in your hands.

Image Source

Simplify negotiations by including key contract terms.

Earlier, I’ve mentioned that many RFP grant writers struggle with translating legal requirements in the RFP.

Wayne Tung of Sendero wrote a great piece on this subject, encouraging RFP publishers to give it the same level of attention as requirements and scope.

“Many people do not include contract term requirements, such as legal and commercial terms, in RFPs. This results in prolonged negotiations,” or even failed grants, he says.

Featuring the main contract terms in the RFP shows respect for both parties — you as the project operator and the organizations seeking funding.

Sometimes, fewer questions are better.

I spent quite some time going through Reddit threads popular among the RFP community, and one of the most interesting points I’ve seen was about question-fit.

One Redditor, roger_the_virus , blatantly says grantors should avoid “useless questions that won’t provide helpful answers. I do my best to make sure we’re not asking for a bunch of information we don’t need and won’t do anything with.”

That said, when it comes to questions, don’t automatically discredit applicants who can’t answer all of them. Offer organizations that have pitched a fitting project and budget the opportunity to ask follow-up questions.

This will prevent them from submitting answers with low informational value, i.e., responses that are vague or unrelated to your query.

Speaking of supplementary questions, this leads to the next point.

Provide clear contact information.

The larger your organization, the less likely it is that there will only be one person responsible for proposal reception and answering questions from applicants.

However, even if it’s an entire office, you should provide contact information with the relevant communication method — either walk-ins between a specific time, like Monday to Friday, email address, or phone number.

Bear in mind that many nonprofits apply to RFPs ongoingly and will only do so if they see that the grantor can help with applicant requests. Here’s an opinion on Reddit from an RFP proposal writer, which garnered multiple upvotes:

“I won’t respond to an RFP unless they commit to giving me their time for detailed discovery and a chance for them to read me the RFP requirements line by line and why they’re important.”

Disclose any potential blockers.

Finally, be transparent about any potential roadblocks winning bidders might come across.

When applying for grants, NGOs need to know if they have the means to complete the project and if there are any other issues, like conflict of interest.

For example, say your organization wishes to assign funds to boost literacy rates in remote rural areas. One of the prerequisites could be having established relationships within target communities.

Such an approach will help preselect applicants, particularly those who don’t have the operational capacity to navigate around any potential constraints.

Here are three resources that might come in handy while drafting an RFP for grants.

1. Candid’s Foundation Directory

Candid’s Foundation Directory shares essential information to help you make smart and strategic funding requests. These resources and tools give you access to funding opportunities that go beyond RFPs.

It includes a list of foundations, including their profiles, funding priorities, application procedures, and contact information.

RFP writers can go through the proposals that have been published already and use them as inspiration to create their own.

2. Free RFP Templates From HubSpot

HubSpot’s Free RFP templates are a great starter kit and will help you draft your request in no time.

This resource gives you two RFP versions — a shorter one and a longer one. Both documents are fully customizable, allowing you to easily add your company name and logo.

You can download them in PDF or turn them into a Microsoft Word or Google Docs file.

These templates include all the crucial elements of an RFP, such as:

• Company name and background.
• Project goals.
• Expected project timeline.
• Submission requirements.
• Evaluation criteria.
• Potential roadblocks.

Each section comes with a quick explainer to help you get the contents right.

Download HubSpot’s RFP Templates for Free

3. Reddit – RFP Subreddits

Unsurprisingly, Reddit is one of the best places to learn from RFP experts as well as understand the applicant’s perspective.

I especially recommend following the RFP subreddit and navigating into more intricate conversations and topics from there.

While many of the discussions cover not only grants but also commercial projects, the advice is universal.

It also goes without saying that you shouldn’t just lurk around the corner — if there’s a challenge you’ve come across while drafting your RFP, this is the community you should ask for advice.

Getting Your RFP for Grants Right

Writing the RFP is the first — and arguably — most important step in the entire grant process. How so? It’s up to you as the grantor to select the right questions and criteria and explain the purpose of the project.

Remember, the more information you provide potential applicants, the easier it will be for them to assess if they fit the grant objectives. And this, in turn, will lead to a higher quality of proposals.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all template for each project, there are certain must-have sections to include. So, refer to this article to get a head start next time you need to create an RFP for grants.

Don't forget to share this post!

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7 Government Small Business Grants to Apply For in May 2024

Seeking funding is a right of passage for many small business owners. While there are endless private and government-backed loans to choose from, if you’re looking to evade strict repayment terms and steep interest rates, it could be worth considering government business grants.

Government business grants are financial awards issued by federal, state, or local authorities. There are thousands of grants up for grabs through government website portals, but since this type of financing is designed to support the public, their eligibility criteria tend to be quite specific.

If you’re interested in pursuing this type of finance, we round up some government grants small businesses can apply for in May, including their specialisms, funding limits, and deadlines. We also offer some advice for writing your application, to make sure your proposal is as competitive as possible.

In this guide: 

Government Small Business Grants to Apply For in May 2024

Tips for perfecting your government grant application.

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There are thousands of government funds to apply for. If you want to cut through the noise, take a look at some of the most popular options below:

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program
• Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program 
• Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting program
• 8(a) Business Development Program 
• HUBZone Program
• Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
• U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

1. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program

• For: Small businesses interested in carrying out innovation research
• Funding limit: Over $2 million
• Deadline: September 5, January 5, and April 5

The Small Business Innovation Research program was designed by the Small Business Administration to encourage US businesses to engage in Federal research and development. The competitive program is open to select small businesses and specifically encourages participation from women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.

To be eligible for the SBIR program, your business must be for profit, be over 50% owned by permanent residents of the US, and have fewer than 500 employees. To apply for the grant, you need to register your business with SBIR, if you haven’t already, submit a proposal before one of the program’s tri-annual deadlines, and then respond to feedback and refine your concept if necessary.

Learn more about the SBIR grant, and how to apply here .

2. Small Business Technology Transfer  (STTR) programs

• For: Small businesses that have paired up with a research institution

Like the SBIR, the Small Business Technology Transfer program is a government program focused on developing innovative solutions to pressing problems across the US. This type of funding aims to facilitate cooperative research and development efforts research between small business concerns and non-profit US research institutions, with the potential for commercialization of innovative technological solutions.

However, unlike the SBIR, this program requires the small business applicant to be teamed up with a non-profit research institution already, which typically takes the form of a university or Federal Laboratory. The STTR program is also focused on the transfer of technology from the research institution, rather than just the research alone.

Aside from being paired with a research institution, STTR’s eligibility criteria are nearly identical to SBIR’s.

Learn more about the STTR grant, and how to apply here .

3. Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

• For: Women-owned businesses
• Funding limit: $4 million for service contracts and $6.5 million for manufacturing contracts
• Deadline: Rolling

The Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program was designed to build a level playing field for female business owners. The contracts are designated for specific industries where female-owned businesses are underrepresented. You can see which industries are eligible for the grant program here .

To be eligible for this program, you need to run a small business, have the business be at least 51% owned and controlled by US women, and have an economically disadvantaged woman manage the day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions.

Learn more about WOSB, and how to apply here.

4. 8(a) Business Development Program

• For: Socially and economically disadvantaged business owners
• Funding limit: $7 million for acquisitions assigned manufacturing NAICS codes and $4.5 million for all other acquisitions

The 8(a) program is a nine-year program created by the SBA to financially support firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It’s designed to span nine years and helps eligible businesses access new business paths from government contracting.

Since the creation of the program in 1970, it has helped disadvantaged businesses gain access to billions of dollars in funding. To be eligible for the government grant, you must run a small business, be at least 51% owned and controlled by US citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged, have a personal net worth of under $805 thousand, and demonstrate good character.

Learn more about the 8(a) business development program, and how to apply here .

5.  HUBZone Program

• For: Small businesses in historically under-utilized business zones
• Funding limit: $3.5 million for products and services, and $5.5 million per contract for manufacturing

The HUBZone program is a SBA initiative designed to promote economic development and job growth in historically underutilized business zones (HUBZones). The program does so by offering financial grants to business owners operating within these communities.

To be eligible for this business grant you need to run a small business, have the business be at least 51% owned and controlled by a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe, have its main office located in a HUBZone, and have at least 35% of it employees living in the HUBZone for at least 45 days before applying.

Learn more about the HUBZone program, and how to apply here .

6. Small State Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

• For: Small businesses run by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
• Funding limit: $20 million

The Small State Business Credit Initiative is a federal program designed to support entrepreneurship across the US. The grant program is provided by the US Department of the Treasury and was expanded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, providing an extra $10 billion in funding to eligible businesses.

In addition to providing capital support to small businesses, SSBCI can also provide technical assistance to eligible businesses through its Technical Assistance (TA) Grant Program. The SSBCI is available to businesses owner-occupied small businesses with 500 employees or less, and is specifically tailored to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged (SEDI) owners and very small businesses with less than 10 employees.

Learn more about the SSBCI program, and apply here .

7. U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

• For: Small businesses run by minorities
• Funding limit: Up to $350,000 for the first 10 months

The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is a Federal grants program designed to promote the growth of minority-owned businesses. The ultimate aim of the program is to provide minority business enterprises (MBEs) with access to funds, contracts, and market opportunities both in the US and globally.

To be eligible for MBDA assistance, a business must be owned or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons. The majority of business owners must also identify as racial minorities.

To apply for an MBDA business grant, you need to register your business with SAM.gov and Grants.gov if you haven’t already, align your proposal with the stated requirements, and submit your application before the deadline.

Learn more about the grant, and how to apply here .

Government grants offer a golden opportunity to businesses looking to grow or recover their business. However, due to the competitive nature of the financing, you need to ensure your grant proposal is polished and stands out from the crowd.

We understand that writing a grant application might seem like a daunting process, especially if you’re a first-timer. So, to give your proposal the best chance possible of succeeding, take heed of these pointers below.

• Give yourself enough time –  You don’t want to be writing a grant application against the clock. Writing a proposal can take much longer than you expect, so to account for unexpected hold-ups we recommend giving yourself at least 45 days to complete your written application.
• Follow the instructions carefully – Don’t go off-piste when writing your application. Make sure you include all the information requested by the agency, and present it in the correct format.
• Be as concise and clear as possible – Ensure your application is written in clear, simple language, and use as many candid examples as possible to paint a clear image for your reader. If you use any graphs or imagery, make sure you label them clearly as well.
• Keep the audience in mind – The likelihood is that the reviewer won’t already be familiar with your business. To make sure you won’t gloss over necessary information write the proposal for an audience that’s hearing about your business for the first time.
• Develop a proofreading strategy – You don’t want to hamper your application’s success with silly mistakes like typos or grammatical errors. So, to ensure your proposal looks polished carefully proofread the application or outsource the service to a professional.

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Department of Clinical Research

Dcr medical grant writing program for clinicians.

DCR is delighted to announce registration for the next DCR Medical Grant Writing Program for Clinicians —starting June 2024— are now available through May 15, 2024.

We're excited to accept the 3rd cohort of participants for the Medical Grant Writing Program for Clinicians! For iteration 3, the Program occurs in the evenings, providing flexibility for clinicians with full-time work commitments with research.

Before applying, please review Program important dates and events since Program organizers expect full commitment from participants, including attendance at all scheduled events for the DCR Medical Grant Writing Program

The DCR Medical Grant Writing Program for Clinicians requires a total time investment for individual writing consultations and group workshops of around 10 hours over 6 months.

The Program is designed for clinicians seeking to enhance their skills regarding applications for grant funding for clinical research projects. DCR’s Medical Grant Writing Program for Clinicians offers an intensive program focused on planning, writing, developing, and revising scientific grant application materials written in English.

The Program blends individualized medical grant writing guidance through 3 individual writing consultations and group workshops. Individual writing consultations occur over certain weeks with workshops on 3 Monday evenings during the Program.

The Program kicks off with one-on-one writing consultations the week of June 3 and concludes with a group workshop at sitem-insel on December 12. The DCR Program is ideal for applicants who seek to submit grant applications to funders after December 2024, although we welcome applicants pursuing grant opportunities with other submission goals.

Price for the DCR Medical Grant Writing Program.

• Participants with Inselspital and/or University of Bern affiliation: CHF 1'000.00
• External participants: CHF 2'000.00

Please visit our terms and conditions for more information.

REGISTER HERE until May 15, 2024.

For information about recent Program cohort participants, please take a look at the 2023 Program Booklet   or 2024 (January–June) Program Booklet .