Because the blog posting "For the Love of Fundraising!" was so well received, I thought I would give it another go with grant writing - something else I am not an expert in but did a lot of to lay the foundation of the organization and continue to do, both, in partnership with hired consultants and separately when outside of their scope. Like many functions of a nonprofit, especially a new nonprofit, this work is essential to ensure the longevity of the organization and like other essential parts of this work - it is challenging and rewarding. As someone who has spent much of their career in the nonprofit sector, deeply immersed in serving communities, building relationships, creating opportunities, creating grants, reviewing grants, and submitting grants - although not an expert, I have learned and continue to learn so much about this body of work.
Nonprofits live and breathe by their ability to secure funding, and grant writing has always been and, likely will always be a fascinating piece of that puzzle. Grant writing isn’t just about putting words on paper; it’s a delicate mix of storytelling, strategy, and alignment of values and can, sometimes, feel like you're telling a story only you, as a CEO and/or founder, can tell in the early phases. At the creation of Meryl's Safe Haven, as I applied for grants and completed applications for contracts, I found it difficult to tell the story that hadn’t been written yet. The desire and request of funders to have true stories of impact and data in the beginning phases of an organization can be discouraging. If/when awarded, you will be able to provide the story of impact, but in the absence of resources, you may never arrive to that place to share the story and paint the picture funders want to see. Not only are you looking for resources that align with WHO you are as an organization but WHERE you are as an organization - timing is important with every opportunity.
During my time in AmeriCorps, I had to sharpen my understanding of the grant process—learning to connect the dots between what a funding organization values (even as a funder) and the impact a nonprofit can deliver. And let me tell you, it’s a skill that takes practice, perseverance, and a good deal of humility.
So, if you’re new to grant writing or just looking to refine your approach, here are some key insights I’ve gathered that I think could make a difference for us non-grant writing experts:
1. Research, Research, Research
Before you write a single word, invest time in finding the right funding sources. Look for grants that align closely with your nonprofit’s mission and values and where you are as an organization. Remember, it’s not just about the money—it’s about building partnerships with organizations that believe in your work.
At our start, as an organization, with contracts for our family shelter in the pipeline I put my focus on researching grant opportunities that would allow us to lay the foundation for our Transitional Youth Empowerment program; every grant opportunity that aligned with that program's focus, and I had the capacity to apply for, I invested the time and energy with the understanding that we didn't want to tie the program to one funding source as we pilot, implement, and evaluate its start.
Pro tip: Look beyond the big-name foundations. Local and regional funders often have a vested interest in supporting organizations within their communities.
2. Tailor Each Proposal
A cookie-cutter approach won’t cut it. Each grant proposal should be customized to reflect the specific goals and priorities of the funding organization. This includes using their language, addressing their priorities, and showing how your project aligns with their mission. Think of it like having a conversation—you wouldn’t talk to a prospective donor the same way you’d talk to a corporate sponsor, right? This aligns well with the idea from the previous posting regarding fundraising - knowing who you're writing to allows you to be intentional with language.
While you may keep a one-pager of information that is commonly requested, the opportunity to fine tune each application is a gift that should be treated as such.
3. Tell Your Story (and Back It Up)
Compelling storytelling is at the heart of every successful grant application. Funders want to see the faces behind the statistics and hear the voices of the people your organization serves. But don’t stop at the emotional appeal. Back your story up with hard data when possible—outcomes, metrics, and clear benchmarks for success. For example, if you’re applying for a grant to expand a housing program, include data on how many people you’ve already served and the measurable impact it has had on their lives. When that data is not available, I believe, where you have seen/read/heard about a similar model, connect the dots - this method (or model) has seen great success, this is how we differ, and these are expected outcomes.
4. Create a Realistic Budget
Your budget is just as important as your narrative. A well-constructed budget shows funders that you’ve thought through every detail and can execute your project responsibly.
Don’t forget to include administrative costs. Too often, nonprofits undervalue the time and resources it takes to make a program successful. Most funders understand this—just make sure your costs are reasonable and justified.
I once did an in-person visit with a funder and while they were excited about the opportunity to see the space and learn more about the organization, there was one member of the board whose background was finance and their questions focused on items of... you got it, finances. No funder wants to hear or believe in the absence of their dollars, the program or organization will not be sustainable - being able to put the entire picture together even a picture of, honest, minor, concerns shows your understanding and connection to reality.
5. Build Relationships with Funders
Much like fundraising, grant writing is about relationships. Reach out to potential funders before submitting your application, when possible; this information isn't always available and, honestly, sometimes funders aren't available. When possible, introduce your organization, ask questions, and seek advice on how to best approach their grant process. Even if you’re not successful on your first try, keep the door open. Funders appreciate persistence and dedication to building meaningful partnerships.
6. Proofread and Peer Review
A single typo or unclear sentence can undermine your credibility. Before you hit “submit,” have multiple people review your application for clarity, accuracy, and overall flow. If you’re part of a team, consider creating a small grant review committee to ensure each application is polished and ready for submission. Let's be honest, there aren't many things that feel better than hitting "send" or "submit" on somethhing you've spent hours with but the extra time is worth it. I cannot say I've always completed applications (or blogs) with days to spare, but appreciate the opportunity to set it aside for a day or a few hours and come back to it for final review.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Grant writing can sometimes feel like a numbers game. You won’t win every grant you apply for, and that’s okay. Each rejection is an opportunity to refine your approach and learn more about what funders are looking for.
8. Follow Up and Report Back
When you do receive a grant, don’t forget to close the loop. Send thank-you notes, provide updates on your progress, and submit final reports on your outcomes. Funders appreciate transparency and are more likely to support you in the future if you’ve demonstrated accountability.
Like many things in nonprofit work, grant writing is both an art and a science. It requires creativity, strategy, and a lot of heart. By incorporating these tips, hopefully you can strengthen your grant applications and open the door to new funding opportunities. If you remember nothing else, remember, grants aren’t just about money—they’re about building trust, inspiring confidence, and forging partnerships that help your organization thrive.
Comments