The Grant Writing Process
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 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. (I have repeated this tip because it is very, very, important.
Finding the Right Funder
-
Do your needs match the objectives or mission of the funder?
- Do they give grants in your specific subject area?
- What type of grants have they made over the last few years?
- Do they give to individuals or only to organizations?
- Are there any limitations on their grants that might rule out your project as a recipient?
- How much money do they have to give away and what is the average size of their award?
Funding Opportunities
- Foundations
- Independent or family foundations; many limit giving to a local area
- Company-sponsored or corporate foundations
- Community foundations, usually restricted to that community
- Operating foundations, usually established by a non-profit organization
- Corporate Giving Programs; includes cash contributions, in-kind services, non-cash goods and services
- Community Organizations: civic, service, religious and employee groups.
- Government: funds available at federal, state and/or local level.
- Bank Trust Departments: investment income from trusts that have been pre-designated for a specific charitable purpose
- Information on Grant Sources.
- Prevention Bulletin
- Locating Funds for Health Promotion Projects, DHHS, Washington DC 20201
- Federal Register
- Universities and Colleges
i.e. Resource Centers, Directories, and Aids
-Top of Page-