While every grant and funder is different, some practices and steps are standard for any successful grant application. Defining your vision, researching funders and gaining support among peers and supervisors are all important steps, regardless of the funding you’re looking for. Here are some of the key steps that are common to applying for almost any grant.
Define your needs and goalsShowHide
Define as clearly as possible what you hope your project will accomplish and what you will need to complete it.
Vision – Define what you hope your project will achieve
Outcomes – Define the difference your project will make to students
Responsibilities – Define which parts of your project you can provide yourself and which parts you need help with from donors. Determine whether your project will require training, and if so, how you intend to obtain it.
Build consensus and find alliesShowHide
Enlist the help and support of others in achieving your goals and to ensure that those whose help you need are involved in the project.
Leadership support – Meet with your principal or supervisor to discuss your plan
Process support – Determine who will be affected if your plan is implemented, like teachers, the technical support department or the curriculum coordinator. Ensure you have their support.
Find fundersShowHide
Locate potential funders and match your goals to theirs.
Find a fit – Funders have goals, too, so find out what they are and consider whether yours are compatible
Research extensively – There are numerous funders, all with different criteria and different needs. The more you look, the more likely you are to find a fit.
Make your caseShowHide
Present your plan to funders and secure their help to complete your project.
Determine the preferred process – Funders prefer to receive applications for grants in different ways. Some funders issue a request for proposals (RFP) and often expect a response by a particular date. RFPs often contain specific guidance on the content required in the response. Other funders ask for a summary of your plan in a letter of intent or interest before you apply for a grant, in order to evaluate the fit. Still other funders have no formal process and may accept unsolicited requests.
Write your application – Be specific about the goals and outcomes your project is intended to achieve. Present evidence that supports your plan as achievable. See the Grant content tab for more information.
Follow up in person – If possible, offer to discuss your ideas in person or on the phone. Be careful to read any guidelines the funder has about phone contact first.
Create a reporting planShowHide
Help develop a long-term relationship with your grantor after your successful application by reporting the results of their funding. Grantors often return to successful grantees and projects.
Formal reporting – Find out what formal reports the grantor expects to receive, and make sure you plan to submit them
Informal reporting – Keep your contact regularly updated on the progress of your project. Consider sending pictures, quotations, stories or other media to help them see the impact their funding is having on your project.
Outside reporting – Make sure parents and others know about the grantor’s support. However, you should also know what guidelines the grantor has set forth regarding outside reporting. Some grantors prefer to remain anonymous.
