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Grant Writing Mistakes

Avoid Common Mistakes When Writing Grant Proposals

Funders do not make grants to organizations simply because their proposals are well-written.  They consider many criteria when evaluating an organization’s grant worthiness including the following:

• Financial stability
• Healthy financial practices
• A strong, active board of directors
• A solid reputation
• Services that address a serious need
• Documented program success
• Community support
• Well-qualified program and administrative staff
• Collaborations with other organizations
• Diversified sources of revenue
• A successful volunteer program

Nonetheless, the grant proposal is a reflection of the strength and viability of an organization. Therefore, it should be well-written and easy to read.  It should also provide factual and comprehensive information about the organization and its programs.  In addition, a proposal should clearly define what sets the organization apart from its competitors. It should also demonstrate the the organization’s mission and problems are aligned with the prospective funder’s mission.

No document can ever be perfect, but an effective grant proposal must error free.  Listed below are mistakes that can hurt a proposal’s chances of persuading a funder to award a grant to your organization.

• The proposal does not include enough details about the organization or the program.
• The problem that the proposal addresses is not significant, especially when compared to other social problems.
• The problem is not explained in enough detail.
• The proposal does not include enough documentation about the problem (i.e., statistics and case studies).
• The proposal does not specifically state how the money will be used.
• There are no measurable program objectives.
• Program activities do not adequately address the problem.
• Program evaluation is not sufficient.
• The proposal rambles and contains jargon.
• The proposal contains grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• The information is not presented in a logical, well-thought out manner.

Writing a well-organized grant proposal can be a difficult task.  Good writing skills, knowledge of the grant proposal writing process, and a clear understanding of the potential funder’s guidelines are key ingredients for developing winning grant proposals.

References

Sarabi, Brigette. 1997. Fundraising readiness: How does your agency stack up? The Grantsmanship Center. http://www.tgci.com/magazine/Fundraising%20Readiness.pdf (accessed February 5, 2009).

Texas Department of State and Health Services. Tips to help your team write a successful grant proposal. http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/volunteer/roadmap/6gathering/6-19.htm December 2 (accessed 12/2/01).

Copyright © 2009 Katherine Williams. All rights reserved.

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