Are you new to grantwriting and feeling a little overwhelmed?  These quick tips will help guide your first steps:

• The most common reason for application rejection is because the request is not a good match for the foundation’s giving priorities.  Be sure to review the foundation’s Form 990 and website (if they have a website - not all do) to help determine if the request would be a good match.

• Keep your writing original and authentic!  While we have many samples available in our proposal library, they are examples, and it's not recommended to copy them word for word. 

• Learn how to write a great story.  Effective storytelling can draw the reader in to your proposal and get them to root for you!

• While your writing must be original, you should still have a “go-to” template and relevant documents on hand, including:
  • IRS letter of exemption
  • Organization budget
  • Budget for the project or program for which funding is being sought
  • Current list of board of directors and a brief summary of their expertise
  • Current list of key essential employees and a summary of their expertise