Tips for A Stand-Out Grant Application
September 6, 2019
Are you seeking a grant for your organization but are unsure where to start? We’re here to help! Our Community Investment Team shared their top tips to make your grant application stand out.
- Thoroughly review the Central Carolina Community Foundation grants and scholarship webpages, including the grant guidelines.
- If you still have questions after you’ve reviewed the website, give our team a call at 803.254.5601.
- Ask someone outside your organization or your department (who is willing to provide critical feedback) to review your proposal for clarity and grammar.
- Ask yourself, “Is this an interesting idea? Would my friends, family and neighbors want to attend/participate in/visit something like this?”
- Generate support and interest for your project before it is funded. When possible, secure good-faith commitments from partners, hosts, sponsors and other funders.
- Develop your elevator speech. You should be able to succinctly describe your project in three sentences.
- Stay away from jargon. People who are unfamiliar with your work should be able to understand your proposal.
- Data is good. Too much data is not good. Make your point and move on.
- Don’t overlook the small stuff. Be sure your contact information, website, address, etc. are correct.
- Follow directions. We repeat, follow directions.
- Use the forms that are provided and do not change the formatting.
- If you feel your proposal is in the weeds, you probably are. If you remove the sentence, will your point still be made?
- Thoughtfully consider your target audience and ensure it aligns with your organization’s mission.
For more information or to apply for a grant, please visit our Grants & Scholarships page here.