Grant writing is a challenge for both novice and experienced writers. Grants are highly competitive, and rejection is disappointing. To avoid undue stress, realize that your proposal may be funded or it may not. A grant proposal is similar to a personal résumé; you have only one chance to make a good impression and grab the reviewers'attention. Here are some helpful hints to ensure that your proposal is effective and competitive.
If you do not qualify, do not apply! Start early, plan ahead, and allow plenty of time for writing, revising, and editing. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! Carefully read the RFA/RFP to ensure that you include all of the required information and forms. Disaggregate student achievement data and identify your needs. Write concisely and in the active voice. Write to communicate, not to impress. Write, rewrite, and then ask an objective reader to comment and edit. Use a simple document design--Times New Roman or Arial, 10- or 12-point font. Remember that a deadline is a deadline. Send or deliver your proposal prior to the deadline. If your proposal is not funded, be sure to request copies of the reviewers'comments and use them to improve the proposal before the next submission. Be persistent. Consider the applications that are not funded as valuable practice and choose to learn from the experience.- Subjects:Funding and Grants
