Grant proposals can be hard to write and time intensive. Sample documents, such as cover letters, letters of inquiry, and proposal budgets, can be a great place to start. Our collection has many materials, opens a new window that can help.
To get you started, below are seven flags that funders find as reasons not to back a proposal.
- You didn’t read the directions: Do not assume directions are universal for every grant.
- Budget doesn’t add up: Double check your numbers and make sure the math is accurate.
- Outcomes are not clear: Activities are plans. Outputs are counts or numbers. Outcomes are changes to the community such as changes in skills or changes in knowledge.
- Proposal is not personalized to the funder: Respond to what the funder cares about.
- Not clear on who is going to do the work.
- Your proposal is unrealistic.
- Not checking spelling, grammar, and formatting.
These seven points are from Dave from Candid.org, opens a new window.
Learn more about searching the Foundation Directory through a tutorial found: www.libraryvisit.org/grants, opens a new window
For more help with grant proposals, schedule time with our Business and Grant Librarian at www.libraryvisit.org/book-a-librarian., opens a new window
