Grant

writing for non-profit organization: 6-Easy Action Steps

Fundraising is a dilemma that challenges almost every nonprofit organization. The need for funding/grant writing is constant and demands focused attention, energy and resources that could be utilized more effectively for fulfilling the mission of the organization. This 6-Easy Action Steps can help you write federal and other grants in less than two weeks greatly minimizing your energy, time and resources.
Step Component Who Staff, Volunteers and Consultant who be involved in the grant writing Staff /Consultant identified as lead grant writer Staff /Consultant identified as lead grant writer Actions Explore and identify grant opportunity Assign staff to lead grant writing process Assign staff that help with the proposal Brainstorming for ideas and program development Register at grants.gov, if not yet registered Organize a template or old grant that could be used for the grant to be prepared Timeline

Preparation

Days 1-2

Develop concept paper Task assignment with internal deadline

Draft concept paper based on brainstormed ideas Circulate concept paper to all involved parties Have a short meeting to refine ideas Identify grant components based on available staff and timeline Assign tasks with internal deadline to involved staff/consultant/volunteers Assign specific staff to collect letter of support and prepare required attachments Circulate key requirements for each section of a proposal that guide staff involved in the writing Make sure assigned staff have clear understand what is expected from him/her Write, edit and monitor the process Be firm on deadline with legitimate flexibility to collect write-ups from all involved parties Quickly assemble and format grant as needed Review the flow of the content for consistency Circulate final draft for additional feedback and correction Revise add/delete contents as needed Check the budget and attachments Assemble all documents in to a single pdf file Print and read carefully for typos and errors Do final corrections Give enough time for submission Submit

Days 3-4

Day 4

Writing

All

Days 4-9

Assemble

Staff /Consultant identified as lead grant writer

Days 9 - 12

Revise and Submit

Staff /Consultant identified as lead grant writer

Days 12- 14