- Lets talk about some Do's and Don'ts for Grant writing.
There are quite a few Do's and Don'ts.
So let's just go with
carefully select the grant for whom you'll apply.
In the proposal or grant that you are writing
get to the point right away.
I always put the Ask amount in the first paragraph
In fundraising we call the amount that you are asking for
'The Ask' it's our shorthand for getting right to the point.
So get to the point right away in your proposal.
That's a Do, big Do.
Get your document proofed and edited by several people.
And if you are able to,
get it edited by someone who actually
has experience in Grantwriting.
Don'ts.
Don't call your funder wondering where your cash is,
let them call you, and they will.
There are some funders
who don't bother to get in touch
with the unsuccessful applicants
and I hate thinking of it that way.
But think of it in terms of receiving
thousands of applications.
We've been fortunate at Baylor to have
very courteous donors who do get in touch
with us and let us know whether or not we
were successful in our Grant.
But in general,
it's not a good idea to call your granting organization,
let them contact you.
If you waited several months, for instance,
it would not be out of line to make a call
or write a letter.
Another Don't.
Don't send an application to a foundation
that explicitly says we do not accept applications.
You would be surprised
at how many people think 'Well, maybe I'll be the one.'
No, they mean exactly what they say
if you study the guidelines carefully
on any Grantor's website
or information you've been able
to come up with and research
they will give you the guidelines from which they all work.
If they accept applications, you're good to go
But then makes sure
you meet every single one of the guidelines
that they state address them in your proposal.