Are You Grant Ready?

Writing a grant is like training to be an Olympic gymnast; have a clear goal in mind, start out with enough time, put in intentional hours, surround yourself with the coaches and tools you need to excel and… be as flexible as possible. Even then, you’re competing against hundreds (maybe even thousands) of others for the same achievement.

But that doesn’t mean success is out of reach. Here’s a step-by-step approach to get you started on the right foot.

Don’t Skip Eligibility

Have a clear plan of what you want to do and ensure it is compatible with the grant’s eligibility requirements. Ask yourself, “Does my application fit the ‘spirit’ of the grant?”

Why is this important? Allow yourself time to research the grant you’re applying for. Create a simple (yet detailed) plan and understand the grant’s broader goal.

Don’t waste your time and energy trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Be clear about what you want to do and find the grant that directly supports those goals.

Prepare for Partnership

Being an engaged partner will show up in a grant’s end result, so plan to communicate regularly with a grant writer for best results.

Why is this important? A business needs to be willing and able to make themselves accessible to the grant writer and be open and honest about the operation’s personal details. This is especially true as you near the grant deadline!

Is the juice worth the squeeze?

Size and complexity (usually) go hand-in-hand in grant writing.

Why is this important? Size-up the value of your time and the value of a grant writer’s time to the amount you plan to apply for. It’s also recommended to find the min./max of money awarded per grant and the total funds available.

8 Steps to a Winning Grant Proposal

With a clear awareness of eligibility, partnership and juice “squeeziness,” you’ve created your desire to opt-in to the process. Here’s what’s next in eight, short steps:

1. Set Expectations
   • If hiring a grant writer, understand what you are responsible for (as the applicant) and what the grant writer will own. A good first meeting sets expectations about the work involved in the process.
   • Why? Grants are competitive and there’s often many requirements. Start early, ask questions, and prioritize your tasks!
2. Follow the Directions
   • Don’t dive in to writing the grant before reading.
   • Why? It can be the biggest reason for rejection. Thoroughly read the request-for-proposal (RFP) and FAQs.
3. Look at Previously Funded Projects
   • Avoid reinventing the wheel.
   • Why? Get ideas of projects and recipients favored by the funder – you may be able to reuse an idea!
4. Find the Evaluation Criteria
   • Some Request for Applications (RFAs) show the weight given to different parts of your proposal.
   • Why? To help you understand the areas the grant values the most; technical merit, achievability, expertise, financial plan, or something else.
5. Speak to the Funder’s Goals/Mission
   • Often the grant will list desired outcomes. Tell a story to tie your application to these objectives.
   • Why? Narratives that repeat the grant’s terminology, address all stated goals, and offer solutions that reflect what the grant is trying to achieve give themselves a big leg up.
6. Have Realistic Budgets and Timelines
   • Budget should be specific, detailed and tailored to the project.
   • Why? If you go for the maximum just because you can, a reviewer may stiff you out! Keep projections reasonable and build flexibility into your timeline with partners and contractors.
7. Make Outcomes Measurable
   • Grantmakers want quantifiable outcomes.
   • Why? Projects that demonstrate action-oriented outcomes and a realistic way to measure them make it clear that you’ve thought through an effective project. 
8. Get a Second Opinion
   • If not using a grant writer, find someone who can review your application before you submit.
   • Why? A second set of eyes can help catch errors in math, grammar (especially use of jargon), spelling, clarity and following directions.

A winning grant proposal is a testament to the intentional work and the environment the team work to create. If you remember one tip, focus on what’s in your control!

For a webinar covering all these tips in greater detail and FAQs, click here.

Ready to get started? 

Download Farm Credit East’s guide, Grants & Incentives for Northeast Agriculture, for a listing of grant programs, tax incentives and loan programs from various funding sources available to agricultural producers and other entities involved in agriculture or related industries. Additionally, Farm Credit East offers grant writing services.

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