Writing a Grant Proposal to Get Funded

Obtaining funding for your nonprofit may change everything, but applying for grants can be daunting. A strong grant proposal will increase your chances of obtaining funding and strengthen your organization’s mission, impact, and sustainability. At Braven Foundation, we want to assist you in creating a grant application that truly stands out so you can secure funding. 

Grants 101: Understanding the Basics

• What are grants?

Grants are funds that are given or awarded to support a person, organization, project, or program. They are meant to accomplish a certain aim or purpose.

• Who provides grant funding?

Grantors–or grant-making institutions–can be foundations (private and public), corporations (e.g. Coca-Cola, Walmart, Bank of America), and government agencies (federal, state, and local).

• Who can receive grant funding?

Nonprofits/public charities with IRS-recognized status

Unincorporated community groups with fiscal sponsors

Tribal organizations 

Faith-based organizations 

Local governments

• What kind of grants are there?

Competitive: to continue making a difference in the community.

Continuation: funding is awarded incrementally in a steady flow, allowing the recipient to plan and allocate resources more effectively.

Pass-through: provide a valuable chance for state and local governments to secure financing to improve their communities.

Formula: all organizations that meet the requirements will receive funds based on predetermined benchmarks.

• What kind of funds are awarded?

Restricted: set for particular purposes, cannot be used for other expenses.

Non-restricted: may be used for any legal purpose appropriate for the organization.

Understanding the Grant Proposal Process

Before diving into writing, it’s important to understand the following upsides of securing a grant:

• Grants are not loans, so you don’t have to repay them.
• Foundations and governments often award grants, so the amount of funding can be larger than what individual donors might provide. 
• Once you have obtained one grant, you are more likely to receive others. 
• Receiving grants is a good way to build your organization’s visibility and credibility.

However, you also need to consider that writing a grant can take a significant amount of time, and they come with specific conditions attached. Also, grants are meant for specific short-term purposes, and not to be a permanent revenue stream.

Key Factors to Writing and Winning Grants

Applying for grants is not only about writing. There are some other important aspects of the funding cycle.

1. Being grant-ready: If you are a non-profit, your organization must have a 501c3 designation, a board of directors, the ability to prove your impact, and be able to show that you have sound budgets.
2. Research: So any funder you go after is more likely to fund you. Also, keep in mind a funder wants to fund their own mission through you, not the other way around.
3. No fancy language: Write clearly and concisely, like at an 8th-grade level.
4. Convey your impact: You must be able to show how you achieve success. So keeping track of all your data and outcomes will significantly help your proposals. 
5. Show financial stability: Your income should be higher than your expenses. Budgets can make or break your grant proposal. 

Funding Cycle Overview

The grant application process follows these overall steps:

• Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA): This is the official announcement that funding is available. There are several resources available to keep track of available federal funding and grants in your community (Grants.gov, GrantWatch.com, Urban Awareness USA, RAMPLA, USA Grant Applications, among others).
• Request for Proposal (RFP): Outlines the grant’s requirements and eligibility criteria.
• Letter of Intent (LOI): Some grant makers require an LOI before you submit a full grant proposal.
• Application Submission: This includes detailed sections such as the need statement, objectives, and budget.
• Review & Decision: Grant makers evaluate proposals based on compliance, capacity building, and measurable outcomes.
• Funding & Reporting: If awarded, organizations must follow an evaluation plan and submit reports on project impact.

Key Components of a Grant Proposal

A well-structured proposal not only showcases your project’s value but also aligns with the priorities of potential funders. Below are the key components of a successful grant proposal:

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter serves as your grant proposal’s introduction. It should be concise and engaging, briefly outlining your project and its significance. This letter sets the stage for the detailed information that follows.

2. Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides a snapshot of your proposal. It should be concise (limited to 2 pages), compelling, and clearly state: 

• The project’s purpose: what you need the money for
• The amount of funding requested: how much funding you need
• Expected impact and outcomes: your methodology when it comes to spending the funds

Although it appears first, it’s often best to write this section last to ensure it accurately reflects the proposal’s content.

3. Organizational Background

This section offers insight into your organization’s history, mission, and achievements. Highlight your experience, expertise, and capacity to successfully implement the proposed project. 

Demonstrating a strong track record can build credibility with funders.

4. Statement of Need

The need statement explains why your project is necessary for your community. Use data and evidence to support your claims, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of the issue. Focus on:

• The problem your project addresses
• How the target population is affected
• Statistical evidence demonstrating the need
• The gap in services that your project fills

5. Project Description

This is the heart of your proposal, detailing the project or program you plan to implement. Include information on the project’s goals, objectives, and the strategies you’ll employ to achieve them. Be specific about the activities, timelines, and resources required.

6. Methodology

Outline the methods and procedures you’ll use to carry out the project. This includes a step-by-step plan of action, detailing how each component will be executed. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of team members and any partners involved.

7. Goals and Objectives

Clearly define what you aim to achieve. Goals should be broad and visionary, while objectives should be specific and measurable. Example:

• Goal: Reduce food insecurity in low-income neighborhoods.
• Objective: Provide 10,000 meals to underserved families within 12 months.

8. Budget

Present a detailed budget that outlines the financial aspects of your project.

• Include all anticipated expenses, such as personnel, equipment, and materials. 
• Indicate how the grant funds will be allocated and justify the necessity of each expense.

9. Project Timeline

A well-structured project timeline helps grant makers understand how funds will be used over time. Break down key milestones and their expected completion dates.

10. Logic Model & Evaluation Plan

Describe how you will assess the project’s effectiveness and measure its outcomes. Specify the metrics and evaluation methods you’ll use to determine whether the objectives have been met.  You can use::

• Qualitative and quantitative data
• Measurable outcomes
• Key performance indicators (KPIs)

This demonstrates accountability and a commitment to continuous improvement.

11. Sustainability Plan

Explain how the project will continue after the grant period ends. Discuss plans for securing ongoing funding, building partnerships, or generating revenue to sustain the project’s impact over the long term.

12. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your proposal, reiterating the significance of the project and its potential impact. Express gratitude to the funder for considering your proposal and convey your readiness to provide additional information if needed.

13. Additional Documentation

Supporting documents strengthen your proposal by providing further credibility and validation. These may include:

• Collaborations and partnerships: Evidence of support from other organizations, sponsors, or major donors contributing to or implementing the project.

• Capacity building: Highlight your capacity-building efforts, such as staff training, technology upgrades, or infrastructure improvements.

• Letters of support: Testimonials from constituents or peer organizations verifying your organization’s track record of success.

• Appendices, data, and research: Additional research and data reinforcing your statement of need and projected impact.

• Other supporting documents: Key staff resumes, a copy of your IRS 501(c)(3) Letter of Determination, or any other relevant documentation.

Compliance & Submission

• Ensure your proposal follows the grant maker’s guidelines, including formatting, required attachments, and submission deadlines. 
• Double-check for compliance to avoid disqualification. 

How Braven Foundation Can Help

Get Noticed!

Braven Foundation also supports organizations in crafting impactful awareness campaigns to boost visibility and community engagement. We offer:

• Strategic messaging development
• Social media and content marketing
• Digital advertising campaigns
• Public relations and media outreach
• Performance tracking and optimization

Let’s Get You Funded!

Securing grants is competitive, but with a strong proposal, your chances of success increase. Contact Braven Foundation today and let us help you secure the funding you need to make a lasting impact.