Creating a Competitive Grant Proposal

Most funding organizations receive funds from bigger funding organizations, personal donations, or from the government. If the organization has already a specific group to fund, they allocate this fund to support that group. But, if the organization does not have any specific group, these funds will be distributed through grants. The organization will post funding announcements to inform smaller organizations, individuals, or families who are qualified to apply.

As a result, funding organizations receive considerable numbers of application for funding through a letter of inquiry, proposal, or application form. These materials are carefully reviewed and selected according to the organization’s guidelines. Make your proposal more competitive and impressive to increase your chances of funding. Here are some ways:

- Let the funding organization know your efforts to research and review the organization’s background through its web site or print materials. Also, mention that you are aware of the fundable projects, recently funded projects, and your eligibility to apply with their organization.

- Each organization has specific application instructions and requirements. It will be to your benefit if you will religiously follow instructions and answer all questions. Do not let the reviewers reject your application because you neglect to follow specific instructions. Also, acknowledge any question that you are unable to answer and state your reasons for not responding to the particular question.

- Organize your proposal properly. Gather all related information that will clearly justify the need for your project. Create your proposal in a way that all the information are properly organized and distributed throughout the write up. Make sure that your proposal fits the organization’s objectives because it is a waste of your time, as well as the time of the reviewer if your project is not eligible with their funding program.

- The appearance of the proposal greatly affects the reviewers’ view. Make your proposal neat and easy to read. Use fonts that are readable, preferably use 12 point font and use 1 inch margins on all sides. But if the organization requires a specific format such as using a specific font like Verdana and using double spaces, do not hesitate to follow the instructions. Use a heading that shows the main section and the subsection.

- As you answer each question, make sure that the reviewer will easily locate the information he needed. Use page numbers and headings that correspond to the information requested. Place a table of contents to make the proposal more organize and neater. In the table of contents you can also show the main section and the subsection.

- Every funding organization has their deadlines. Submit your proposal on or before the deadline. Preferably before the deadline, so that your proposal have the advantage of being first to be reviewed. Proposal review requires enough time so that every section are properly studied and considered.

- Proper use of words has a positive effect on the whole proposal. Also, use language that can be understood by educated layperson. Do not presume that they will understand your unique use of words. Regard the reviewers politely, so that they will be inspired to review your proposal. Spell out abbreviations and acronyms upon first use.

Submitting a competitive proposal always results in either of two things: either funded or denied.

If your proposal is funded:
- focus on the details of your project;
- make sure that the fund is being managed efficiently and effectively;
- take note of the progress and results of the project activities; and
- create a mid-program evaluation and final report that will be submitted to the funder.

If your proposal is denied:
- do not be discouraged and try again, there are other funding organizations that are available for funding;
- take the initiative to ask the organization why your proposal was denied;
- listen to the reasons and adjust your proposal;
- custom-fit your proposal with other funding organizations that you wish to apply with; and
- be optimistic that, this time, your proposal will be funded.