48+ Sample Grant Proposals

Grant Proposals: What Are They?

A grant proposal is an official document submitted to grantmakers that covers all about the proposed project, its monetary requirements, and reasons why the organization needs grant assistance in the first place. It is the first step before actually having a formal grant agreement since giving and receiving grants only apply when grantmakers accept the proposal. And it is crucial for grant proposals to be informative and organized to have organizations support those in need of funding.

According to Entrepreneur.com, a standard grant proposal should cover an abstract, statement of need, project description, goals, action plan, evaluation, and budget.

The Main Parts of a Grant Proposal

It is said that there are seven main parts of a grant proposal. And they all complete a grant proposal. Hence, ensure that your planned proposal also contains such parts to be accepted by grantmakers. So without further ado, here are the essential elements to cover in your proposal:

Abstract: The abstract is where you state your executive summary regarding the project proposed. And this part normally takes a half-page only.Statement of Need: Don’t forget the needs statement where you discuss why you are asking for a grant. Your statement of need likely tackles the problem, situation, and other evidence that you want to solve but couldn’t unless there is a grant.Project Description: The project description section describes your project further, especially on how you can manage the problems at hand. A tip is to motivate grantmakers that your solutions are excellent enough.Goals: Stating the goals is also essential to discuss the outcomes you want to happen from your project. Include both short-term and long-term goals in this part as long as they fit into SMART goals.Action Plan: Don’t simply talk about goals without an actual action plan. This part is more detailed since you mention a sequence of steps on what activities should happen according to a timeline.Evaluation: Grantmakers want to learn more about progress eventually. So how will that happen? Discuss under the evaluation report section how to assess and monitor results. Smart criteria for evaluation will definitely work.Budget: Most importantly, state the estimated funds you need and how will the grant be used once accepted. Be careful here because being asking for too much on such a small project seems shady. Meanwhile, asking so little might not complete the goals being planned. Hence, set a budget plan.

How to Make a Grant Proposal

Now that you already know what a grant proposal means and what its elements contain, you are a step closer to mastering grant writing. So take a step further by actually creating your own grant proposal. And you can do so by following these four simple steps:

Step 1: Assess Your Goals and Objectives

First things first, set your purpose, goal statement, and objectives. Not having enough background and reason for you to be funded leads to automatic rejection from grantmakers. So are you asking for a grant for research, non-profit work, or any other project? Note it down. Consider this first step as your review on why you are making a grant proposal so you will know what to write later on.

Step 2: Pick a Template and Insert the Elements

There’s no need to begin from scratch when there are already sample grant proposals listed above. You are free to edit, print, and download each sample anytime. And don’t forget to complete the standard elements of a grant proposal from the abstract down to the budget to complete your proposal. At least sample templates guide you on what details to add to the proposal conveniently.

Step 3: Write Cordially

Just like writing any letter, you should be cordial. You are requesting to be funded so being mean and arrogant would hardly impress grantmakers. So right from the cover page, you deliver the goals and purpose. But, learn to say please and ask kindly without forcing your audience. A grant proposal also paves the way to a mutual relationship between grantmakers and recipients. So a respectful proposal is standard.

Step 4: Be Organized and Comprehensive

Try organizing your whole content to ensure you end up making a comprehensive proposal in the end. You can switch the format, implement a better design, and add graphical data rather than adding lots of flowery words and technical terms. Be sure to only submit your proposal when you are confident that everything written in the grant proposal is detailed and correct.

FAQs

Who is the target audience of a grant proposal?

Your target audience is the grantmaker. It can be any individual or agency that offers a grant who reads your proposal. And expect to be accepted when your goals, values, objectives, and ideas meet along with your chosen agency.

What is another way to organize a grant proposal?

Besides the elements and steps discussed earlier, you can also follow this effective example:

  • Title page
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Literary review
  • Project narrative
  • Personnel
  • Budget

What is the difference between the grantor and the grantee?

The grantor is the individual or agency that offers a grant. Meanwhile, the receiver is called the grantee. And these two form an agreement which should be discussed in the grant proposal.

Grant application surely starts with an idea. So once you have an idea, start analyzing the expected costs, step-by-step processes, and overall purpose to begin grant writing. And once you have it all figured out, use sample grant proposals until you come up with an effective document to submit to your desired grantmaker. Download now!