Every grant application is different, but many of them will require a bit of your time. If you are a small business owner interested in learning more about getting grant applications approve, you have come to the right place!
Finding funding through grants can be a great way for businesses to secure additional resources that may not otherwise be available. Applying and being accepted for one of these awards requires careful preparation and strong writing skills—but don’t worry! In this guide, we will discuss seven tips for making sure your grant application is competitive and successful. Check out the following tips for getting your grant application approved.
1. Know the Funder's Priorities
Before you even start writing your grant application, it is important to do your research and make sure you understand the funder's priorities. What are they looking to fund? What are their values? What kinds of projects have they funded in the past? Answering these questions will give you a good idea of whether or not your project is a good fit for the funder.
2. Keep it Clear and Concise
When writing your grant application, be sure to keep your language clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or acronyms that the reviewer may not be familiar with. Instead, focus on explaining your project in simple terms that anyone can understand.
Further Reading: How to Write an Executive Summary
3. Make Sure You Address all of the Requirements
When reviewing the guidelines for a grant application, make sure you understand all of the requirements and that you address each one in your application. Failure to do so could result in your application being rejected outright.
4. Budget Carefully
Your budget is an important part of your grant application, so be sure to put careful thought into it. Make sure all of your costs are accurately represented and that you have a plan for how the funds will be spent. Reviewers will be looking at your budget closely to make sure it is realistic and well-planned.
5. Include Letters of Support
If you have letters of support from other organizations or individuals, be sure to include them with your grant application. These letters can help to show reviewers that your project has broad support and that there is interest in seeing it funded.
6. Follow up After Your Submission
After you submit your grant application, be sure to follow up with the funder to make sure they received it and to answer any questions they may have. This follow-up can help to demonstrate your commitment to the project and can increase the chances of your application being approved.
7. Be Prepared to Revise and Resubmit
Even if you take all of these tips into account, there is always a chance that your grant application could be rejected. If this happens, don't give up! Revise your application based on the feedback you received and resubmit it. With persistence, you are more likely to eventually get funding for your project
Further Reading: What to do if Your Grant Application was Rejected
Bonus: Hire a Professional Grant Writer
Hiring a professional grant writer might not be in your budget to start out. But if you are looking for additional support or want to apply for a more complicated grant, a grant writer could be the answer. With their expertise, they can help you create quality applications that are tailored to each foundation and aimed at increasing your business’s chance of making an impactful impression on grant reviewers. You can search on UpWork to find a grant writer within your budget - take a look today!
Start Applying for Business Grants
Taking the time to research grant requirements and plan a strong application is essential for success. If you're ready to start applying for business grants, check out our Grant Marketplace for a list of business grants that are currently open.
Editors Note: This blog was originally published on January 18, 2021 and has been updated has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
