***4 Steps of Grant Writing Process Checklist

In a recent analysis of 12 grant writing processes used by grant writing experts, four primary steps and a checklist used by most grant writers emerged.

Checklist

Here is a checklist of items for each step:

STEP 1 - Develop Your Idea

Develop your idea into a fundable proposal, first.
Assess the needs of your agency, population to be served and your community.
Make your idea more attractive to funders by focusing on what is original, timely, compelling, impactful, sustainable, and able to be replicated.
Tap into your passion.

STEP 2 - Research Funders

Identify keywords for funder research in commonly used categories, like field of interest, types of support, type of eligible recipient, geographic focus and special population terms.
Become familiar with the four primary types of funders: foundations, corporations, government agencies and individual donors.
Use both linear and non-linear approaches to finding and attracting funders.
Conduct a pre-proposal contact with a potential funder.
Get application forms and guidelines.
Make sure there is a strong "idea match" between your idea and the funder's.
Collect information about funders and how they evaluate proposals.

STEP 3 - Customize Your Proposal

Create a timeline for completing your proposal.
Apply an approach that has been proven successful. For example, develop partnerships and invite an investment of the funder.
Assemble support data you need as you go, such as your IRS determination letter and testimonials.
Use winning writing tips, such as defining all acronyms and including an activity time line.
Improve the appearance of your proposal using the font style used by funders in their publications whenever possible.
Write a first draft; then, conduct a mock review of your first draft and edit.
Submit your proposal ideally 10 working days before the deadline.

STEP 4 - Respond to the Funder's Decision

Thank each funder, no matter the result.
Ask for feedback to improve future proposals.
Re-apply, if your idea matches the funder's, using feedback from the funder.
Use a 3-submission approach, if necessary.
Congratulate yourself on a job well done.

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Click here for a .pdf version of this checklist plus grant writing worksheets, sample proposals, sample budgets, and much more from 4Grants.Net.

Author's Bio:

With a 93% grant success rate and $1.2 Billion in grant funding for over 3,000 students, the Grant Professor Phil Johncock is the “world’s greatest grant writer” according to Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul. Check out the Grant Professor’s 3-day Grants Conference and How to Create a Grant Readiness 3-Ring Binder for U.S. Nonprofits, as well as Grant Professional Certification (GPC) Exam Prep course for experienced grant writers.