Getting Grants - Writing Tips

• Follow the funding agencies guidelines, particularly concerning form and length (single- or double-spaced, number of pages, etc.). if you don't have their guidelines, get them before writing your proposal.
• Use bold headings to subdivide your proposal. Your headings should make sense when read by a reviewer skimming over your application.
• When responding to a government request for a proposal, follow the suggested format as closely as possible.
• Don't try for perfection on your first draft. Get down your ideas, then edit and rewrite.
• Have a strong first sentence.
• Have a strong ending.
• Make your proposal as short as possible.
• Use a title that suggests the results you hope to achieve rather than what you plan to do. For example, "Improving Reading of Fifth Graders at Lewis & Clark School" is better than "A Proposal for Reading Machines in Lewis & Clark School."
• Write your budget first, then make sure your proposal supports each item in that budget.
• Write your abstract or summary last, after you have finished the major parts of your application.
• In your abstract or summary, emphasize the benefits of your work and why the project should be funded now.
• Make sure you indicate why this funding agency is the best source of money for this project.
• Emphasize opportunities rather than problems whenever possible.
• Determine your project's features and emphasize them in your proposal.
• When possible, state the need in terms of one person.
• Use graphs, charts, and maps to illustrate your points whenever possible.
• Always include both "Requested from Agency" and "Cost-Sharing" columns in your budget.
• Always include your plans for funding your project after the grant ends.
• Use shorter rather than longer words (5-7 letters are best).
• Use short sentences and paragraphs.
• Use active, not passive, voice. For example, "The Chemistry Department will build the laboratory in 2006." sounds better than "The laboratory will be completed in 2006."