Simple Strategies to Strengthen Your Grant Application
Written by Rachel Bennett, WCCF Grants Manager
Email Rachel at rbennett@waukeshafoundation.org
In my role as Grants Manager at the Waukesha County Community Foundation (WCCF), I orchestrate our annual competitive grant process, the Community Grants Cycle. In doing so, I have the privilege of working with our Grants Review Committee, comprised of prominent business leaders and philanthropists throughout Waukesha County, all with varying backgrounds. Although I’m the conductor, they are the decision makers—tasked with determining which applications to move forward in the process and, eventually, which should be awarded funding.
Through my preparation of evaluation summaries and presence at all meetings, I’ve learned that it’s not necessarily the flashiest requests that appeal to the Committee, but rather the most thoughtful. Here are some tips for those applying to our Community Grants Cycle, and perhaps other organizations’ funding opportunities.
“Evaluating grant applications is both a science and an art.”
– Melissa Baxter, WCCF President
1. Become a Guideline Guru
Prior to applying for a grant, read the Grant Cycle Guidelines carefully and reach out with questions, especially if it’s your first time applying with a potential funder. Knowing the time and energy grant writers spend on proposals, it pains me when we have to reject applications that do not meet our Cycle’s criteria. Additionally, if your application was denied in a previous year’s cycle, follow up to find out why and how your application can be improved going forward.
2. Design a Budget that Speaks Volumes
When tailoring your application to meet the Guidelines, pay special attention to your program/project budget and the Cycle’s funding range. It is beneficial when the amount you’re requesting shows a significant impact on the budget.
3. Translate Your Terms
When detailing your request, be sure to explain technical terms and site names that are specific to your organization. The application needs to make sense to someone who may not be at all familiar with your organization, area of focus, or geographic location.
4. Methods that Measure Up
Ensure your method to determine effectiveness of the potential funding is sound. List the goals of your program/project, and the specific tools you will use to measure the success of meeting those goals. Whether it is a survey to clients or internal service-delivery tracking through a specific database, be descriptive.
5. Master the Storytelling Strategy
Explaining the impact of your request is most important, particularly as it relates to the service area of the funder. Tell the story of impact and include figures when possible. You should pull at the heartstrings of the Review Committee through your storytelling and appeal to their heads with the numbers clarifying impact.
6. The Early Bird Advantage
Lastly, submit your application early if possible. Do not wait until the last minute.
While I can’t speak for other funders (though it never hurts to ask!), I offer to review applications submitted 10 business days prior to the deadline. Though my review does not offer feedback on the request itself, I will let you know if you are missing information or if you should add more context to certain areas.
Overall, grant writing is about tailoring your request and thoroughness – not the glitz of a certain project or program. Don’t be afraid to ask for general operating support if it’s what’s needed most. I’ve learned so much through working with our Grants Review Committee. I hope the tips I shared are helpful to you. Learn more about our Community Grants Cycle here.
