Free Grant Writing Help

Writing a Grant proposal can be as simple as following the directions in the application packet the agency sends you on request. Add a little flare and your Grant application can stand out, making your chances of selection better.
Every Private Foundation and Government Agency bestowing Grants has different rules for their application which is why reading the packet you receive thoroughly is so important. Government agencies are sticklers for details, so if you don't follow directions or you make just one small mistake, your application can be disqualified. Private Foundations also require specifics but are not as precise.
There are reference sources in your library to consult about Grant proposal writing in addition to the advice given here. It's best to read as much as you can in preparation for your Grant writing duties.
If you are requesting a Grant for a specific idea or project, contact the agency after you receive the packet to see if they have recently awarded any Grants for this type of work. If they have, it may be that no further Grant money is available for that project. You will then have to come up with another idea to obtain your dollars.
Whatever your idea, try to enlist written support from individuals in your community who may know you and like your idea. Grant applications backed by letters from local government, community and business leaders improves your chances of receiving the award. Federal Grant money may actually require these letters of endorsement. Your application packet will inform you of the specific requirements.
Even if not required, support letters are encouraged. It gives further credence to your idea and may make the difference if the Grant award comes down to a couple of applications and the agency is forced to choose. If you have formed an organization and have a partner or two who have a different expertise than you, add their names and qualifications to the overall proposal. Having assistance on the project often encourages agencies who make Grants available as the projects chances of completion are heightened.
Bouncing your ideas off the Government or Private Foundation individuals who will be considering your Grant request is a sound move. Many of these employees have been there a substantial length of time and will be well-versed in the ins and outs of Grant obtainment. They often appreciate that you asked their advice up front and can do wonders for you in terms of saving time and effort in heading down the wrong track.
You could make, if convenient, a personal visit to the speific agency to meet the individuals who wil be considering your proposal. There may be pertinent reference information in the agency which can help you with your proposal. It always helps to put a name to a face and a professional look will help you in their estimation.
By all means, stay in contact with these people, especially if they work in the agency to whom you will be submitting your bid(s). Even if you don't get a positive response on the first Grant proposal, keep in touch! They can often tip you off to what future projects have a chance of being funded. If it's in your area of expertise, you have an inside track to the next fund availability.
You will likely not be the only one writing for Grant money,so you have to do a better job of it than your competitor, by making sure that there is:
a need for your idea or project;
sufficient research done your part to satisfy the grantors;
no question that you are the best candidate to receive the Grant;
sufficient time for you to spend reviewing the application process and preparing your Grant proposal; then you will be to write your first proposal draft.


Try these following links: Grant Writing tips http://freegrantwriting.blogspot.com Grant Proposal Writing http://wilbers.com/grants.htm (step-by-step discussion on writing for grant proposals) : A Proposal Writing Short Course published by the Foundation Center http://www.fdncenter.org/onlib/shortcourse/propl.html ; Assistance in Developing Proposals http://www.montclair.edu/pages/ORSP/strategy.htm.
Other funding resources: http://www.freegrantonline.com