Tips on applying for Federal Grants

  • Continuously seek grant opportunities.
  • Keep ongoing contact with organizations that award grants.
  • Decide who will receive information on grants, who will write the proposals and who will manage the grants.
  • Plan how the grant will be integrated into your overall plans.
  • Read carefully and follow the application directions.
  • Be specific and concise with information in the grant application.
  • Grant applications must be easy to read.
  • Each section of the application should relate to the others to create a fluid document.
  • Write short paragraphs.
  • Provide headings for different sections.
  • Grant must be properly and professionally written.
  • Include a cover letter.
  • Provide an introduction with a summary of the proposal.
  • Provide a table of contents if the grant is lengthy or broken into sections.
  • Give reason for the need of the grant. Identify the problem to be addressed then narrow the focus to the precise use of the grant.
  • Provide long and short term objectives.
  • Present the standards for the program. What is the target for success and how will it be measured
  • Give a future for the program once the grant is complete.
  • Include a budget; specify administrative and program costs.
  • Be complete; try to allow time for review.
  • Providing a high quality document, addressing all key elements will increase success.
  • Check if grant needs to be reviewed locally under Executive Order 12372.
  • Get support from elected officials, business leaders and community leaders.
  • Follow all grant proposal submittal requirements. These can vary for each grant.
  • Do not miss deadlines.

Visit our guide on how to write a federal grant proposal for in-depth information on writing your first Federal Grant proposal.



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Federal Grants Resources