How to write grant applications

Many deserving startups fail because the principals have no idea how to write a grant application. Free grants and government grants are the lifeblood that keeps innovation and community welfare projects alive. Here's a basic outline of what needs to be done, from knowing the types of grants, how to write an application and apply for a grant.

Types of grants

There are a few basic categorisations for the types of grants, including federal grants and foundation grants. You can ask for foundation grants for research projects or get a fellowship. You can get the government to guarantee a loan for you, or underwrite a low or no interest loan. You can get federal grants in the form of equity financing, tax refunds and credits. On a less commercial note, many non-profits and deserving NGO's involved with species conservation will be eligible for conservation grants, from both federal and private trusts. For individuals who need research assistance or a study abroad fellowship, there are trusts like the Leverhulme Trust which can provide everything from research project grants to arts bursaries.

Research projects

Applying or learning how to apply for a grant won't help you learn how to do a project. However, the detailed project report and other data that is required for a grant application will ensure that you yourself will know how viable your project is by the time you get done with the applications and interviews. The project If the federal government or a rich foundation thinks that the project is worthy and doable, and you're capable of doing it, then it's a stamp of approval. There are many other things that will impact whether or not you get a grant. This includes your prior experience and track record as well as the way the grant application is written.

Applications

How to write a grant application is something that one has to learn. It's not like an ordinary business report or a cover letter for a bank loan. It needs intensive research and fact-checking to make sure that the application conforms to the funding organisation's eligibility and grant application's guidelines.

Getting a grant

You may want to acquire copies of successful grant applications and check to see if a project similar to yours has been previously funded. Grant foundations get a large number of applications. Therefore, a single mistake in the application is usually enough to get the proposal rejected. If you don't know how to get a grant, get hold of someone with grant writing experience to help out with the application.