Anyone can write a grant and be successful, but it can be a stressful experience. Finding the right grant, understanding the criteria and writing the application within a short time frame can place a lot of pressure on anyone in business or volunteering for an organisation.

Here are Five Top Tips to help you be grant ready for the greatest success.

1. The grant criteria must align with your objectives.

Don’t apply for funds just because it is available and don’t change your key project objectives to fit. Plan your project thoroughly to the fullest extent, then break it into sub-projects for funding as it aligns with the criteria for a win-win application. Be realistic about what you can deliver and afford within the budget and timeframes of the grant.

2. Grants are a public investment for community benefit.

Be clear about the direct and flow on social, economic and environmental benefits your project will deliver.

3. Be clear and simple.

Don’t use fancy writing or complex descriptions. Make it easy for the assessors to understand and appreciate your project and what it will achieve. Tip: write your application in a word document and copy into online forms.

4. Offer value for money.

Grants are an investment, so ensure you demonstrate the monetary and other contributions including cash, in-kind, expertise, time, equipment etc. Show why they should choose your project over anyone else.

5. Address each question carefully.

Write about what they asked for, not just what you want to tell them. Only provide relevant, meaningful and helpful information that can be evidenced or verified.



Your Grant Ready Checklist

Preparation

• Evaluate project readiness
• Find suitable grant programs
• Align project with funding criteria
• Check application requirements

Application

• Finalise project plan in word document
• Prepare application against criteria
• Complete forms and submission
• Respond to follow up queries

Email us for our Grant Application Project Preparation Template to get you ready for most grants ahead of time.