5 Grant Writing Tips for Your Next Environmental Project

There are five general tips that can help you plan for completing a grant application, regardless of your need.  Understanding basic grant writing principles are fundamental to grant writing success. 

Know your funding needs
While planning a new project or defining a new need, ask yourself and your organization, “Do we need funding?”  Some communities already have money set aside for community development opportunities. Your project may fall within the guidelines of your community’s Community Development Block Grant or perhaps qualifies for city funding generated from special taxing districts.  Do your research first to determine if you need to apply for grant funding.

If you determine that your project does need funding, ensure that you have carefully considered all the elements of your project.  Is it for a simple request, such as purchasing equipment or is it for the development of a community education program?  Different projects and programs require different amounts of funding.  Know your needs.

Follow the guidelines
Funders put guidelines and requirements in their Requests for Proposals (RFP) that serve two main functions:  1) to highlight the funders’ goals and missions and 2) to establish eligibility and confirm that the applicant’s project aligns with the funding organization’s objectives. Those guidelines and requirements are there to ensure that the applicant has the skills, capacity and management abilities to complete the project and be good stewards of the dollars granted.  Read through the RFP thoroughly and multiple times to help you understand what your application must contain.

Realistic Objectives
Be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound) about your objectives.  Applicants are often vague and/or overambitious when writing about their objectives.  Clearly define the objectives of the project and make sure that you are realistic with what you can accomplish with the grant funds.  Include time frames, reporting protocols, logistics, and other tasks essential to the project.   Include what capacity your organization has to complete the identified objectives, such as resources and staff expertise.

Budget
Budgets can be the bane of grant writing; however, they are the most essential part of the application.  The budget shows the funder how your organization will use the money.  Ask yourself and your organization:

• Will we pay salaries?
• Will we purchase equipment?
• Will we have subcontracts?

A detailed budget includes all expenses associated with the project.  It includes salaries or stipends, equipment and supplies, indirect and direct costs, etc. 

Edit
Author Dr. Suess wrote, “So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.”  This is applicable for children’s books, novels, reference books and grants.  Be succinct with your application without omitting necessary information.  Review your application for:

• Technical jargon – Do not assume that the grantor knows all the details of your organization: spell out acronyms, explain complex projects in simple terms
• Redundant statements – Ensure that you are not repeating sentences or paragraphs. Not only will it save you valuable space in a page limited application, it will ensure that you are addressing all the requirements.
• Copying the funder’s objectives word for word – Paraphrase the funder’s objectives by explaining how your project will meet those objects. For example:
  
  Funder’s objective: To educate community members about the benefits of recycling
  Applicant’s response:  The pamphlets and webinars that we create will enhance the public’s awareness of how recycling programs will reduce landfill pollution.
• Punctuation – Should that be a period or semi colon? Comma or colon?
• Syntax – Create clear, well-structured sentences that avoid passive voice and mixed tenses. The background section that discusses your organizations previous work should be past tense while explaining the projects tasks should be in future tense.
• Grammar – Ensure that all sentences are grammatically correct. Misplaced prepositions and unclear pronouns can make your application messy and unprofessional.

Review, review, review!  Have a colleague review.  Then review again.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to ask for money!
Many organizations get wrapped up in ensuring that all the requirements are met, and they forget to ask for money.  Be certain that you have total money requested in your grant application. 

Disclaimer:  These tips are meant to assist with grant writing. Following these guidelines does not guarantee funding awards.