Seven Questions to Ask Before Writing Your Next Grant

Writing the proposal is not the first step in grant writing. The first step is deciding whether the opportunity deserves your time. A funder with a large award isn't necessarily the right funder for your organization.

1. Does the funder's mission fit ours?

Review geographic restrictions, eligibility, priority populations, and actual giving history. Don't twist your mission to fit a grant.

2. Can we demonstrate the need?

Use credible data and a clear description of the people and communities you serve. Explain the gap you are addressing.

3. What changes because of our work?

Separate activities from outcomes. Serving participants is an activity; demonstrating meaningful progress is an outcome.

4. Can we deliver what we promise?

Assess staffing, volunteers, partnerships, facilities, timing, and competing commitments.

5. Will the grant pay for what we need?

Check restrictions, matching requirements, and whether administrative costs are eligible.

6. Can we meet reporting requirements?

Know which measures and records you'll need before committing to collect them.

7. Is this the best use of our time?

A weak-fit application may take attention away from stronger prospects and existing donor relationships.

A useful habit

Build a simple grant go/no-go checklist. The best grant writers aren't the people who write the most proposals. They're the ones who know which proposals are worth writing.

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