Step 3: Write and Submit Grant Applications/Proposals

Step 3 in the grant development process involves writing the grant proposal/application and submitting it to the grantor.

There are several steps in preparing a successful proposal; these steps may not be linear and might occur in a different sequence. Depending on the complexity of the project and the funder requirements, 可能还需要采取其他步骤, 但基本步骤包括:

• 召集拨款小组 to:
  • Develop and/or confirm the scope of the request.
  • Clarify the grants team member roles and responsibilities 根据需要.
  • Create a timeline to develop and write the grant application/proposal.
  • Discuss and formulate the project work plan.
• 收集信息 如奖助金指引所要求.
  • PRO TIP: Grant writer can lead the grant team through this process.
• Conduct/coordinate additional research 根据需要.
  • Helpful resources to find data/research that supports your request:
    • 慈善纪事.
    • 美国人口调查局.
    • 怀尔德研究.
    • 明尼苏达州的指南针.
    • Association Of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
  • 编制计划/项目预算 (如果需要的话).
    • Coordinate with accounting/finance (or accounting/finance representative on your grants team).
    • If you need a template, refer to the budget section of the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form.
  • 写提案.
    • “The written grant proposal is the primary tool that most funders use for making grant decisions. 简而言之, the grant proposal is your opportunity to communicate to the funder who you are, 以及你为什么要申请拨款, 你打算怎么花这笔钱, and why you are a good fit with the funder priorities.” — Overview of the grant seeking process from the Minnesota Council on Foundations
    • PRO TIP 1: Develop boilerplate proposals for high-priority projects using the Minnesota Common Grant Application form as a template. 然后, as funding opportunities become available, tailor the boilerplate language for these grant applications.
    • PRO TIP 2: Ensure that the grant writer either has grant writing experience or has support from an individual with grant writing experience.
  • 收集附件.
    • Commonly requested grant attachments include:
      • 金融s such as audited financial statements, 组织预算, 项目预算, 还有其他资助者的名单.
      • 当选官员名单.
      • 与项目相关的关键人员.
      • 支持决议.
    • A list of the most commonly requested grant attachments for foundation grants is available on the Minnesota Common Grant Application Form.
  • Share the proposal/grant application with grants team 审查.
    • Allow at least one to two weeks for proofreading and internal review.
    • Consider two proofreaders — one who will have responsibility for implementing the project and another who is not directly connected with the project. The outside reader can ensure that the proposal is understandable to someone who isn’t a city employee.
  • 提交资助申请/建议.
    • Follow grant submission instructions in the grant guidelines.
    • Retain a complete copy of the grant application/proposal submitted.

Once the grant application is submitted, then it’s in the hands of the grantor to review and make decisions. This phase of the process may involve additional work for the applicant. The following happens during this period:

• 格兰特审查.
  • Grant applications are reviewed by people such as review panels, 项目官员, 受托人/董事会成员, 社区成员, 和/或主题专家.
  • 拨款审查可以包括实地考察, which is a meeting initiated by the funder to discuss the grant request with the grant applicant city/organization. Sometimes the review includes a request for additional information.
• 拨款决定及跟进.
  • Grant applicants are typically notified in writing of the grant award or decline. Sometimes funders will personally call grant applicants that were selected for funding. The grant notification date is often included in the grant guidelines.