Identify potential funding sources. Your research focus should be specific enough that you can identify just a small handful of funding sources willing to even consider your project. FoundationCenter.org is a good place to start your search for funding.
Know the application guidelines. Make sure that you have read and studied the particular guidelines of each organization you will submitting your application to. Grant proposals can sometimes be disqualified from consideration because of minor missteps.
Evaluate the uniqueness of your project. According to the National Institute of Health, one of the primary considerations in determining eligibility is whether or not the research is unique enough to warrant funding. By law, the NIH cannot fund a project that has already been funded or is not novel enough to be considered new research.
Research the numbers. Granting agencies want to see that there is hard factual support of the need for your research project. They will be more likely to grant funding if you can back up your request with statistical data.
Enumerate the implications of your research clearly and succinctly. You have to be able to indicate to the funding body why your research is potentially important. Granting organizations are not likely to provide funding if you do not understand how your research affects society.