Six Phases of Grant Writing

Search for Topic

• The first phase of grant writing is searching for a topic. The topic should be relative to the purpose of the grant. For example, a grant for small business startups should have a topic about small businesses, the type of business or gender/ethnicities in the business field. Some grants will have a list already created of available topics for the grant, and you will have to select from this list.

Timeline and Plan

• After the topic has been selected, the next step is creating a plan for writing the grant. Consider the date the grant paper must be submitted. Give yourself enough time to research, create a first draft and revise before the due date. Leave extra time for distractions and things in your life that can get in the way of putting several hours a day toward the project.

Research

• Research the topic using libraries, online resources and government resources. Some topics may require specific studies or research done on the part of the individual or group that is applying for the grant. Therefore, extensive research and note taking are essential.

First Draft

• The first draft should be done as soon as possible after research is completed. In your first draft you do not need to worry about grammar, spelling or organization, and it should be left with information that can be cut out during revisions.

Revisions

• The revision phase should be done by the writer but also by another party. Give the grant proposal to a friend or colleague that can review it and give feedback. Adjust grammar and spelling as well as ensure that each paragraph flows smoothly into the next one. Remove any fluff or information that is repetitive, and end with a clean and concise grant proposal. Cut down any information that takes your proposal over the word-count limit set by the grant.

Submitting

• The final phase of grant writing is to submit the grant. The grant proposal should be submitted with a completed application and any other documentation required by the grant. Upon submitting, most grant processes do give a tracking number so that grant writers can track the progress of their grant and whether or not it is approved.