Many funders, also known as grantors, will require that the organization making the grant request be a 501(c)(3) organization. This is a tax-exempt organization classified by the Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3). This type of organization is colloquially referred to as a "charitable organization."
It's important that your organization have a clear, concise mission statement. The mission statement will be key in convincing the grantor that there's a valid need for the grant money. Think of your mission statement as a sound byte; be sure that it's concise but still broad enough to encompass your entire organization, department or division. This will be key to drafting your organizational resume---the section of the grant proposal where you describe your organization as a whole and how your organization is cut out for solving the problem the grant money is earmarked for.
Although you should write this summary at the end of your grant-writing process, it's important to consider this summary at the beginning. Although the format may vary, include a statement of the problem, the intended solution, the funding requirements, and any expertise that will be used to solve the problem. Try to personify the need, and include percentages and statistics. Also look at what has been done already and if this future project can be done better or differently. The executive summary should lay out the case to compel the grantor to keep reading the rest of your proposal.
Lay out the facts and state the need (both the need for a solution to the problem and the need for your organization to be the solution). Include both industry experience about the need, as well as your organization's observation of the problem. Think about what data presents the best picture of the problem, and whether this data is available and accurate. Be sure to include some indication that the problem has an actual solution.
Keep in mind that you're selling your project as the best solution to the need identified earlier and that your solution can solve the problem sufficiently with the funds being requested. Lay out the project using the recommended sections below, and be sure to make it clear that the plan can always change and that it's likely to evolve---even after your proposal is put together and submitted.
Your project will be broken down by: (1) objectives: measurable, achievable and specific goals, including behavioral (the actors), performance (timing/standards), process (manner) and product objectives (tangible items); (2) methods: specific activities your organization will undertake (how, when, why) that directly relate to the magnitude of the objectives; (3) staffing/administration---who from the organization is going to work on this project, whether they'll work full- or part-time, whether this will interfere with their existing duties, and what their qualifications are; (4) evaluation: how you'll determine if the project is a success, using both subjective and objective analysis; and (5) sustainability: how sustainable the program and the organization are.