Tips for Writing Grants

Here are some simply better tips to help you make it through the grant writing process.

1. Convince your reviewer that your idea will make a difference

• Winning applications have one common characteristic – the idea presented becomes alive to the grant reviewers

2. Receive feedback from a non-educator

• Most of our grant review teams are not educators
• Avoid acronyms or terms that may not be understood by the general public

3. Don’t wait until the last minute

• Submit your application early
• This will give you time to get your questions answered and resolve any unexpected problems

4. Use spelling- and grammar-check tools

• Treat your application like a job resume
• Proofread your application

5. Select a title that captures your idea and the grant reviewer’s imagination. Examples include:

• Fishes of the Ditches and Other Curious Creatures
• SLOPS: School Lunch-waste Organic Project Stewards
• When am I Ever Going to Use Science?
• Going to the Birds
• Kids Dig Dinosaurs
• H2O Ole6

6. Write strong objective statements

• Consider using SMART objectives:
  • S - Specific
  • M - Measurable
  • A - Achievable
  • R - Relevant
  • T - Time-bound

(Example) Each student will create a written document detailing the research project, which will be entered in a science contest by the spring semester

7. Prepare and attach a separate budget file

• In the online application, advance to screen 7 and attach your budget file before you start completing the fields

8. If you are not familiar with the computer, seek technical assistance

• Create your project description, objectives, evaluation and community awareness sections in a separate document
• Cut and paste these sections into the application
• Save your work frequently

9. Confirm that your e-mail address is listed correctly

• Information on the status of your grant is provided via e-mail

10. More is not always better

• State the idea and get to the point quickly