How can you make your grant proposal compelling?

1 Understand the funder

Before you start writing your grant proposal, you need to research the funder and their goals, priorities, and criteria. What is their mission and vision? What are their values and interests? What are their expectations and requirements? How do they evaluate and measure the impact of their grants? By understanding the funder, you can tailor your grant proposal to align with their objectives and show how your project can help them achieve their desired outcomes.

2 Define your problem and solution

One of the most important parts of your grant proposal is the problem statement and the solution statement. The problem statement should clearly identify the specific issue or need that your project addresses, the target population or community that is affected, and the evidence or data that supports your claim. The solution statement should describe the goals and objectives of your project, the activities and methods that you will use, and the expected results and benefits that you will deliver. The problem and solution statements should be concise, realistic, and logical, and demonstrate how your project fills a gap or provides a unique value.

3 Show your credibility and capacity

Another key element of your grant proposal is the organizational profile and the project team. The organizational profile should highlight the history, mission, vision, and achievements of your organization, and how it relates to the problem and solution that you propose. The project team should showcase the qualifications, skills, and experience of the staff and partners that will be involved in the project, and how they will collaborate and coordinate effectively. The organizational profile and the project team should show that you have the credibility and capacity to implement the project successfully and sustainably.