***4 Steps of Grant Writing Process Checklist

In a recent analysis of 12 grant writing processes used by grant writing experts, four primary steps and a checklist used by most grant writers emerged.

Checklist

Here is a checklist of items for each step:

STEP 1 - Develop Your Idea

• Develop your idea into a fundable proposal, first.
• Assess the needs of your agency, population to be served and your community.
• Make your idea more attractive to funders by focusing on what is original, timely, compelling, impactful, sustainable, and able to be replicated.
• Tap into your passion.

STEP 2 - Research Funders

• Identify keywords for funder research in commonly used categories, like field of interest, types of support, type of eligible recipient, geographic focus and special population terms.
• Become familiar with the four primary types of funders: foundations, corporations, government agencies and individual donors.
• Use both linear and non-linear approaches to finding and attracting funders.
• Conduct a pre-proposal contact with a potential funder.
• Get application forms and guidelines.
• Make sure there is a strong "idea match" between your idea and the funder's.
• Collect information about funders and how they evaluate proposals.

STEP 3 - Customize Your Proposal

• Create a timeline for completing your proposal.
• Apply an approach that has been proven successful. For example, develop partnerships and invite an investment of the funder.
• Assemble support data you need as you go, such as your IRS determination letter and testimonials.
• Use winning writing tips, such as defining all acronyms and including an activity time line.
• Improve the appearance of your proposal using the font style used by funders in their publications whenever possible.
• Write a first draft; then, conduct a mock review of your first draft and edit.
• Submit your proposal ideally 10 working days before the deadline.

STEP 4 - Respond to the Funder's Decision

• Thank each funder, no matter the result.
• Ask for feedback to improve future proposals.
• Re-apply, if your idea matches the funder's, using feedback from the funder.
• Use a 3-submission approach, if necessary.
• Congratulate yourself on a job well done.

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Click here for a .pdf version of this checklist plus grant writing worksheets, sample proposals, sample budgets, and much more from 4Grants.Net.