How to write good grant applications

We’ve put together five essential tips to remember when you’re applying for a grant

Writing a grant application can be hard, especially if you’ve never done it before.

To help you write a good application, we’ve put together five essential tips to remember when you’re applying for a grant.

1. Check the guidelines and requirements

Before you begin your grant application, it’s important that you learn about the grant program first. You can learn about the grant on the program website.

Every grant is different, with unique criteria and requirements.

You must check that your organisation is eligible to apply. For example, only certain types of organisations may be eligible, or the program may only be open to not-for-profits.

You will also have to show the value of your project against a set of criteria so make sure you understand what is required to prepare your application.

2. Prepare your application

Before you write your application, you should consider these questions:

  1. Why is your project important?
  2. How does your project align with the objectives of the grant program?
  3. Who will your project target?
  4. What will your project achieve?
  5. How will you run your project?
  6. What is the benefit of your project to your clients, business or community?
  7. How will your project stand out?
  8. How will you measure the success of your project?

3. Research how much your project will cost

A good grant application has a clear budget.

Your budget plan should outline all the costs involved in completing your project. This includes:

  • funding from your organisation
  • the grant amount
  • in-kind contributions (i.e. volunteering)
  • loans
  • any other contributions from project partners or quotes from other suppliers

4. Be detailed

Before you submit, make sure your application includes supporting documentation.

These documents could show:

  • your organisation’s impact in the community
  • a description of your business and business plan
  • quotes and invoices from partner suppliers
  • proof of your financial capacity

It is also helpful to identify the risks in your project, and how they will be managed. This helps to build confidence and trust in your project.

5. Review your application

Before you submit your application, you should:

  • Review your budget to make sure it's accurate
  • Send a pdf copy of your application to your peers or supporters to review and give feedback
  • Check the grant criteria again

It’s also important to check how the grant application has been written. You can check that the writing:

  • doesn’t use jargon or acronyms
  • includes key words from the assessment criteria
  • has short paragraphs
  • can be understood by someone who is unfamiliar with your industry
     

Finally, it is important that the application is honest and accurate. Your information may be audited, so make sure your application is not misleading the reader.

After you submit your application, you may be contacted and asked to send through more information. It’s important you respond promptly to any of these requests.

If you can’t be contacted, it may delay your application and you could miss out on the funding.