Rules of Grant Writing (Info you should know)

1. The grant proposal will need editing several times before it is submitted.
   
   
2. It will take at least three times longer than you think to complete a successful grant proposal.
   
   
3. The need for funds is always greater than the funds available.
   
   
4. Initial and ongoing communication with the targeted funding source increases your chances of funding…300%.
   
   
5. It is just as dangerous to have a budget which is too low to meet your needs as it is to have a budget which is too high to be considered for funding.
   
   
6. If your proposal is turned down for funding, try again…don’t count yourself out after the first strike!
   
   
7. The more innovative or unique an idea, the greater likelihood it will catch a funding agency’s interest for funding.
   
   
8. Be aggressive and persistent, yet tactful and patient.
   
   
9. Always write the grant proposal with a particular funding source in mind.
   
   
10. The first impression you make to the funding agency is the most important.
    
    
11. The competition for funding is getting tougher.
    
    
12. Funding decisions can take from a few weeks to more than a year depending upon the review process, complexity of the proposal, and the number of rewrites and/or modifications requested by the funding agency.
    
    
13. Acknowledge rejections with a thank you (for consideration).
    
    
14. New positions mean additional equipment needs, telephone hookups and space accommodations…don’t forget to include them in your proposal as part of the request for funding or as an in-kind contribution.
    
    
15. Present grant proposal concepts and ideas in a positive manner…funding goes to winners!
    
    
16. The cost of writing a grant cannot be included in the budget of the grant proposal.
    
    
17. Funding sources will be looking for in-kind contributions that reflect the commitment of the organization seeking the funding for the project/program.