Grant and proposal writing are unique because they need to contain the organization’s history, skillset, and leadership. They also need to tell a story. Simon Senek is well known for his book and his TED talks Start With Why, and his expanding circles include How and What is critical to a successful narrative. All three need to be included within the grant or proposal guidelines, and including these are not a license to bypass the guidelines or submission structure. Deviating from the submission requirements is a good way to ensure that your proposal or grant will not be awarded.
Why?
The Why for a grant is the reason the organization wants to do this work and Why they are qualified. For non-profits, this generally aligns with the mission of the organization. It is also a great time to work in any data or research that supports the organization’s Why. Statistical data from government sites go a long way for showing support for a specific cause. Why is there a need for what is being proposed?
In addition, it needs to include Why the organization is qualified to be awarded the grant. This section is the meaning of the organization; why the organization does what it does. And it goes hand in hand with the What of the organization.
What the?
The What section is a great place to showcase the organization’s past projects that align with the Why. It is the time to show the history of the organization and its leadership to establish credibility. If the organization is new, start with the experience of the leadership, team, or individuals. As discussed a few weeks back, credibility is key to anyone awarding a contract or grant. The grantors are banking on a result or return on investment. Tell them What has been done in the past that justifies the award.
Most importantly, the submission must explain what it is going to do. For instance, start a soup kitchen or provide after-school activities for underprivileged youth are all What statements. The history of what is done in that past can lead up to the what. Still, I generally like to lead with this information and follow up with the organization’s credibility to succeed on What it is proposing to do.
How in the…?
The How is where creative writing is essential. More often than not, the request is for something new or in a similar vein to what the organization has done in the past. And it is the uncharted territory of storytelling that explains how the organization intends to meet the What. Submission guidelines are essential to this portion of the proposal and generally include a budget, workforce, timeline, and a way to be self-sufficient after some time. Most grantors are not looking to fund an organization for a lifetime. They are looking to help the organization become established and self-sustaining to fix the Why.
The narrative needs to tie the Why, What, and How together to tell the organization’s story of fixing a problem. It needs to be persuasive, exuding confidence that your organization can complete the work. It’s a tough sell, and there are no guarantees of the award, but Modern Quill can help tell your organization’s story.
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