Grant Writing 1-2-3

I'm writing a grant on this beautiful first day of spring and wishing I didn't have to. Actually I'm procrastinating and not writing at all.

But when you do need to write a grant here are three important steps:

1. Take as much (or even more) time to plan and design your project as you do to write the grant. Funders see project proposals all day long. If your project has been slapped together or isn't clearly defined they are going to see right through it and won't be willing to fund it.

2. Talk to the funder ahead of time to see if your project really is eligible. We all hate to hear "No" but think about how much time a nice firm "No" would save you. Time you could spend on something that might really pay off.

3. Read their directions and follow them.

Simple. Right? Now I have to go do it...