Grant Writing Basics

Grant writing and winning grants is complex and highly competitive. There are many professionals that have spent years learning the process. Larger organizations have teams of people developing, writing and tracking grant proposals. Still small organizations and individuals can write and be awarded grants with a compelling proposal and learning the basics.

This page outlines a summary of best practices for basic grant writing. A detailed paper is listed under the resources section below by author Carol Geisbauer.

Basic Grant Writing

• Determine if you are eligible to receive grants.

• Learn the differences between grant making entities - foundations, corporations, corporate foundations and government organizations

• Establish a System that Supports You to Write and Win Grants

• Gather key information on a tracking document
  • Agency Name _______________________________________(as it appears on your 990 Form)
  • 501(C)(3) – federal AND state nonprofit identification_________
    1. on Articles of Incorporation _______________________
  • Date on Articles of Incorporation ____________________
  • Federal EIN Number ________________________________
  • Federal Tax Exemption Date _________________________
  • State Tax Exemption Date ___________________________
  • State Employer ID Number __________________________

• Have necessary documents on file for easy retrieval and attachment
  • Federal Tax Exemption Letter
  • Staate Tax Exemption Letter
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • By-Laws
  • Audit
  • 990 Form
  • Roster of Board of Directors
  • Organization Budget
  • Staff Roster

Resources

File:Grant Writing Basics - Geisbauer.doc