Grants are used to fund different kinds of need. There are endowments for social problems such as homelessness, education, AIDS prevention, and poverty. There are also those that fund research, children, and family. Institutions like private foundations, corporations, religious organizations, philanthropists, and government agencies are the most common funding institutions. These funders are willing to finance a project provided that it is aligned with their purpose and goals. These make the selection process tough and rigid. Different funding institutions have different kinds of guidelines that applicants must consider. In particular, these funding institutions only give their support to those who meet their guidelines and requirements. Thus, it is also imperative to comply with their prerequisites to gain funding. All of these demand a process, as well as wide knowledge and skills that satisfyingly meet the set guidelines for application. Grant writing is a very credible way to help these organizations realize their goals. It is an effective tool for them to descriptively state their appeal for funds and present a convincing program to compel potential funding institutions to support their projects. There are influencing factors that make an effective grant writing guide. Here are some of the common steps that are involved in the process: Planning Planning plays a key role in achieving a successful proposal. Well-conceptualized ideas will create a well-designed solid program development. It is useful in formulating goals and illustrating probable attainable procedures. In this process, the following should be considered: - Community’s need - Clear and specific objective - Clear descriptive solution for the problem Research for Potential Funding Sources Finding potential funding sources requires time. Thus, the following should be considered among potential funding sources before applying for grants: - Grants that are aligned to one’s program objective - Eligibility requirements - Required guidelines - Given timeframe - Funder’s priorities - Funder’s objectives Submitting an Intent Letter A grant writing guide offers the most perfect scheme on drafting the letter of intent. Through this letter, the applicant can provide the funder with a summarized overview of the project. In this part, one must include the following: - Summary statement - Statement of need - Project description - Outcomes/results - Organizational background - Credentials - Budget - Closing Organizing a Budget Initially, budget is one factor to consider by funding institutions. These institutions will study the declared cost and will justify the stated cause. To explain one’s budget, the applicant must itemize the needed funds and explain each outlay. Writing the Proposal The preparation of proposal requires great skill, effort, and time. It must comply with the guidelines of the Request for Proposal. Formatting It is important that the collected information be presented in an organized and comprehensible format. This will secure the clarity of one’s intentions and the strategic approach to use. These components are commonly used in accomplishing the application. 1. Summary 2. Introduction 3. Statement of need 4. Objectives 5. Methods 6. Evaluation 7. Budget There is a need to create an application that is acceptable and substantial. A program that is clearly and systematically designed is destined to succeed. Therefore, grant writing guide is an important tool in developing this program. The components or methods involved in the process are effective approaches to convey the significant problems that must be resolved. The clear presentation of the application through a well-planned procedure is a convincing fact that the organization will efficiently utilize the funds in resolving the problem.
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