Grant writing tips w/bonus

Written By Rose Daley

Hey Hey,

In this season, access to funding has become a prime conversation. It’s not only important for entrepreneurs starting a business but also for the everyday working professional who may be behind on their bills. There are resources for you to take advantage of during this unsuspected time in history, we are living in. Below you will find things to consider when filling out grant applications. Although these are tailored towards business owners, I want you as the person to start thinking of yourself as a Business because you are! Take what you need, make it yours, and most importantly HAPPY FUNDING!



TEN things to consider when filling out grant applications.

  • The first thing you should do when filling out your application form is to make sure it’s complete.  Here is what I mean by that. If there is a question that doesn’t apply, or you don’t have an answer to it don’t leave it blank put N/A.  Simple yes, but you will be surprised how many applicants are denied because of this one thing. 

  • You should be completely truthful in your business grant application. A lie takes more energy to keep up than the truth ever will. Always be honest in your application because these things can live on to bite you in the long run. Don’t compromise your integrity. 

What’s for you will be for you.

  • Have your business plan ready to go if needed. Most grants won’t ask for one. While others will use it as a determining factor for funding. Don’t be caught up trying to put one together last minute. 

The motto is to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.


  • Many business grants and or personal financial grants are state-specific. Check to make sure that you meet their eligibility requirements before applying. 


  • Double-check what the application deadlines are for each grant you are applying for. You will be surprised how many people apply for grants past the deadline. Don’t be that person and waste your valuable time.

  • Get your financials in order. You must be able to manage the grant you are asking for. In some cases, your personal financials won’t play a factor in others it will. Be ready to supply any documentation they request when asked. 



  • You should have a clear understanding of what the money will be used for and don't stray from this plan. It’s important to know your numbers, and have a detailed itemized budget of where you plan on spending the grant money. Many grantors can come back months after funding to ask for receipts and documentation showing how you used the funding.



  • Take your time, take your time, take your time. It’s important to read about the grant you are applying for and see if you can contact someone on the awarding panel for questions. Make sure your questions are well thought out and not something already previously answered. Think relationship building, as well as this person, can be a future resource to you and your business.



  • You would be surprised how many grant applications are dismissed because of poor proofreading or typos made on the application. You want to come across as professional as possible take the time to proofread your application and use tools like Google, Grammarly, and possibly consider a copywriter to make sure the grammar and spelling are on point.

 Consider reaching out to a friend to read it over a second pair of eyes always helps.



  • Last but not least, the number one way to get funding is by applying. You might think, of course, but many people want the money but few want to put in the work. The grant money won’t just fall in your lap. You got to put in the effort, and always be on the lookout for grants. Many new grants are opening weekly, monthly, and quarterly. If there is a grant you are interested in, and they closed their applications still check on it periodically. Many grants reopen yearly. 

Bonus Tip: Once you apply for a grant, take all the information you wrote and save it to a google document. It can serve as your customizable template to make it easier to tailor and apply for additional grants.

As a gift here are a list of 5 Grants, you can take advantage of. Remember to subscribe to my email list so I can keep you updated with new resources and tools. Talk to you soon Beauties.

Rose Daley
Previous

Simplifying Business Planning