Don’t copy/paste: How to tailor your grant proposal to the funder.
If you’re submitting a series of grant proposals for the same general work, it can be tempting to copy/paste language from one proposal to the next.
Why not just save time and money by sending out the same proposal to multiple funders?
Applying a one-size-fits-all approach to your applications won’t yield good results.
Each funding organization is as unique as the individuals running it and staffing its board.
When you don’t take the time to tailor your application to a funder, it will show – perhaps not so much in the words you write, but in the words you don’t write.
Does this mean you should reinvent the wheel each time you need to write a paragraph about how your organization was founded?
No.
Absolutely, you should develop core language that you can use as a basis for your grant content. You can and should use and build upon language from previously successful applications.
But don’t stop at a copy/paste.
Each new grant proposal should include some original content unique to that application.
After repurposing your existing content, there are five crucial steps you can take to tailor your application and increase your chances at winning:
Reach out to the funder to gain insight. This is perhaps the most important step, but it’s often neglected. Building a relationship before submitting an application will boost your chances of success – not just because you can build a personal relationship, but because you can glean important insights that you wouldn’t otherwise have if you just review the funder’s website. When you speak to a representative from the funding organization, you can gain important intel to help tailor your application – including the correct amount to request and what specific aspects of your programming to focus on. It can also help you adjust your expectations about your chances of winning and better determine how much alignment you have with the funder.
Reflect the funder’s own words. Review the funder’s website and the grant application instructions. What are some keywords or phrases that you see? What sort of specific solutions does the funder prioritize? Use these keywords and messaging in your own proposals to demonstrate alignment. For example, let’s say a funder mentions “promoting self-sufficiency among participants.” Make sure you demonstrate how your programs do that. It should feel pretty natural to reflect the funder’s language in your proposal. If you feel like you’re forcing it or it seems like a lie to talk about your organization that way, the funder or grant opportunity might not be a great fit after all.
Explicitly demonstrate alignment. Remember, your proposal isn’t just about you – it’s also about the funder. Show the funder exactly how your work advances their mission and goals. Don’t be afraid to spell it out: “Here’s how our work aligns with your foundation’s mission.” State specific examples. Show that you understand and care about the funder’s mission. Look on their website for any published reports, strategic plans, or multi-year priorities, for example, that you could mention in your proposal to show how your work fits into their broader strategy.
Consider the funder’s current knowledge and your relationship. Is the funder well-versed in your subject area? If so, maybe you don’t need to go as in-depth into the statistics. Do you have a previous relationship with them? If so, you might not need to overindulge about your organization’s history. You can include language that thanks them for their previous gift and explain how their investment made an impact on your work. If it’s a new relationship, you may want to give more context to your organization’s founding and history, and include more language that introduces your work.
Follow instructions to the T. If a funder asks for a 3-page letter, give them a 3-page letter. If they ask for a bulleted list, give them a bulleted list. A grant proposal is not the place to color outside the lines. Honor the funder’s unique specifications by following the instructions for formatting and submission.
The more tailored you can be, the better your chances of winning.
