How Does Grant Writing Work

Grants are funds offered to companies, non-profits, and other organizations to help these groups reach their goals. For some organizations, grant money accounts for most or all of their operating budgets. Needless to say, it is essential for them to do their best to win these funds, which do not have to be paid back.

Updated Dec. 17, 2021

Getting grants isn't as easy as filling out a simple form. Instead, detailed paperwork, including explicit plans for the use of the funds, must be submitted. Typically, a variety of other requirements must also be met.

One mistake, or simply an unconvincing proposal, can put the organization out of the running. For this reason, those who are serious about getting grants will hire a professional to do their grant writing for them.

Who Gives Grants?

Curious about who gives grants? Grants are awarded by a range of entities, including government organizations like the National Institutes of Health, educational foundations, environmental NGOs, and more. Each grant provider has specific goals they aim to advance and offer grants to those aligned with their mission. While some grants, like the Pell Grant, are widely recognized for individual recipients, others, primarily familiar to specialized professionals like research physicians, play crucial roles in funding various objectives. Explore the grant landscape and discover opportunities for your funding needs.

Where are Grants Found?

There are a wide variety of sources for finding grants. Locating the sources can sometimes be easy, but it can also be a lot of work in itself. It mostly depends on which types of grants you're looking for.

Educational grants for students are some of the easiest to locate. High school counselors will know of the common ones, such as Pell grants. Colleges and universities also offer plenty of information about grants, either through their financial aid offices or their counselors. Some will even push students to apply, regardless of their likelihood of actually being approved.

For grants related to more esoteric work, more research is often needed. Trade magazines, libraries, and other such sources are typically good. While it's sometimes possible to find grants through a basic search engine, this is unlikely due to the prevalence of sites that sell dubious "guides" of varying quality levels.

What Happens if a Grant Application is Accepted?

While various grant-providing organizations can have different specific policies, here is what you typically can expect:

• A long wait after you submit your application. It can take between three months and one year to be informed of whether or not your proposal is accepted. Federal grants can be the fastest, and foundation grants the slowest, but there is much overlap here. If you apply for a corporation's grant, you may never be informed of the result if your proposal doesn't win.
• Once your proposal is approved, it typically doesn't take long before you actually get the funds. If your grant is for your organization or business, the money will likely come directly to your entity, either as a check or a direct deposit. Student grants, on the other hand, may be paid directly to the school you listed in your application.

Grant writing is an intricate process that demands patience, research, and skill. As you navigate the world of grants, remember that it's not just about asking for funding; it's about telling a compelling story that resonates with the grant provider's mission and goals. While the journey may be challenging, the rewards can be substantial. Whether you're a non-profit, a small business, or an individual seeking funding, mastering the art of grant writing can open doors to opportunities that will enable you to turn your vision into a reality. So, keep honing your grant writing skills, stay persistent, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. Good luck on your grant writing journey!