“Good morning everyone. I will be your tour guide, and we are pulling up to our spectacular non-profit momentarily.”
I had coffee with a friend last week who serves on a grant committee at a local university. We discussed the grant space, and I asked her what she thought was the most important piece to winning a grant. I wanted to know what made her jump up from the grant committee table and shout, “We are funding this one!”
I expected her to tell me that the mission, community need, or budget was most important.
I was surprised when she said, “A winning grant has a great tour guide.”
Grant Writing Tip of the Day
Do your grants make it clear how your project aligns with the granting agency’s mission and values? Proposals should make it clear how the project supports the funder’s objectives and focus areas.
At first, I was confused. But then, it clicked.
As a grant writer, it is our responsibility to paint a picture of our mission, experience, and physical spaces and conjure all of the feelings that one would have if they could be there and watch us in action.
I was the contract grant writer for a children’s grief center for six years. The physical center was an old craftsman-style house painted a cheerful yellow with potted plants out front. The porch was the kind of place you want to curl up with a book.
When families entered the big, white, double front doors, they were greeted by a wall of comforting teddy bears. Children were immediately urged to pick their favorite bear and keep it as a comfort item and reminder of the support they have at the grief center.
I used this type of language in every grant I wrote for them. I did my best to deliver the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of our location and the programs we offered there.
I was the linguistic tour guide.
When you are writing a grant for your non-profit, do your best to describe the journey that a participant takes through your program.
If you can paint a clear picture of the experience you offer, the grant committee is much more likely to fund your project.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants