A few months ago, I wrote and submitted a nonconventional grant proposal that didn’t exactly fit the funding guidelines.
The funding guidelines specified that successful applicants should be technology-focused organizations implementing AI to streamline processes and improve impact metrics.
My client is workforce development focused, but they have successfully implemented AI into both their programmatic and administrative workflows to improve their impact and efficiency.
I took a chance. I explained that I am aware that we aren’t an exact fit, but we are achieving our desired outcomes and need their help to scale.
It worked. We were awarded the funding.
Many grant professionals fall into the trap of writing safe proposals.
Polished.
Compliant.
Technically correct.
Cautious.
But safe proposals rarely stand out.
If a funder receives 200 submissions and yours sounds like a slightly refined version of the guidelines, it won’t create momentum.
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Here’s how to move beyond safe:
1️⃣ Lead With Specificity
Concrete examples outperform generic descriptions.
2️⃣ Share Real Outcomes — Not Just Aspirations
Funders want proof of performance, not hopeful projections.
3️⃣ Clearly State What Makes Your Model Distinct
What do you do differently?
Why does your approach work?
4️⃣ Write With Confidence
Avoid hedging language like: “We hope to…”
“We plan to try…”
“We anticipate possibly…”
Confidence signals competence.
Safe proposals check boxes.
Strategic proposals create clarity.
And clarity wins.
This is not to suggest that we should buck the system and disregard guidelines.
But every once in a while, if it feels right, try an outside-of-the-box, creative take on a standard grant proposal and see what happens.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants