We all know that the heart of a grant application lies in the narrative – the compelling story of your project, the needs you’re addressing, and the impact you’ll make. But before anyone even gets to that juicy part, you need to nail the preliminary documents. Think of them as the bouncer at the club – if you don’t have the right ID, you’re not getting in.
Today, we’re diving deep into those crucial pre-narrative sections, ensuring you don’t get your application tossed out before it even gets a fair look.
The Funder’s First Impression: Following the Rules
Let’s be real: funders have seen it all. They’re busy, and they need to quickly assess if your organization is a good fit. That’s why following their guidelines to the letter is non-negotiable.
- Read. The. Guidelines. Seriously, read them. Twice. Every funder has its own unique requirements. No two are the same.
- Don’t Mess with the Forms: Especially those pesky PDFs. Changing fonts or adding extra space can lead to instant rejection. Play by their rules.
The Lineup: What Comes First?
Here’s a typical order of preliminary documents you’ll encounter:
- Cover Letter (Sometimes):
- This is mostly for foundations and corporations. Government agencies rarely ask for them anymore.
- Keep it brief and to the point.
- Treat it as a personal introduction. Connect your organization to the funder’s mission.
- Always address the correct person with the correct title. Do your research!
- Common Grant Application Form/SF-424:
- Foundations and corporations might use a common form, or their own.
- Federal grants? You’ll be dealing with the SF-424. Get familiar with it!
- Accuracy is key. Double-check everything.
- Abstract/Executive Summary:
- This is your project in a nutshell.
- Write it last! After you’ve completed the narrative, you’ll have a clear picture of the key points.
- Pull the most important sentences from each section of your narrative.
- Stick to the word/line limit!
- Table of Contents (When Required):
- Typically for longer applications or those with attachments.
- List all sections, subsections, and appendices.
- Include mandated forms!
Crafting a Killer Cover Letter (When Needed)
Think of the cover letter as your handshake. It should be:
- Personal: Address the contact person by name and title.
- Concise: Get to the point quickly.
- Compelling: Briefly explain your organization’s mission and how it aligns with the funder’s priorities.
- Polished: No typos or grammatical errors!
Navigating the Sea of Forms
Every funder has its own form, but here are some common fields you’ll encounter:
- Organization Information: Name, tax status, address, etc.
- Grant Request: How much money are you asking for?
- Project Title: Give your project a catchy, consistent title.
- Budget Information: Total project budget, organizational budget, etc.
The SF-424: Your Federal Grant Gateway
This form is your ticket to federal funding. Pay close attention to the instructions.
- Required Fields: Fill them all out!
- Accuracy: Double-check everything.
- Authorized Representative: Make sure the correct person signs.
The Abstract: Your Grant’s Trailer
Think of the abstract as the movie trailer for your grant. It should give the reviewer a taste of what’s to come.
- Key Points: Highlight your project’s goals, objectives, and plan of action.
- Brevity: Keep it short and sweet.
- Clarity: Use clear, concise language.
The Table of Contents: Your Application’s Roadmap
A well-organized table of contents makes it easy for reviewers to navigate your application.
- Sections and Subsections: List them all.
- Appendices: Include them too.
- Mandated Forms: Don’t forget these!
Key Takeaway:
Don’t underestimate the importance of preliminary documents. They set the stage for your entire application. By following the funder’s guidelines and paying attention to detail, you’ll increase your chances of getting your grant proposal the attention it deserves.
Happy grant writing!
What are your biggest challenges with preliminary grant documents? Share your tips in the comments below!