How to Research the Grant Process

Grant writing is a detailed and complicated art. Each grantor has its own requirements and specifications for projects it will fund and for the application process. General research into grant writing is vital before you begin looking for grantors. As you research grant writing, you will discover potential grantors and learn how and where to locate tips and guidance from previous grantees and other grant writers.

• 1

  Read general grant application process websites such as the Foundation Center's Proposal Writing Short Course, Writing a Good Grant Proposal by Simon Peyton Jones and Alan Bundy, Writing the Research Grant Proposal from Yeshiva University, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's grant writing tips and Writing a Grant Proposal from the Center for Participatory Change. These sites offer you an overview of grant writing and the process to obtaining the grant.

• 2

  Enroll in grant writing courses at your local community college. The college may offer these courses online. Explore other online courses, including ExpertRating Online Grant Writing Course and grant writing courses from Distance Education.

• 3

  Read the website of the grant for which you are applying. Grantors may offer online guides to help you apply for their grants. Request grant application materials from the grantor if the materials are not available online.

• 4

  Communicate with the grant's representative. Make a list of questions about the grant application process before you call. Call the representative to set up a time to ask your questions. This may require a single phone call if the representative has time to answer questions at that time or it may require an appointment when questions can be posed and answered.