Why Grant Proposal Writing Skills Matter
For social workers who are new to writing a gran proposal for funding, it can seem overwhelming. However, with the right preparation and organizational support, social workers can write compelling proposals that identify funding needs and showcase the purpose of their projects.
Many social service organizations, including nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and local government agencies, rely on outside funding to meet departmental needs and serve clients. Social workers with effective written communication skills and program management expertise can become skilled grant writers who help specific programs improve program delivery and service.
Social workers who are unfamiliar with grant writing can attend classes to learn how to create grant applications. Social work programs such as Tulane’s online Doctor of Social Work also prepare students to write grant proposals and develop research portfolios for managerial positions in the field.
What Is a Grant Proposal?
A grant proposal is a formal application to secure funding that advances an organization’s strategic goals. Independent, corporate, and public-sector funders all offer grants aimed at advancing a community’s well-being or supporting research that advances knowledge about target populations. Many nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental agencies use grants to fund programs in areas such as education, defense, transportation, public health, and research.
Before writing a gran proposal, grant writers should ensure that they understand everything needed to submit the application on time. This includes reviewing application policies and requirements, identifying potential colleagues to write certain sections and review finished proposals, and establishing a timeline for the writing process.
Who Writes a Grant Proposal?
Generally, those in charge of an organization and its team members — such as nonprofit leaders, researchers, or designated grant writers — complete proposals. Sometimes organizations hire outside grant writers to complete sections of proposals on their behalf. Grant writers are typically individuals who are knowledgeable about the programs or services they are advocating for or have expertise in the target population.
Considerations Before Writing a Proposal
Before beginning a proposal, consider these tips:
- Meet the necessary requirements. Make sure that the proposal meets all of the criteria stated in the instructions. This includes using the correct format and all required components.
- Brevity is key. Write clearly and concisely, and explain any concepts or terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader. The proposal reviewers are the primary audience, so avoid complex jargon that might confuse them.
- Each section should lead to the next. Allow the proposal to read smoothly from one section to the next without interrupting the reader. This is especially important if different people prepared the proposal. If one section is closely related to another, present them consecutively.
Components of a Grant Proposal
Grant proposals can vary depending on their requirements and procedures, but they share common components.
Cover Letter
Including a cover letter is optional, unless a grant specifically asks for one. A cover letter for a proposal is usually one page long, includes the organization’s letterhead, and is signed by the author or lead of the organization. The letter should be brief and address how the grantmaking agency or foundation’s mission aligns with the project’s goals and seeks to solve a particular problem.
Executive Summary
An executive summary is what funders will see first if a cover letter is not included. It is important to make this part of the proposal interesting because it will likely determine whether funders will continue to read the application.
Successful summaries include these key elements:
- The proposal’s need statement, or the problem the project seeks to address
- An introduction to the project with goals and objectives
- What the organization does and how it will address a particular need or problem
- The amount of funding desired and how it will be used
Since this section is an overview, consider writing it last to include relevant information that ties the application together.
Need Statement
The need statement is where prospective grantees communicate the urgency of the problem they are addressing. They should be succinct and identify what makes their organizations qualified for funding, using data-driven insights and firsthand stories to explain why funders should care.
Project Objectives and Goals
Include goals that are achievable, and allow objectives to fit under proposed goals. Create objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), using quantitative solutions when possible. This includes the population the grant is targeting, time frame, and specific, anticipated outcomes from the project.
Professionals in social work, such as nonprofit managers, are often in charge of creating objectives that further their organization’s mission. These objectives also play an important role in determining the grant’s success.
Project Methodology
This section of the grant explains how the project will be completed. Also called a plan of action, the project methodology builds upon the project objectives in more detail.
These details can look like challenges that may arise during the grant period, a timeline for each objective, and proposed staffing. Each objective should include specific activities that will be done to solve a proposal’s stated problem. Identify what is needed to complete each activity (e.g., facilities, transportation, or support services) and describe what these parts will do for measurable outcomes.
Flowcharts and diagrams can assist with visualizing how your plan of action will work and can be added later in the appendix section. Potential grantees can also consider using an outline to determine what needs to be included in this section to ensure important topics are not missed.
Budget Requirements
Determine the costs needed to make the proposed project a reality, and factor in expenses that are reasonable and fit within the budget allotted. Generally, budgets are categorized as either personnel costs or nonpersonnel costs. Personnel costs include salaries, fringe benefits, and contract services, while nonpersonnel costs include variable expenses such as necessary equipment or supplies and facility maintenance.
Evaluation and Sustainability
The proposal will also include an evaluation plan to measure how the project or program will be evaluated. Mention who will be responsible for evaluating the program’s success and how data will be collected. Here, grant writers will identify the appropriate method of measurement, either by interviews, standardized tests, questionnaires, or observations. Most federal agencies will require grantees to include an evaluation method. Review the grant application carefully to see how an evaluation should be completed and what time frame is included for review.
Social workers will also need to note how the grant will be sustainable long after the grant period has ended. Explain how local communities, government agencies, or mutual partners will support the program, and what staff and resources will keep the program viable after the grant.
Mistakes to Avoid
When writing a grant, avoid mistakes such as proposing more work than required or including unnecessary details such as repeated sentences or excessive jargon. Be realistic in what the organization can accomplish. It can be helpful to draft an outline that includes all required application sections for a more organized, easy-to-follow proposal.
Write Grant Proposals That Matter With a Doctor of Social Work
With preparation and assistance from peers, colleagues, or mentors, social workers can write a grant proposal for funding that is easy to read and conveys the project’s mission in a clear, meaningful manner.
Tulane School of Social Work’s Online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program allows students to develop the skills to write engaging proposals and become active researchers and policymakers in their fields.
Find out how a DSW from Tulane can help you do work that matters.
Recommended Readings
What Is Social Work Program Design and Evaluation?
Policy Evaluation vs. Program Evaluation Social Work
Sources:
Candid, “How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal”
Congress.gov, “How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal”
Grant Professionals Association, “What Is a Grant?”
National Institutes of Health, Advice on Application Sections
National Institutes of Health, Develop Your Budget
National Institutes of Health, General Grant Writing Tips
Social Work Today, “Social Workers Can Make Excellent Grant Writers”