When writing your grant proposal,
DO: |
When writing your grant proposal,
DO NOT: |
| Create a catchy title that shares your vision. |
Use personal pronouns, such as “we.” |
| Announce your plan to everyone, to build enthusiasm. |
Try to write the proposal alone. |
| Seek assistance from local experts. |
Hire a grant writer, unless you have no other option. |
| Look for funding at all levels: federal, state, and local. |
Overlook local and community grants. |
| Contact the funding agency with any questions. |
Be afraid to contact the funding agency with questions. |
| Follow the established grant guidelines. |
Add personal touches like colorful fonts and graphics. |
| Use key, scientifically based research. |
Include statistics that are not pertinent. |
| Present clear, realistic goals and objectives. |
Overstate your expectations. |
| Clearly connect your project goals with each grant area. |
Disassociate the grant areas from your project goals. |
| Create an itemized, cost-effective budget. |
Generalize the budget. |
| Establish and describe a project evaluation process. |
Overlook how you will evaluate your project. |
| Proofread your work carefully. |
Forget to proofread your work. |
| Pay attention to the local politics of applying for a grant. |
Overlook the local politics of applying for a grant. |
| Thank the funding agency for the grant opportunity. |
View rejection of your proposal as a personal failure. |
