How to Write a Grant Proposal

Start with the guidelines, not the narrative

Build an outline directly from the funder's question list and scoring criteria. If they allocate points to evaluation, evaluation gets real space. Answer their questions in their order.

Write the problem statement with evidence

State who is affected, how, and how you know. Use figures you can cite from a public or internal source. Never estimate a statistic to make a point — a challenged number undermines the whole application.

Make objectives measurable

'Improve literacy' is not an objective. 'Deliver 24 weekly sessions to 60 children, with reading assessments at week 1 and week 24' is. Measurable objectives also make your evaluation section write itself.

Align the budget with the narrative

Every activity described should appear as a cost, and every cost should trace back to an activity. Explain the basis of each figure in the budget narrative rather than presenting a bare table.

Finish with the executive summary

Write it last, in half a page: who you are, the need, what you will do, the outcome and the amount requested.

Review before you submit

• Every mandatory question answered within the word limit
• All attachments present and correctly named
• Figures consistent between narrative, budget and any forms
• No unsupported claims or guarantees
• Submitted well before the deadline, not on the day

Frequently asked questions