Grant Writing Tips

Winning a grant is exciting and can supercharge your business. A grant can be an important source of funds, but it comes with responsibilities. What should you look out for when compiling a bid?
GRANT WRITING TIPS

SHOULD I WRITE MY APPLICATION IN-HOUSE OR HIRE A GRANT WRITER?

Writing a good grant application is undoubtedly a commitment – competition is high and there are challenges whichever route you take. Do not underestimate the amount of time it takes to put together a high-quality proposal. It’s important to have faith in your idea and be aware that achieving a successful outcome will require perseverance and possibly multiple applications. Be prepared to receive a rejection, and the feedback that comes with it. Whatever the verdict (positive or negative), try to de-personalise the process and see the grant application as a learning opportunity to get better at articulating your project ideas and why the work is important.

Compiling a grant application in-house can create pressure on the internal team; on the other hand, onboarding a grant writer into the complexities of your business also takes time to achieve the depth of understanding required. Think of your application as an investment into resources with follow-on benefits – the work put in is never wasted as the grant application content can be reused in future bid submissions, business plans and pitch decks. You will create other relevant assets as part of the process, such as the company bio you never got around to, and concise descriptions of your unique proposition.

So, when is the best time to consider hiring a grant writer? Some grant applications are straightforward and may be designed to be completed without the need for an external professional. However, having access to grant writing expertise can be especially beneficial for complex applications (such as EU grants) where there can be a lot more unwritten guidance compared to a UK grant. For grants that require a more extensive application process, having a knowledgeable grant writer on-board can help you navigate the nuances and understand what funders are looking for: how to speak their language and anticipate any potential roadblocks or objections before they arise.

 

SELECTING A GRANT WRITER: WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Just like any other supplier relationship, you should choose your grant writer wisely and delve into their track record. Experience in your specific field is crucial, as it indicates familiarity with relevant funding sources and requirements:

  • Look for a grant writer with a proven track record of securing funding for projects similar to yours and prior knowledge of the process
  • Review samples of their previous work to assess their writing style and quality; can they convincingly communicate the purpose of your project and explain why it’s important?
  • Find out who they’ve worked with: ask to speak directly with previous clients or request references / testimonials from them as a minimum
  • Clarify how they will add value to your application: do they have pre-existing relationships with funders and can they introduce you to useful contacts?
  • Are they a team player who can work collaboratively? Do they have solid interpersonal skills for interacting with key stakeholders in your organisation to tease out the necessary information for your proposal?
  • If you have previously submitted a grant application, share this with the grant writer as an initial starting point

How much will it cost?
The typical fee structure for a grant writer is a writing fee (usually up to £5,000), plus a 5% success fee.


EXPERT TIPS FOR WRITING THE GRANT YOURSELF 

 

“Read the grant application guidance and make sure you follow it.”

 

“Write in plain English, using simple short sentences.”

 

“Don’t assume any pre-existing knowledge of your area and terminology, and write clearly to make sure there is no scope for misunderstanding.”

 

“If you’ve submitted grant applications before, re-read your proposal and the assessor’s feedback to capture key learnings.”

 

“Get a fresh pair of eyes! Ask a friend or colleague who is outside the grant writing process to read your submission (possibly a fellow entrepreneur from a different company), and ask them what’s missing. Make sure they are people you trust and who will be honest with you”

 

 

 

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