Securing a grant can be a game-changer for any project, providing the support needed to bring your vision to life. But what makes an application truly stand out? We reached out to some of our past grant winners to gather their insights and top tips on crafting a compelling grant proposal. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned pro, these insights can help refine your approach and elevate your application.
1. Trust Your Story – Drew McCrary
“Whatever your project is, tell it in story form.”
Drew, an artist and filmmaker from Alabama, has a deep connection to storytelling. He emphasizes that your project’s story is key to making your application resonate. It’s not just about stating what you do; it’s about sharing the why behind your work. Why does your project matter to you? Why should others care about it? Drew’s advice is to weave this story into every part of your application—use narrative to paint a picture of what you’re aiming to achieve.
For Drew, storytelling isn’t just about getting creative with words—it’s about tapping into your passion and letting that passion guide your message. When you believe in your mission and convey it authentically, it becomes much easier for reviewers to connect with your vision. Think of your application as an opportunity to invite others into your story and help them see the potential you see
2. Know Your Goals – Alicia Garza
“Know the goals of your project well and focus on expressing how you plan to achieve that goal.”
Alicia Garza, a multimedia artist from Texas, believes that clarity is key. For her, a standout grant application has a clear and well-defined goal. Before you even begin filling out your application, take time to understand the core objectives of your project. What impact do you hope to make, and how will you measure that success? Your ability to answer these questions directly ties into how well you can convey your project’s potential.
Alicia advises applicants to break down their goals into actionable steps and show exactly how they plan to reach those milestones. It’s not enough to have big ideas—you need to provide a roadmap of how you’ll get there. This level of specificity helps reviewers see that you’ve thought through the details, and it builds confidence in your ability to deliver on your vision
3. Align with Your Sponsor – Alicia Garza
“Know the mission and values of your sponsor well… express how that aligns with your personal values and outcomes.”
Alicia’s experience as a grant recipient has taught her the importance of alignment. It’s crucial to understand the values and priorities of the organization offering the grant. Why? Because grant reviewers are looking for projects that resonate with their own mission. This is your chance to show that your goals are in sync with theirs.
For example, if the grant provider emphasizes community building, make sure to highlight how your project fosters connections within the community. If their mission focuses on environmental sustainability, showcase the eco-friendly aspects of your project. By demonstrating that your work aligns with their values, you not only show that you’ve done your homework but also that your project is a natural fit for their support. This approach strengthens your case and helps reviewers see the mutual benefit in funding your project
4. Reflect on Your Journey – Alicia Garza
“Reflect on how your project and your work has evolved up until this point.”
Grant applications often focus on the future—what you plan to do, how you plan to grow. But Alicia suggests that applicants should also look back. Reflect on how far you’ve come and the challenges you’ve overcome along the way. Sharing this history gives context to your project and shows that you’ve built a foundation that the grant can help elevate.
Think about the story of your project’s evolution: What inspired you to start? What milestones have you reached so far? How have your goals shifted as you’ve learned and grown? This reflection not only makes your application richer but also gives reviewers a sense of the passion and resilience that you bring to your work. It’s a chance to show that you’re not just looking for funding—you’re committed to a journey of growth and impact
5. Take Your Time – Bailey Sell
“Take your time with the application—don’t rush it.”
Bailey Sell, a printmaker and founder of Transfigure Print Collective, stresses the importance of patience in the grant application process. Rushing through an application often means missing key details or leaving out crucial elements that could strengthen your proposal. Instead, Bailey encourages applicants to start early and give themselves time to refine and polish each part of their submission.
This approach allows you to revisit your answers with fresh eyes, catch mistakes, and improve your responses. It also gives you time to seek feedback from peers or mentors who can offer valuable perspectives. Ultimately, taking your time can make the difference between a rushed application and one that truly reflects the thought and effort you’ve put into your project.
6. Find a Strong Nonprofit Partner – Bailey Sell
“Having a good nonprofit partner is essential—make sure they’re on board.”
Bailey’s advice is particularly relevant for projects that rely on partnerships. Many grants, including those from Causability, require you to work with a nonprofit. Bailey emphasizes the importance of finding a nonprofit partner that shares your vision and is fully committed to supporting your project.
Building a strong relationship with your partner organization can make a big difference. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps streamline communication when it comes to planning events or executing projects. Bailey also recommends talking with your nonprofit partner early in the process, as their insights and approval are crucial for a successful application.
Ready to Apply? Here’s What You Need to Know
These insights from Drew, Alicia, and Bailey show that a successful grant application goes beyond just filling out the required fields. It’s about telling your story, setting clear goals, finding alignment with your sponsor, and building strong partnerships. Whether you’re just starting your application or looking for ways to refine it, these tips can help you put your best foot forward.
Remember, the application deadline is December 6, 2024, and there’s no time to waste! Get started today by visiting causability.org/grants and downloading our practice guide to prepare your responses. Plus, follow us on Instagram @causabilitygives and TikTok @causability for helpful tips and updates.
Let’s make your creative vision a reality—apply now and take the next step in your journey!