By David Okul
July 14, 2019
Avoid the myths in grant writing to increase your success rates
Every organization understands that writing grants is such a tall order. I have encountered organizations that have written grants in their dozens to no success, while some have quite impeccable success rates. Perhaps, debunking some of the myths in grant writing could increase your chances of attaining success.
Silvica has compiled 11 myths on grant writing that we think are pertinent. Read and review:
1. Grants are instant solutions to an organization’s monetary problems
I have been consulted by organizations that view grant money as an instant solution to their financial woes. Grant money is not a solution for money problems for two major reasons. First, the reality is that the rejection of grants is common. Often, first-time grants are often unfunded. Grant writing is akin to job searching. We rarely get jobs on our first applications. Instead, we keep sending resumes, upgrading skills, network and hanging in there until we get something. It is the same with grant writing; organizations need not take rejection hard. Instead, they should work at ensuring that they learn from each application and improve in the next application.
2. Grant Money is free money
On the contrary, it is not. Grant money often has a strict budget and reporting mechanisms. Additionally, as already mentioned, it requires commitment and dedication to complete a grant application. Therefore grant money should not be treated as free money. Apply for a grant if you think your organization can solve a specific problem outlined by the sponsor.
3. We don’t know anyone at the foundations/ sponsors so there is no need to write grants
Honestly, the statement is half true. Knowing people at the foundations could help but it is not required. What is more important is for organizations to identify the relevant sponsors and follow their application guidelines to the letter. You can also request the grant agency for a copy of the rating form it uses.
4. Big organizations get all the money
As related to the previous point, big organizations often have all the experience in grant writing. Some also have a specific department or budgets for consultancies in grant writing. As such, it is common to see big and established organizations getting all the cash. They have mastered the art of grant writing and managing donor monies. But if your organization is inexperienced in grant writing, worry not. Funders always look out for new and innovative ideas to fund. It is up to you to develop creative and persuasive proposals.
5. Writing grants is too complicated
Honesty, it is not. But writing grants is definitely a tedious process. You need to read and understand all the guidelines. Most foundations have reported that a good number of grants received fail to follow basic instructions. As such, if you follow all the instructions, your application is likely to get a listening ear. Moreover, take time to read sample proposals that are often available on the foundations’ or the beneficiaries’ websites. It is a good practice to use statistics in your application. More importantly, it is good to back your application with a story about the people or animals the grant intends to help.
6. You need experienced and accomplished grant writers to receive large grants
Certainly, experienced and professional grant writers help. But, hiring a professional does not guarantee success. In fact, a consultant that promises a successful application is certainly a fraud. The success of funding is dependent on the choice of grant and the passion for the project. As organizations, always seek to apply for grants that share in your ethos and are compatible with your day to day activities.
7. We do not have grant writers and hiring one may be too expensive
Without a doubt, grant writing requires professional as grants are super competitive. Even with limited resources, organizations can choose to train an individual to write grants. But, organizations should ensure that the person chosen has adequate time to learn and apply for grants. Often, organizations would assign an individual the task of grant-writing without balancing their other roles in the organization. Alternatively, it is a myth that freelance grant writers are expensive. For instance, Silvica offers grant writing services in environmental/social projects in East Africa and beyond at flexible rates.
8. One size proposals will fit all
Many organizations make the mistake of sending one grant to various sponsors. A very wrong strategy! Every sponsor is different and the application should reflect the ethos of the funder. It is okay to recycle certain phrases and passages, but ensure that each application is unique and tailored to the specifics of the sponsor. We are reiterating this, ‘ensure that your grants follow the sponsors’ guidelines to the letter’
9. You can write applications a Night before the deadline
Again, this is a common mistake most organizations make. They often assign a team member (or members) to make an application without carefully relieving the team members of their other duties. Consequently, the team develops a grant proposal hurriedly with a plethora of mistakes. If the organization lacks systems for grant writing, it is a good idea to invest in grant writing consultants. Additionally, grants should be reviewed by other members in the organization before submission. This review not only reduce errors, but ensures the grant is within the organization’s objective
10. Small grants are easier to get than large grants
Although it is a good idea to start applying to smaller grants, it does not mean that getting larger grants is harder. What is important in grant writing is for organizations to select sponsors who share their interests. Additionally, writers should be creative and convincing enough to the funder.
11. Writing grants is a waste of time as there is no money available
Money is tighter these days as more organizations emerge but there are still billions up for grabs for organizations. Additionally, sponsors are eager to give away money too. Thus, the onus is for organizations to write water-tight proposals that are persuasive enough to the sponsors.
Without a doubt, grants have been instrumental for a wide array of social, health and environmental projects. Most organization desire grants to assist them in implanting their programs. However, only a handful of organizations are successful in obtaining assistance from sponsors. The understanding of the grant myths could assist organizations to be well prepared in writing grants. Chances of success in grant writing dramatically increase when the application follows the sponsors’ instructions and presents an innovative proposal.
Links to References and Resources
David Okul is an environmental management professional with over 10 years experience on donor projects, conservation, forestry, ecotourism, and community-based natural resources management. When not working on active environmental management projects, I spend my time writing for Silvica on a variety of topics.
