You decided to find someone who could give you the money. This seems like a simple idea. As you navigate the maze of funders and proposal writers, you might realize that this idea is not simple due to the complex and difficult competition. You’re not the only person who requires an endowment.

If you still feel the need for the grant and are willing to ride a unicycle, here’s how to write a grant.

1. Identify your needs

Write them down until the last detail. This is the only way you can find the exact amount of money that you need. This is an important part of the process as it will help you determine how well you manage your resources. How to excel? Be as efficient as possible. Prioritize the most important needs of your organization.

2. Find the right match

We mean many. You should research as many potential funders as possible and carefully read their guidelines. Yes, this is a pain in the neck. You must tailor all proposals you write to get results in the competitive market. It might take some time and effort. You can convince the grantor if you are certain that you and your organization are a good match. If your numbers don’t match, you can learn how to break down your requirements so that they are compatible with the fund. If your community requires a choir of church singers, you can ask for small funds to cover a fraction of the cost.

3. Collect your stats, figures

Your presentation is more powerful if you include figures and Digits. Without facts, a proposal is nothing but cake. The best advocacies are able to explain the basis for proposing these projects and activities. A grant with no hard data but a conviction might be written by a delusional Young Turk looking for money for his Messianic fantasies. Be mature and take your time to draw the right conclusions.

4. Elevate your words

Grant writing is 50% scientific research and 50% literature. Once you’ve gathered all the cold data necessary to convince them, and you’re following the exact guidelines asked of you by the prospect, it is time to make contact with them. You can only keep them interested if you give them an idea of their needs and the help that they can offer your benefactors. You write proposals in order to convince the funder that his actions are important to your advocacy.

5. Follow-up

Finally, let’s express our eagerness to move on by asking for the next steps. If your grant has been accepted for the next step, anticipate any instructions and, most importantly, make sure you have all documents. This gives them the impression that they are being prioritized well. It also shows that you are a trustworthy receiver who will never forget to give them status reports, even after the money has been given. Even if you have received an endowment, the grant writing process doesn’t end. Continue to court the funder and convince him of your advocacy.