Step 2: Make a Plan

You have to plan for success. Grants are no different. Having more than just a vague idea of what your need is and how much money will be needed to address the need is essential. Here is a tip: Plan out, in writing, the whole project/program, all elements, all facets. Identify how long the project/program will take, how much each element will cost and what will be the benchmarks to let you know you have achieved your goals. Questions to answer in your plan include: What do you want to fund? What do you want to accomplish? How much money do you need to do this work? What partners and other support do you have in place? Remember that grant makers fund people not programs so try to make sure that the need of your client/student/patron is at the forefront. While this planning is not likely to be seen by the funder it will be evident in a well-worded application.  After you have taken the time to make a plan, you will have internalized the project and will be better able to articulate project elements through the grant application.