How to Write a Grant Application in 6 Weeks: A Practical Guide
Deadlines sneak up fast. You’ve found a promising grant, but the clock is ticking. Six weeks may not feel like much time—but with a clear plan, it’s more than enough.
Whether you're solo or working with a team, here’s a week-by-week guide to writing a focused, high-quality grant application without the last-minute scramble.
🗓️ Week 1: Analyze & Decide
Start by reading the full grant guidelines—not just the summary. Then, ask:
Do we meet all eligibility requirements?
Does the funder’s priority align with our mission?
Can we deliver what we propose—and report on it?
If the answer is yes, move forward. If anything feels like a stretch, it’s okay to walk away (see: Why It’s Okay to Abandon a Grant Application).
Key deliverables:
Grant summary sheet
Go/no-go decision
Internal timeline
✍️ Week 2: Outline Your Narrative & Gather Key Materials
Before writing, sketch out your story:
What problem are we addressing?
What will we do?
Who will benefit?
How will we measure success?
Start requesting key materials:
Budget and financials
Program data and outcomes
Resumes, bios, org charts
Letters of support (if needed)
Pro tip: Use templates where you can—don't reinvent the wheel.
🛠️ Week 3: Write the First Draft
Now that you’ve got your structure, it’s time to fill it in.
Focus on writing clearly, not perfectly. You can polish later. Follow the funder’s order and headings exactly—this shows respect for their process.
Include:
Problem statement backed by data
Clear, realistic goals and activities
Evaluation plan
Organizational capacity
Sustainability (what happens after the grant ends)
Key reminder: Avoid mission jargon. Funders aren’t in your day-to-day—help them see your impact clearly.
🧾 Week 4: Build the Budget
Don’t treat the budget as an afterthought. It’s part of your story.
Make sure your numbers:
Match your narrative
Are realistic and justified
Include allowable costs only
Include in-kind support if applicable
Have your finance lead review it early to avoid last-minute surprises.
🧹 Week 5: Review, Revise, Refine
Now it’s time to tighten everything up.
Check alignment across all sections
Remove buzzwords or vague language
Add data and stories to strengthen your case
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting
Ask a colleague to review it with fresh eyes—they’ll spot things you’ve missed.
📤 Week 6: Finalize & Submit
You’re almost there.
Double-check submission requirements (file types, naming conventions, word limits)
Upload early—don’t wait until the final hour
Confirm receipt if the funder doesn’t send automatic confirmation
Then? Celebrate. You did it.
Final Thoughts
Writing a grant in six weeks is completely doable—with a plan. Give each part its due attention, stay organized, and communicate with your team early and often.
And if you want to save even more time, tools like PureGrant can help automate the process, repurpose content, and keep your writing aligned and efficient.
Sheena Link is the co-founder of PureGrant, an AI grantwriting platform built to help nonprofits save time, write better, and win more grants—without the burnout.