A Communications Professional’s Guide to Writing Winning Grant Proposals
If you’re a communications or marketing professional and suddenly tasked with writing grant applications, it can feel daunting—after all, grantwriting has its own style, requirements, and nuances. But many of the core skills you already have are incredibly valuable in grantwriting, and with a bit of focused learning, you can become effective at it. Here’s how to approach this new challenge with confidence.
1. Leverage Your Existing Strengths
Storytelling: You know how to craft compelling narratives that engage and persuade—this is at the heart of a strong grant proposal. Use your storytelling skills to clearly explain the nonprofit’s mission, programs, and impact.
Audience Awareness: You’re used to tailoring messages to specific audiences. Remember, grantmakers are your audience here. Research their priorities and language to align your proposal accordingly.
Writing and Editing: Your ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively is a huge advantage.
2. Learn the Basics of Grantwriting
Understand the Structure: Grant applications typically include sections like the executive summary, needs statement, project description, goals and objectives, budget, and evaluation plan.
Review Guidelines: Each funder has specific requirements—read RFPs (Requests for Proposals) carefully to know what they want.
Be Specific and Evidence-Based: Unlike some marketing content, grants require precise data and measurable outcomes.
3. Collaborate with Program and Finance Staff
Gather Information: Work closely with program managers to understand the project’s details and intended outcomes.
Budget Input: Partner with finance or operations to develop an accurate and funder-friendly budget.
Clarify Impact Metrics: Get data and evaluation plans that demonstrate how success will be measured.
4. Use Templates and Examples
Request samples of past successful proposals from your organization or network.
Use online resources to find grantwriting templates tailored to your sector.
Tools like PureGrant can streamline the process and help ensure you hit all the right points.
5. Seek Feedback and Edit Thoroughly
Have colleagues review drafts for clarity, consistency, and compliance.
Tighten language and make sure the proposal tells a cohesive, compelling story.
Check for errors and follow formatting rules meticulously.
6. Keep Developing Your Skills
Attend grantwriting webinars or workshops tailored for beginners.
Read books or guides on nonprofit grantwriting basics.
Join nonprofit professional groups where you can ask questions and share resources.
Final Thought
Being asked to write grant applications as a communications or marketing professional is a fantastic opportunity to expand your skill set and deepen your impact on your organization’s mission. With your existing strengths and a willingness to learn the specifics of grantwriting, you can become an effective grant proposal writer who helps secure vital funding.
PureGrant offers a comprehensive collection of articles and guides designed to support nonprofit professionals in the grantwriting process. Topics range from preparing your organization for grants to understanding indirect costs and incorporating data into your narratives. Notable resources include:
These articles provide practical advice and insights to help you navigate the complexities of grant applications.
🎓 NonprofitReady.org
NonprofitReady.org offers a free, 2-hour online training course on grant writing, ideal for beginners. The course covers how to find the right grants and write compelling proposals. Upon completion, you can earn a free certificate, which is also eligible for CFRE Continuing Education Credits. NonprofitReady
📘 Candid Learning
Candid provides a wealth of information, resources, training, and data to help nonprofits find funding and learn grant writing. Their Overdrive Library offers eBooks on grant writing, and they provide free online trainings and sample grant proposals. This platform is a valuable tool for both novice and experienced grantwriters.
Sheena Link is a grantwriter, nonprofit strategist, and Co-Founder & COO of PureGrant. She’s dedicated to making grantwriting faster and easier for nonprofits and writes about funding strategies and real-world development challenges. Contact her at sheena@puregrant.com.