Grant writing can be a daunting task for nonprofits just starting out. Producing award-winning grant proposals seem like a momentous feat when you’re beginning your grant writing journey, especially when the first batch of rejections start coming in. Luckily, it doesn't always have to be like that. While writing may not be for everyone, here are some simple steps you can take to improve your grant proposals right from the beginning:

1) Learn. Grow. Adapt.

One of the most important factors for any beginner in grant writing is the openness to learn. Your first few proposals will almost certainly result in a rejection. As a beginner, you simply can't let this affect you. Accept the fact that it's all part of the learning process. Every failure is an opportunity to get better. Next time, try to adapt your writing a little bit and see what difference does that makes. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to grow yourself and your grant writing skills.

2) Analyze the Winners

Whenever you are applying for a grant it's important to analyze the past winners. Where did they start from? Take a look at their company before winning the grant. How did they utilize their grant award? The way they have used the funds is an excellent indication of what could have been in their proposal. It's their story and plans that convinced the grant makers to give them funding after all.

3) Know Your Audience

It's important to know what kind of grant you are applying for. You have to know who will be on the other end of your grant proposal. If you know this, you can tailor your proposal to fit their interests and their own personal mission.

Still not enough? While these are the core basics to get a grant proposal going, there is so much more to the world of grant funding. If you want to take your grant strategy to the next step, then you need a create a Master Proposal Narrative. Luckily, Boules Consulting offers a free template that you can use to create a master narrative for your own organization. Just visit our homepage at www.boulesconsulting.org and enter your email to receive a free template straight to your inbox!