Writing Tip: Guidelines, Guidelines, Guidelines!

The best grant writing advice there is: ALWAYS follow the guidelines in the NOFO. The good news is that everything you need to know is right there.

DO NOT ask for money for unallowable costs. They will not make an exception no matter how good your idea is, this will just show the grant maker you can’t follow directions.

DO NOT organize your grant application in a way that diverges from the outline put forth in the NOFO. This will not make your application stand out, this will just show the grant maker you can’t follow directions.

DO NOT apply for funding for a project that does not meet the purpose and criteria set forth in the NOFO.

In short, give the funder what they ask for. That’s why I always start by outlining the grant in total compliance with the outline set forth in the NOFO, and work from the inside out. Within each section, make a list of the requirements so you will have them right there in front of you while you are writing the grant application.
When writing a grant assessment, before you even decide whether or not to pursue the grant opportunity, be sure to list all requirements, priority areas, unallowable costs and mandatory requirements. Checklists and guidelines are your best friend when it comes to writing a winning grant application.