When wondering about the different options available to pursue to obtain funding, “Is it hard to get a grant?” is probably one of the first questions you’ll ask. The answer to that question really depends upon a multitude of factors. Let’s break it down to better understand the challenges that need to be overcome.
1. Finding a Grant
To apply for a grant, you first need to find one! Grant listing directories such as GrantWatch.com can help streamline this process. However, it is still up to you to sift through potential grants that are available. Finding a grant requires being creative and ‘thinking outside the box’. If you aren’t confident you have these skills, it could be that you may need some professional (grant writing) assistance. You will need to identify grants for which you could apply that align with the mission of the nonprofit for which funding is being sought.
2. Meeting Eligibility Requirements
Once you’ve found a grant, you’ll need to make sure you qualify! Eligibility criteria will differ for each funding opportunity. It’s important to review all the (eligibility) requirements before you start. If you don’t meet all of the eligibility criteria for the grant in question, you don’t want to waste your time and energy submitting a grant proposal you know will be rejected.
3. Grant Writing
The most crucial part is writing your grant proposal! It’s also often referred to as a grant ‘application’. However, this is NOT like filling out a loan application. Rather, a grant proposal is similar to writing a thorough essay on a subject. You must follow the outline of requirements that need to be met as dictated by the funding source. If you are unable to follow these directions or lack the necessary writing skills, you again may want to consider professional grant writing assistance. If you the provisions in your budget, you probably want to hire a grant writer to help.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve submitted your grant proposal, it can feel like a bit of a waiting game. But remember, don’t put all your eggs in the one basket. Unfortunately, less than 20% of grant proposals are funded. Some sources estimate that applying for three to five grants will increase your chance of winning to 89%. So, the more grants you apply for, the greater the likelihood of being awarded a grant.
Everyone has their own opinions on which section of the grant process they find to be hard and challenging. Some, findsearching for grantsto be more arduous, while others find writing the grant proposal to be more difficult. At the end of the day, it’s about setting aside the time, focusing, following instructions, and demonstrating your passion and determination.
About GrantWatch
With close to8,000 grantscurrently available,GrantWatch.comis the leading grant listing directory.Additionally, upgrade to aMemberPlus+ planto view the full details of current grants, including eligibility criteria and application information.For more information, you can also visit theGrantWatch FAQpage,and to see the great value with the top 20 GrantWatch features, click here.
