Tackling the Narrative of Your Grant Application

I promised to follow up my last blog about demographics with a start to the process of writing your narrative. This is the heart and soul of your application.

Before you start, read the rules or application forms you have received from potential funding sources you've identified. Read them twice. With a federal grant, read them four times. You want to know about formatting, spacing, font (sometimes), number of pages, etc. You'll want to know if you can include an appendix beyond the narrative that has the requisite number of pages. These things are extremely important. Sometimes there's more you want your source to know about your school, but you only have three pages. Don't exceed this, they will throw out either the entire package you have toiled over, or the pages beyond the first three. People don't believe me when I tell them this. It has happened to me, please trust this information. It will save many tears.

Get right down to the details. Many grantors will have sample applications on their websites. They are always worth reading. If you can't find one, call their office and ask to see if they would share a successful narrative. They will be impressed with your initiative. A phone call to the grantor is a good idea anyway. You'll want to introduce yourself, let them know you are preparing an appeal for funding for your project. They are unfailingly helpful, it is their job to encourage quality, successful applications. It saves them time. Follow this call with a letter on school or district letterhead, reminding them of your call and providing a brief summary of the project you are working on. Brief is the important word, no more than two paragraphs. This initial letter sets the tone for your relationship. Remember, writing grants is about building professional relationships.

Try to find out if the grantor holds any meetings during the year or sponsors any conferences where they are available to answer questions. I like to go to grant organization conferences, they are fun and extremely informative. Your principal may be willing to give you a professional day or two for this important work. The Grant Professionals Organization has a handy calendar of seminars, webinars, conferences and events that may tempt you. There is a forum of regional grant makers that has wonderful resources for every stage of a grant writer's journey. You may find you really like grant writing. If you do, there are exciting careers in philanthropy that await.

The narrative for your grant application will tell the grantor who you are (demographics), what you are trying to accomplish (goals), and why you need to accomplish your goals (rationale). There is no such thing as a stock narrative to have on file, each appeal is unique and designed to meet the need of the grantor. That's right, your funding target organization has needs too. They are not providing grants for their own amusement. The grant providers you will meet have agendas of their own. Be sure you fully understand what that agenda is for the fund provider. This is where the conferences and websites come in.

You don't need to be too socially adept to attend the conferences or meet with the grantor in his office, you just need to be well informed and driven by a real need.

You'll notice (maybe you're frustrated by it) that I haven't even told you to put pen to paper yet. This initial preparation is too important to leave out. All the suggestions and tips I will provide in this blog are intended to help you become the grant hero you want to be. Over time, your expertise will make you the go to person for information about acquiring resources to support your school. That's not a bad thing, but be prepared for hard work ahead.

~ Neva