Australia is similar to many other cultures and countries. There is a rich diversity in the needs and applications of different organisations. From supporting society with well-run pet rescue resources to helping the elderly with daily activities, Not-for-Profits often fill in the missing gap in need we all experience.
All that being said, fulfilling those needs takes a lot of resources. Time from volunteers, money from donors, and physical equipment all need to be successfully orchestrated for an NFP to reach its mission.
While there are plenty of government programs that help, many NFPs would benefit from exploring expanding financial resources through grant applications and proposals. Here is a quick overview of how to write a standard grant application.
Step 1: Be Sure Your NFP is Eligible
Every grant has its own requirements for applicants. For example, some grants only apply to specific NFP missions, while others won’t allow those accepting NDIS funding. You’ll want to read through the entire grant program guidelines to ensure you fulfill the requirements.
A good trick is to look at previous recipients. You can quickly tell if you fit into that application if the others who have received funding before are aligned with your organisation’s infrastructure or goals.
Step 2: Prepare Your Grant Application
Hiring a professional grant writer may benefit you at this stage of the process. There is a subtle art form to applying for grants and a language many grant givers expect. When you’re starting your application, be sure to:
- Confirm and write the application close date into your calendar. You should give yourself a couple of weeks early for a deadline, so your application is received on time.
- Run through the list of documentation, evidence, and other information the grant application requires of your NFP.
- Read the grant application instructions (at least twice). Many grantors have specific steps they want you to follow to streamline their decision-making processes.
Step 3: Time for Financials
A grant is a set amount of money. You are applying to receive all or part of that grant, and that means there is fiscal responsibility for the application. The people you’re requesting money from want to know how their funds are being used.
You’ll need to create a “project cost” sheet that is easy to understand. It should cover how much money you need for success and how the funds will be distributed for different resources.
For example, suppose you’re building a new skate park next to a local school. In that case, you’d want estimates on pouring concrete, design/engineering, utility costs, maintenance costs, land fees, taxes, etc.
Step 4: Take Your Time to Look Around
At this stage, you should have the skeleton of your grant application prepared. You can write a one-page summary and “shop” this idea around several other funding resources to help lower the grant request you’re making. This will also demonstrate a willingness from local groups to partner with you in your application, adding prestige to your submission. Considering seeking funding from:
- Any other government-run agencies or departments
- Local councils, government, or boards
- Philanthropic organisations
- Local businesses and NFPs
- Volunteers
- In-kind contributions and donations specifically for this project
Step 5: Assemble Your Grant Application
The big submission date is almost here, so now it’s time to collect all the relative information. In your executive summary, you want to outline the project you wish to accomplish, how the project will benefit your local community and the ways the project aligns with the grant program.
Some of the key questions to answer in your application include:
- Who is your NFP project helping the most?
- What is the scope and goal of the project?
- When will the project take place (timelines)?
- Where will the project happen?
- Why is your project important?
- Who and how will you run your project?
Step 6: What to Include in Your Application
What you actually deliver to the grant-giving organisation will be outlined in the grant requirements and rules. However, most require at least:
- The formal project’s description
- How your project will be completed
- A formal budget with estimates and ongoing expenses
- A formal timeline
- What success measures do you use to evaluate steps and the conclusion
In most cases, you can break this information into a simplified Table of Contents with sections including:
- Executive Summary
- Project Overview
- Problem (Need Statement)
- Objectives
- Methodologies
- Evaluation
- Budget
- Organisation (Your NFP) Overview (including partners)
- Attachments
On average, a grant application will be between 10 and 25 pages, but that will vary based on the rules. Plenty of successful grants in Australia only require a few pages. Once you’ve submitted your first grant, you’ll start to get a feel for what works best for your NFP’s project.
Final Thoughts
Following these basic steps should prepare your NFP well for any grant application. The moment you win (are awarded) a grant, you should celebrate and market it throughout your online presence. Let everyone on your team, including donors, volunteers, and clients, know you are working hard behind the scenes to continue the funding for your mission and goals.
At Web 105, we can help with the marketing component by crafting a modern, user-friendly, and mobile-responsive website. Our professional design and development team knows how to showcase community news like grant awards, so you get the marketing boost as well as the financial resources you need to thrive.
We specialise in working with government agencies, Australian NFPs, and healthcare providers – all of which are frequently grant givers and recipients. Let our team be your solution to a vibrant online presence that resonates well with your organisation and schedule an appointment today.
FAQs
What are the 5 Rs of grant writing?
The 5 Rs of grant writing include Research, Relationships, Relevance, Resources, and Reporting. We’ve covered these in a roundabout way through our essential steps.
How do I write a grant in Australia?
Use language that is easy to understand and clearly describe your project, how it helps others, and the logistics of funding and completing it using an estimated timeline.
What is the secret to grant writing?
Planning. Any successful grant writer will tell you to spend most of your time researching and laying out the specifics of a grant proposal long before you apply. People want to see a well-thought-out plan about how their money is being spent.