Grant writing is both an art and a science—and one of the most overlooked skills in the craft is knowing how to customize your data for each funder. Too often, nonprofits use the same data points in every proposal. But here’s the truth: what resonates with one funder may fall flat with another. The strongest […]

Data is essential in grant writing—but data alone won’t win the grant. Numbers are powerful, but only when they’re connected to a meaningful story. If your proposal is packed with statistics but lacks emotional resonance, you may be missing a key opportunity to stand out. The most successful grant proposals strike a balance between quantitative

For many nonprofits, grant writing can feel overwhelming. You start with good intentions, but soon, you’re knee-deep in application questions, struggling to stay focused, and rewriting sections over and over. Before you know it, the deadline is looming, and your proposal still doesn’t feel as strong as it should. Sound familiar? If so, the problem

For many nonprofits, the grant writing process can feel overwhelming. With deadlines looming and multiple sections to complete, a common question arises: Should you start with the grant application or the executive summary? The answer? Start with the executive summary. While it may seem logical to tackle the application first, jumping straight into answering detailed

When it comes to writing a grant proposal, many nonprofits rush to fill out the application, believing that answering questions as they appear is the fastest way to complete the process. However, this approach often leads to disjointed messaging, redundant answers, and a lack of clarity—all of which can weaken your proposal. Instead, the most

Crafting a strong problem statement is an art. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your problem statement is clear, specific, and impactful. 1. Mistake: Being Too Vague 2. Mistake: Overloading with Data Too many statistics can overwhelm readers. Focus on the most compelling numbers. Practical Tip: Highlight 1-2 key data points and save additional stats for

Numbers alone won’t win over funders. Personal stories make the problem real, relatable, and human. Let’s dive into how to incorporate storytelling into your problem statement to maximize its impact. 1. Identify the Right Story Choose a story that illustrates the problem’s impact on a real person or group. Ensure it aligns with your nonprofit’s

To truly stand out, your problem statement should go beyond symptoms and address the root causes of the issue. This demonstrates a deeper understanding and positions your nonprofit as a strategic problem-solver. 1. Ask “Why” Multiple Times Start with the surface-level problem and dig deeper by repeatedly asking, “Why?” For example: 2. Analyze Existing Research

The problem statement is often referred to as the heart of the grant proposal, and for good reason. It’s where you present the issue your nonprofit is addressing and convince funders why your work matters. A strong problem statement not only lays the groundwork for your proposal but also makes funders feel compelled to invest

In today’s competitive nonprofit landscape, securing grant funding is no longer about simply submitting applications. To stand out, nonprofits must use data strategically to refine their grant strategies and demonstrate impact. Leveraging insights from past campaigns and grants can help identify strengths, address weaknesses, and improve your chances of future success. Here’s a guide filled