Writing an Application is one thing, making the application presentable is another. Developing a proofreading strategy can greatly improve the quality of your grant application. Here are 4 tips from grant-making offices across the government that you can use for developing this strategy.
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Top 4 Tips on writing a Grants Application Summary:
- Category: grants
1. Seek Out Opinions Early in the Process
One of the best ways to improve your application is to seek feedback as early as possible. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises applicants to request that colleagues or mentors review a first draft of their specific aims early in the writing process. This allows you to identify potential weaknesses and address missing elements before submitting the final version.
An Office of Justice Programs resource also emphasizes the importance of early proofreading, stating that it provides "sufficient time to deal with missing information" and other common issues. A fresh perspective can highlight details you might have overlooked and ensure clarity and coherence in your application.
2. Develop a Master Checklist
Using a comprehensive checklist can significantly improve your chances of submitting a strong application. According to an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) resource, a well-organized checklist ensures that all required elements are included. Missing or incomplete items can lead to outright rejection or a lower score, which may limit your chances of receiving funding.
Your checklist should go beyond just listing required forms and attachments. Consider including formatting requirements, agency-specific judging criteria, and key deadlines. A multi-page checklist can help keep you on track and prevent last-minute scrambling.
3. Give Your Application a Grade
Once you have completed a solid draft of your proposal, it’s time to assess its quality. NIH recommends that applicants "rate their own application" by evaluating it critically against the funding agency’s criteria. Self-assessment can help pinpoint weak areas and provide direction for revisions.
For a more objective review, consider bringing in an outside reader—someone who is not directly involved in the proposal writing process. ARC suggests that they should read the proposal quickly, mirroring how actual reviewers may initially go through it. This will help ensure that key points stand out and that the proposal is clear and compelling from the first glance.
4. Enlist a Proofreader or Editor to Focus on Micro Issues
Beyond the structural and content-related aspects of your application, it is crucial to refine the finer details. A resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises enlisting someone not involved in the application process to proofread the final draft. This proofreader should focus on micro issues such as word choice, sentence structure, and typographical errors.
Spelling and grammatical mistakes may seem minor, but they can leave a negative impression on reviewers. Ensuring that your application is polished and professional can set you apart from competitors who overlook these details.
Conclusion
Securing funding is a competitive process, and even small mistakes can hurt your chances. By seeking feedback early, organizing a comprehensive checklist, critically evaluating your application, and having it thoroughly proofread, you significantly improve your odds of success. Each step strengthens your proposal, making it more compelling and complete. The extra effort you put into refining your application can make all the difference when it comes to standing out and securing the funding you need.