Grant Writing – Agency Focused – Mistake 4 of 7 to Avoid When Approaching Funders

Federal government agencies, foundations, and corporations are put off by grant proposals that:

1. They are off topic;
2. They have been tried in other places;
3. Give a negative tone;
4. Come from the perspective of an applicant, not a client;
5. They lack adequate infrastructure;
6. Include many unsupported assumptions; Y
7. Look for quick fixes.

In this article, you’ll learn the 4 of 7 mistake to avoid when approaching funders: being too agency-focused. Failure to come from a customer-centric perspective could lead to your rejection. The solution is also here, so you don’t make this mistake in the future.

Funders frequently ask, “Is this proposed project more concerned with the needs of the applicant or the needs of the client?”

An experienced grant writer admitted in one of my classes, “No one really cares what you want or need. My mother taught me that a long time ago. Once you realize that, you can go beyond yourself and see the world through the funder’s ‘value glasses’ and what needs they want addressed. Write your proposal to address funders’ interests, needs and values.”

Prospective donors reject proposals written from the perspective of the needs of the requesting agency. This doesn’t mean you should ignore your agency’s needs or your own. However, it does mean that you have to figure out how to write your proposal from your clients’ perspective rather than your agency’s.

Let’s see an example. Requesting computers because your school has old computers or “needs them” comes from your agency’s perspective. Avoid doing this. Instead, think creatively. Ask yourself, “How could my students benefit from having new computers?”

Yes, you can be creative here! Show how new computers will lead to higher student test scores or improved reading levels more quickly. Show how having newer, faster computers will allow students to research faster, a skill valued by companies that employ graduates. Get creative and find a way to show that these new, faster computers will increase productivity by x%. Funders will love that.

Even if you “need” funding for your personal or organizational use, please refrain from ordering from there. Instead, focus your writing positively on your clients’ needs and how your clients will “benefit” from the improved services your agency will be able to provide as a result of receiving this grant.