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Before undertaking any grant seeking, the applicant must identify its needs by conducting a thorough needs assessment. In some cases, a needs assessment will require research or other methods to collect data to show the applicants need.

Successful grants are always designed to meet compelling and clearly defined needs, not just to secure funding. If the needs statement does not contain substantial, justifiable needs, the proposal will be turned down.

The process of defining needs helps a prospective grantee match its needs with the requirements of specific grant sources. This translates, in turn, into more efficient use of time and a greater likelihood of successful funding.

Do Your Research:

• Locate NOFOs that align with your entity's mission, vision, and goals.
• Read all instructions within the NOFO or application package and note the application deadline. Late applications generally aren't accepted.
• Determine the staffing requirements to ensure that your entity can properly manage the grant.
• Determine if your entity has the time to prepare a quality proposal BEFORE the NOFO deadline.

Incomplete proposals indicate the potential of a high-risk grantee.

One way to investigate grant opportunities is to visit one of the regional foundation libraries, which are located at most major universities. These libraries provide current and comprehensive information, free of charge, on funding sources and grantsmanship. With advance notice, library personnel can also compile materials in your particular area of interest.

Make an appointment with a librarian to review the available materials and then decide if you need to purchase additional publications to inform and assist in the grantseeking process. At the same time, obtain the names and addresses of corporate grantors and private foundations that fund organizations similar to yours; later, you can request in writing to be placed on their mailing lists.

If you are interested in federal funding, make a habit of reviewing the Federal Register for Requests for Comments, which are required of all federal programs. The comment period not only provides an opportunity to comment on the program but also outlines the preliminary program priorities of the potential funding source. With this information you can begin working on your proposal right away instead of waiting for a formal NOFO to be issued.

After becoming acquainted with the different aspects of grants, attend training classes on grant writing. Grant writing is an art that needs to be developed through continuous practice.

Volunteering to be a reader of grants can increase your writing skills. This activity will familiarize you with the terms and styles used in grant writing and with how to address federal agencies, corporations, and private foundations when you request funding.

Listed below are examples of entities that provide grant training, or data needed for grants. Additional entities can be found via the internet, newsletters, listservs, etc.

• American Grantwriters Association
• Grant Professionals Association
• Grants Learning Center
• National Center for Charitable Statistics
• Philanthropy News Digest
• The Foundation Center
• The Grantsmanship Center​
  

Applicants should meet with their entity's grant department. Applicants that have joint applications will also need to meet with those entities partnering for the grant.

Applicants must be careful to meet all the requirements outlined in the NOFO or other grant guidelines. It might be helpful to devise a checklist to ensure that all necessary information is included.

Always make sure to:

• Follow the required outline and format.
• Fully answer all questions. Vague or filler language is obvious.
• Collect résumés for key project personnel. Limit résumés to 1-2 pages and only include project-related expertise and experience, if required.
• Collect Letters of Commitment from external stakeholders, if required.