Without funding, it’s near impossible to pull off a project.

Innovation remains a pipe dream without financial backing.

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Just before you click the submit button, here are 6 steps to take before embarking on Grant Writing:

1. Follow all the guidelines in the request for proposals exactly as they are stated when filling out the grant application, including word counts.

If you ignore guidelines, funders will ignore your application.

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2. Leverage the power of storytelling:

You absolutely have to be a good storyteller to win the heart of any funder. When trying to sell your story, endeavor to be concise, transparent, and honest. Lies and exaggeration won't take you as far as good storytelling would. Remember that facts tell but stories sell.

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3. Have a clear direction for your project:

If your project scope is not clear to you, it will not convince the funder. Your project must be addressing a pressing issue head on. One or two issues are generally better.

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4. Budget like a boss:

Can you defend your project; the intended impact, the budget? If your budget comes across as overly bloated or poorly put together, your proposal is dead on arrival.

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5. Define your audience:

Who are your target audience? What are their peculiarities? Why them? Funders don't fund strange people in strange places doing strange things.

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6. Define the social change your project will bring:

Are you creating more jobs? Are you empowering the marginalized or vulnerable population? Are you alleviating poverty? Zero in on how your project will transform the lives of your beneficiaries and ultimately make the world a better place.

With these correctly ticked, you're ready to write a winning grant.

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