For small business owners, applying for a grant can be an great way to obtain additional funding for your business. However, with only a limited amount of grant money available, the competition can be fierce. That's why it's crucial to write a grant application that stands out from the crowd.

Writing a grant application that actually catches attention isn’t as tough as it might seem. You just need a plan, a little personality, and some patience. Here’s how to get it done:

Know Your Audience

Before you start, figure out who’s on the other side of your application. Every grant has a mission, and your job is to align with that. A little research goes a long way!

Once you identify the grants' criteria, review the eligibility conditions carefully. Verify the minimum and maximum size of the business; annual sales revenues, number of employees, industry, location, or any other relevant factors. Do not apply for a grant if you don't qualify under the terms and conditions. Understand the paperwork and documentation required to accompany your grant application.

Make Your Executive Summary Short And Engaging

The executive summary serves as the gateway or introduction to your business. It gives an overview of your business, why you need the grant, and how you intend to use the funds.

Although this may seem like a lot of information to provide, remember you only have a few paragraphs. So put your best foot forward. Make your summary short, engaging, and cut to the chase. Your aim here is to encourage the grant reviewers to keep reading.

Make Your Application Easy to Read

Grant reviewers sift through lots of applications daily, and they often have to do that on top of their other responsibilities. That means making it easy to read is critical to catch the reviewer's eye. Avoid long paragraphs and use bullet points, headings, and subheadings. Ensure that the language used in the grant application is clear and concise.

Know Your Numbers When Creating Your Budget

You may have touched on your budget in your project description, but when writing the budget you want to provide the specifics. It should be detailed and realistic. Experts recommend keeping your numbers within the funding limits. And before submitting your budget and application, review your numbers multiple times. A simple discrepancy could disqualify an entire application.

Highlight Your Business's Unique Traits

A key aspect of a grant application is to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Part of this includes accentuating your business's unique qualities. Remember that your grant proposal is a chance to pitch your business, be sure to highlight what separates you from the competition. By showcasing your business’s unique selling point, you will catch the attention of the reader, and they will be more inclined to pay attention to the details of your application.

Showcase Your Impact

Make sure the reviewers know exactly how their money will make a difference. Be specific about the problem you’re tackling and how your project will help.

All grants support specific missions and initiatives. Do your research to understand the goals of the grant organization and be clear about how your business will support those goals.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Once you've written your grant application, take the time to revise and edit. Run it by a friend, or get some fresh eyes on it before hitting submit.

You want to avoid typos and grammar mistakes, but you also want to make sure your writing is clear. When you're knee deep in your business very day it's easy for you to understand how everything works. But sometimes that doesn't translate well in your writing. Getting an outside set of eyes can help make sure your application is understandable to an outside reader.

You can also seek professional help from people who have successful grant applications. There are many online resources available to help you with your grant proposal writing process.

Start Searching for Business Grants

Applying for a grant can be time consuming, but by following these tips, you will be on your way to writing a successful grant application. Remember to research and tailor your application to the grant's objectives to make it stand out. Clarify your goals, provide realistic numbers, make your application easy to read, and have someone revise and edit your application. With these steps, your application will have the best chance of getting the attention it deserves.

Start searching for business grants through the FundingTrail Grant Marketplace, updated weekly with new grant finds!