Grant Writing Tips
Seven principles that separate funded applications from rejected ones — based on how real grant reviewers score submissions.
Read the RFP three times before writing anything
Every grant program has priorities, scoring criteria, and non-negotiable requirements buried in the guidelines. Read them once to understand the program, once to identify the scoring rubric, and once to flag every requirement you must address. Most applications are rejected because they miss something that was clearly stated.
Mirror the funder's language back to them
Grant reviewers are trained to look for alignment with their mission. Use the exact words and phrases from the grant guidelines in your narrative. If they say "community impact," use "community impact" — not "neighborhood benefit." This isn't keyword stuffing; it's demonstrating comprehension.
Lead with the problem, not your business
Funders aren't investing in your business — they're investing in a solution to a problem they care about. Open every application by vividly describing the problem your business addresses and why it matters to the funder's mission. Get to who you are and what you do second.
Make your budget tell a story
Budget justifications are where many applications fall apart. Every line item should connect explicitly to your stated goals. Don't just list costs — explain why each expense is essential to achieving the outcomes the funder is paying for. A narrative budget is a competitive budget.
Quantify everything you possibly can
"Many customers" loses to "412 customers served in 2024." "Significant revenue growth" loses to "68% year-over-year revenue increase." Reviewers are comparing your application against others — specificity signals credibility and makes your impact memorable.
Answer the question that's actually being asked
Every section of a grant application asks a specific question. Answer it directly and completely before adding context. Reviewers often score by section — if your answer to "describe your community impact" is buried in a founder biography, you lose those points.
Apply before you're ready
There is no perfect moment to apply. Most first-time applicants over-prepare and miss deadlines or self-disqualify before the funder ever sees their application. Submit a strong draft — you will get better with each application, and some funders provide feedback you can use to improve future submissions.
What gets applications rejected
Submitting the same generic narrative to every grant
Ignoring the stated eligibility criteria and applying anyway
Missing attachments (most common reason for disqualification)
Submitting after the deadline — even by one minute
Using jargon the reviewers won't recognize
Underestimating your ask (funders budget for the max — use it wisely)
Forgetting to proofread for typos and inconsistent numbers
Let AI handle the writing
Grant Concierge applies all of these principles automatically. Our AI reads your founder profile, cross-references each funder's stated priorities and scoring criteria, and generates complete, submission-ready applications — executive summary, mission alignment, use of funds, community impact, and more. You review, approve, and submit.