The Service Moves I | Page 6

Tips in Nonprofit Fundraising The Service Moves: Page 6 No idea is ever wasted. Maintain a notebook or file easily accessible throughout the proposal development stage. As you come across a related article or press release, copy it and put it in the file. Write down ideas as they come to you and regularly review your notes. Never throw away written ideas during the development stage. 7 Grant Writing Tips 1 Read the proposal instructions first. Never begin your proposal without knowing exactly what is required. 2 Use the format suggested. Stay within the page, margin, and font size limit stated. 3 Write clearly, concisely, and professionally (don’t use acronyms or other jargon without first providing an explanation of its meaning). 4 Include everything you are asked to include and time your work so you are finished at least three days before the proposal is due. 5 Build evaluation criteria into your proposal (process measures and outcome measures). 6 Write as if you have already been funded for the grant and are explaining what you will be doing (We will implement…). 7 Have someone not familiar with your program read the proposal for clarity. Source website: http://www.cippp.org/pubs/granttip.pdf San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health – Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice