You want to know for sure what steps to take when seeking grants either for your individual need or for your organization.  

Seeking grant opportunities is no easy task. It can be very frustrating and disappointing at times.  But your success in getting grants highly depends on careful planning and determination. This starts from your grant search up to the submission of the final grant proposal.

Your project’s worth and your reasons for seeking grants will carry much weight for your success.  And of course, your capacity to meet your objectives will be one aspect grant making agencies will check out.

Here are some logical steps you should take when seeking grants:

1. Search for grant opportunities – The internet is one good source in finding grants. You can have the results with just a click of the finger. It’s not going to be easy, but with patience, you can find your match.
   Be aware, however, of being vulnerable to unreliable sources.
   
   
2. When searching, make sure to check the following information to find out your eligibility.
   
   
   • •  Missions and goals of the grant making agency
     
   • •  Types of projects it will and will not fund
     
   • •  Preferred applicants
     
     
3. After you have chosen your grant making agency, verify the following details:
   
   
   • •  Type of grant/s available
     
   • •  Your eligibility to apply
   • •  Coverage date of the grant (like opening date of application, deadline, etc.)
     
   • •  Requirements – Do check the preferred format of the grant proposal like number of pages, style       and content and supporting documents needed.
     
   • •  Conditions and restrictions of the grant – There’s no better preparation than knowing all the details of       any grant opportunity.    
     
     
4. Before submitting your application, double check everything. Are you sure that you have attached all necessary documents, letters, resumes and other important papers?

   Keep in mind that the format of your proposal may vary from one grant making agency to another. In general, your grant proposal package must have the following:

   • •  Cover sheet
     
   • •  Summary of Proposal
     
   • •  Body of Proposal – This should have an introduction of yourself or your organization, problem    statement, project goals and objectives, methodology or details of how you plan to implement your    project and evaluation.
     
   • •  Future Funding - Most grant making agencies would like to see where you will get future funds    upon the conclusion of their grant. They want to see that you have long-term plans for the project    and you will not stop until you meet your project objectives.
     
   • •  Proposal budget – Set a very realistic budget. Make sure you are presenting your budget in a manner    that it will be easily understood.  Please note also that most funding organizations require match funds    so make sure this is evident in your budget proposal.
     
   • •  Qualifications or your key strengths
     
   • •  Conclusion
   • •  Appendices
     
     
5. There are many sites that can help you write an excellent grant proposal. It’s just a matter of finding which one suits you best.

   Submit your application and make sure it’s within the closing date. Track the status of your    application via e-mail or telephone.  Most grant making agencies will provide you with a tracking    number to identify your application.

Good luck on your grant search. Keep in mind its not going to be easy. Only you can control your pace and your time table. You and only you can decide when to start and when to stop. Good luck again and happy grant searching!