There are many components to a complete grant application.  Before you submit any application, use this checklist to make sure everything is in order.

Are your familiar with the grant-making organization’s mission?  Does your proposed project advance that mission?  It doesn’t matter how impressive your project is if it doesn’t match with the funding organization’s priorities.  Your organization’s mission may be to advance Mother-Friendly Childbirth in your community.  This doesn’t mean you can’t go to grant-making organizations that want to protect women’s rights, improve children’s health, lower the preterm birth rate, or prevent family violence.  But make sure that you are explicit about how your proposed activities will advance their mission, not yours.

Does your funder have preferences or requirements about the population or geographic region served?   It may be that the funder is only interested in projects that help underserved populations.  They may be bound by by-laws or legal restrictions that prevent them from giving to certain causes or applicants outside of their service area.  Don’t waste your time if it’s not the right fit. 

Are your budget and timeline realistic and are they within the limits the funder has specified?   Do your homework and be sure that the money you are requesting is realistic for the activities you propose and the time it will take to achieve your goals.  Have you thought about your methods of accounting and reporting revenues and expenditures?

Have you accurately reflected the value of in-kind contributions and volunteer labor in your budget?  Don’t take these for granted.  Valuing these contributions shows your funder that there are dedicated people and some amount of infrastructure behind your organization.

Did you propose goals and objectives that are realistic and achievable?  Goals are the method of achieving your needs.  Objectives are the specific ways you will attain your goals and activities are the actions needed to reach your objectives.  If you are a small, grass-roots organization, no funder will expect your proposed project to decrease the cesarean section rate, preterm birth rate, etc.  But perhaps it will reach 200 expectant women with key messages about normal birth, provide one-to-one breastfeeding support to 75 nursing mothers, or match 30 low-income women with volunteer doulas.  Think big with your mission but be realistic about (and proud of!) what you can achieve with your current resources.

For each objective, are you able to monitor and evaluate your progress?  The evaluation techniques and ability to sustain a project beyond funding are key elements of consideration for a funder.

Have you provided all requested attachments such as budgets, current biographies or “CV’s”, and by-laws?  Have you followed application instructions and formatting requirements?

Have you double and triple checked spelling and grammar?  Have you edited your application for redundant or unnecessary words and sentences?

DON’T FORGET: Be clear and concise, follow the funder’s guidelines, and always double check everything.  It is a waste of your valuable time to submit a grant that will get rejected because you didn’t follow directions.