After serving on a good many grants panels through the years, it’s amazing to me how quickly one can tell if someone’s put a lot of thought into theirpapersproposal simply by skimming the first paragraph or two. It’s disappointing when you read the grant narrative, and it shows the applicant didn’t put much effort into the writing of the proposal. Because of the sheer amount of applicants, if the  first few paragraphs aren’t well-thought out the proposal will most likely end up at the bottom of the pile.

When writing your proposal narrative or any application for funding, use a strong lead sentence. Make it direct and compelling.

Here are two examples of an opening sentence:

1) “I would like to get a grant to write my play about artists who work really hard to make a living. I’m calling it “Funding Your Bliss” right now but it might change once I get funding and I’d like to do the play at one of the local theatres in town sometime next year.”

or

2) I request support for “Funding Your Bliss”- a play charting the economic survival of artists in the 21st century to be performed at the Magnum Opus Theatre in Spring 2010.

Which sentence makes you want to read more?

Another thing that calls attention to the lack of thought in a proposal is way an applicant writes about their work. Never write “see my resume or bio.”  Craft a strong bio and list accomplishments. This is no time for modesty. Write it with the objectivity you would have for someone else. Then when putting it into the grant application put it into first person if you’re applying as an individual. If not keep it in third person. It  bothers me when I read through a grant proposal and the applicant says little to nothing about his/herself. Never assume the reader knows your reputation or accomplishments.

Remember, before a grants panel can get to your demo or work samples, they must first be impressed by what you’ve written. Be direct, to the point and proud of the work you’ve done and are proposing to do. That way you’ll make it past the first cut!

Share On Facebook