Nonprofit Grant Proposal Template

Coming up with a nonprofit grant proposal can be intimidating. How much information is enough—or too much? This nonprofit grant writing proposal template can help guide you as you write your first—or 10th!—grant request.

1. Identify the Problem You’re Trying to Solve

   Maybe you run a food pantry that’s identified a new challenge in the community, and you’ve thought of a way to address it. You just need the money to get your project off the ground. Whatever your organization’s mission is, identify the problem and paint the picture of the need that exists.

2. Your Nonprofit is the Solution to this Problem

   OK, maybe you’re not the only solution to this problem. But make the case that your organization is poised to address this problem, and invite funders to help you do that. Use statistics of your organization’s effectiveness in your existing projects to show that you have a proven track record when entrusted with resources.

3. Project Description

   Many foundations prefer to fund projects that have a beginning and an end, unless they say they can be used for operational budget or ongoing programming. This is where you describe what you want to do with the funding.

   1. Project goals and objectives

   2. Activities and timelines

   3. Key personnel involved

   4. How the project aligns with the funder’s priorities

4. Evaluation Plan

   How will you demonstrate that your project was successful? What means will you use to show that your objectives were met? Use existing data collection practices to show that you have a plan in place to measure your success. For many nonprofit leaders, this is an area that falls by the wayside. A grant writer can help you implement systems to make the most out of your data.

5. Sustainability

   Many funders like to spread their resources, so if you get money from them one year they may not award it the next. How do you plan to sustain your project beyond this funding?

6. Budget

   Develop a clear and concise budget that identifies how you will pay for all of the items identified in your project description. Make sure that any costs you mentioned in your project description are consistent in your budget. Small mistakes can cost you in a grant proposal. Finding someone to proofread and elevate your materials can be worth the money.

7. Appendices

   Appendices can include your IRS nonprofit verification, financial documents, personal statements as well as other supplemental items that share stories of your organization’s impact.

Final Thoughts

This simple nonprofit grant writing template can help you organize your thoughts as you approach your grant applications. We hope this resource helps you as you make your funding plan.

As you navigate this process, you might find yourself needing extra help. We offer professional grant writing services, ranging from a la carte items such as proofreading, content writing, and budget design to full service grant design from research to submission. No matter your budget, we’re committed to helping nonprofits move forward in their funding journeys.

Let’s connect and see how we can help.