A Home for Resources on Grant Writing
Useful Websites to get Started
Grant Writing Breakdown
Before diving into any grant application, clarify your project’s objectives and outcomes. What specific problem are you addressing? What are your research questions? Having a well-defined focus helps you communicate the importance of your project to potential funders.
Look for organizations, foundations, and institutions that align with your field of study. Academic databases, university research offices, and online directories often list grants for specific disciplines. Targeting funders whose goals resonate with your research increases your chances of success.
Each grantor has unique priorities, eligibility requirements, and guidelines. Thoroughly review the guidelines to ensure your project aligns with their mission. This step involves carefully reading the grant call, application instructions, and any related documentation.
The project summary is your chance to capture the funder’s attention. Write a concise, engaging summary that highlights the purpose, significance, and expected impact of your research. Use straightforward language, and avoid jargon to ensure accessibility.
Your problem statement should articulate the issue your research will address. Explain why this problem matters and how it affects the broader field. Make a case for why funding your research will contribute to solving a pressing issue or advancing knowledge in your discipline.
Funders need to understand the specific outcomes of your research. Define objectives that are achievable, measurable, and relevant to the problem you’re addressing. Consider framing these in terms of concrete research questions, deliverables, or milestones.
Describe your approach to conducting the research, including the methods, procedures, and any tools or resources you will use. Be specific about timelines, phases of research, and potential challenges. A well-structured methodology reassures funders that you have a feasible plan.
Outline a budget that accounts for all aspects of your research—materials, equipment, travel, personnel, etc. Each expense should be justified and clearly linked to specific objectives. Funders appreciate transparency and rationale in budgeting.
Explain how you’ll measure success and evaluate the impact of your research. This might include tracking outcomes, conducting assessments, or gathering data to show progress. Funders want assurance that their investment will yield tangible, measurable results.
Grant applications need to be polished and persuasive. After writing your proposal, revise it for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Seek feedback from advisors, colleagues, or mentors who have experience in grant writing. Make sure your application is error-free and adheres strictly to the funder’s guidelines.
Professors That Can Help!
eric.hamilton@pepperdine.edu
kevin.wong@pepperdine.edu
anthony.collatos@pepperdine.edu
Further Reading
The Only Grant Writing Book You'll Ever Need
The Complete Book of Grant Writing
Grant Writing Quick Study (QuickStudy Academic)
How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn
Winning Grants Step by Step
Grant Writing for Dummies
The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing
Winning Grants: How to Write Winning Grant Proposals That Will Get You Funding for Your Nonprofit
Grant Writing: A Practical Guide to Securing Funding for Your Organization, Tips and Techniques for Crafting Winning Proposals, and Building Lasting Partnerships With Funders