You’ve got a world-changing project idea, an amazing team, and the plan to make it happen – all you need now are the funds to bring everything together. A strong grant proposal can help get you there. Save time and energy by using a grant proposal template powered by CDP’s document management capabilities.
How to Use Our Grant Proposal Template
To use CDP’s grant proposal template, click here. Enter your name and email to receive instructions on how to use the template. Once you’ve submitted the form, you’ll also get access to more information about how CDP can help your team make the switch to paperless document management.
What is a Grant Proposal?
A grant proposal is a written request an individual or organization submits to receive funding from a grant-making body. Its goal is to do three main things:
- Detail everything about a project’s design, goals, etc.
- Demonstrate the project’s worthiness or need
- Explain why the organization or individual needs grant money
Things to Include on a Grant Proposal Template
Writing a grant proposal isn’t a perfect science. Even the most successful writers don’t have 100% of their proposals accepted. But the more proposals you submit, the more likely you are to strike gold. Using a grant proposal template simplifies the process so that you can focus on quality writing, which is ultimately what will help you achieve your goals.
A strong grant proposal template should include space for each of the following key elements:
- An executive summary – This is a brief synopsis of the entire proposal.
- Introduction to your organization – This might include a biography of key staff members, but it also can include authority-building testimonies like feedback from customers or letters of thanks.
- A clear statement of need—This will explain the problem and how you can provide the solution. In other words, this is your mission.
- Goals and objectives – These details should offer more information about the desired outcome of your project.
- Project design – Here, you can discuss methodologies, strategies, and resources you plan or wish to use to deliver the project.
- Funding and budget information – Break down, in detail, a proposed budget for your project.
- Timelines – Decide when certain goals must be met and when the project will be completed.
Tips for Using a Grant Proposal Template Effectively
Here are a few more quick tips to keep in mind as you fill out a template for a grant proposal:
- Nail the cover letter. If your template doesn’t include a cover letter, make sure you create one. Keep it short and concise, but aim to connect with your readers to encourage them to read on.
- Consider your proposal’s length. The more complex your project is, the longer your proposal will likely be. Length and nuance also impact how you use your template – it helps to have access to additional data management tools during this process. Most proposals are about 25 pages long, but many institutions will list their length requirements along with other grant application information.
- Give yourself plenty of time. It can take days or even weeks to create a well-researched and -argued grant proposal. A good general rule of thumb is to give yourself at least a week to complete your proposal.
CDP Simplifies Grant Proposal Writing
Whether you’re writing your first grant proposal or your twentieth, the right tools always make a difference. CDP’s software solutions allow you to create a customized digital work environment for your team.
We build a software line-up that’s tailored to your needs, including features like:
- Simple digital document organization and automation
- Paperless signatures and delivery
- Powerful, customizable templates
- Easy collaboration between parties
Schedule a demo to see how our software tools can help you streamline your team's workload.
