The Writing Jobs

The Needs Assessment - Here you outline an existing problem that will be solved with the nonprofit's work. If you are writing for a homeless shelter, for example, this is where you detail the prevalence of poverty and homelessness in your city. The writing should be persuasive enough to convince the reader why there is a real need for your program. Include research supports, statistics and events to support your assertions. Learn to balance this convincing approach with writing that has an emotional pull that compels the reader to want to help.

The Project Description - The story of the actual work the nonprofit will do to deal with the above mentioned problem. It is detailed enough that a reader can visualize the implementation of the project, step by step. It should answer Who, What, When, Where, and How in terms of the actual work being done. Practice writing descriptive prose that is concise. You must stay within the page limits outlined by the foundation.

Goals and Objectives - Here you must be able to quantify the impact that the nonprofit's work will have on the problem. This writing is almost scientific, requiring you to measure changes in behavior and knowledge. Work on writing S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely).

Overall, your grant application should be concise, detailed, and organized according to the funder's specifications. You want to paint a picture in the reader's mind of how you intend to change the world for the better. Using the skills mentioned above will give you a strong start.

Katie Krueger is the editor of Find Funding Magazine, an online Grant Writing magazine Find Funding helps you write better grants and make more money.