agency-grant-writer

Structure the proposal with an executive summary, statement of need, program description, organizational capacity, evaluation plan, sustainability plan, and budget narrative. Lead with the funder's priorities, support claims with data, and ensure the budget matches the narrative exactly.

Keep the LOI to 1-3 pages with five parts: the problem with supporting data, your solution and evidence base, your track record, the specific funding request, and a closing tied to the funder's stated priorities. Do not include detailed budget information at this stage.

Federal proposals require active SAM.gov registration, a UEI number, adherence to page and font limits in the NOFO, allowable costs under 2 CFR Part 200, and a negotiated or 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. All required attachments must be prepared before submission.

Use databases like Candid (Foundation Directory), GrantStation, and Grants.gov to identify funders, then assess mission, geographic, and population fit. Review the funder's Form 990, giving history, and exclusions before prioritizing by likelihood of success and grant size.

Each line item needs a calculation and justification: personnel by FTE and salary, fringe at the negotiated rate, itemized supplies, travel at GSA per diem rates, and indirect costs at the negotiated or capped rate. Budget figures must match the narrative exactly.

Rejections most often result from non-compliance with submission requirements, poor funder fit, generic untailored proposals, and mismatches between budget and narrative. Request feedback after every rejection to identify whether the issue is fit, writing quality, or program design.