Becoming a successful grant writer, part 5: Research

A passion for research and facts is a must if you want to be a successful grant writer.

Grant applications consist of historical fact mixed with informed speculation. A grant application must clearly and honestly report past and current situations, and follow with a prediction of a brighter future that will be created with help from the funder. If the project is funded, the project team must eventually evaluate its success at creating that brighter future. The only way to do that is by establishing a baseline against which to measure.  And that brings us back to historical fact. If you enjoyed writing research papers in school, this is the right job for you.  If you consider fact-finding to be the dullest exercise on earth, don’t think you can dazzle reviewers with brilliant wordsmithing instead. It doesn’t work that way.

The first question a grant writer should ask a client is “Why do you need the money?” An answer that consists of vague generalizations about doing good things is not satisfactory.  If the organization is large enough and well organized, it will be able to provide adequate data from which to develop a needs statement.  If an organized data library does not exist, you should add research time to the preparation plan (and your fee).  The following are some tips for finding reliable information. Always cite sources; use endnotes or a reference page if possible.

• Use the U.S. Census data.   The Census Bureau page has interactive maps and the American Fact Finder. www.census.gov
• Look at state and local agency data.  Many states have a demographer’s office that provides trend data on populations. Contact any and all state agencies that might have oversight in areas related to the project.
• Find out if the funder is an expert.  Most government agencies and some larger foundations publish reports. Mine them for data that supports your request.
• Use the Internet extensively, but cautiously. Much of the information listed in the first three bullets is available online. Never cite Wikipedia, but visit the pages related to your topic. Scroll down to references and external links, and look at any that are credible sources.
• Obtain a library card if you don’t have one.  Many public libraries subscribe to online databases that are specific to professions and social issues. Librarians will help you access those as well as back issues of newspapers that have been digitized.

Keep paper or digital copies of all data you collect. If a project team member or potential funder questions your information, you’ll be able to show your sources.

Next Up:  Part 6 in the series on suggested qualifications for grant writers — Familiarity with style guides

Part 1 Curiosity and specialized knowledge

Part 2 Ability to tell a story

Part 3 Ability to listen

Part 4 Writing experience or education in several fields