3 Tips to Help Your Grant Application Stand Out
By Freddy Vasquez, AICP , Technical Grant Writer
Securing funding for transportation projects is a critical yet often challenging endeavor. With increasing competition for limited resources, crafting a compelling grant application is essential for standing out in the crowded field. Through his experience writing successful grant applications for agencies across the country, Benesch Technical Grant Writer Freddy Vasquez has identified three areas of the application often overlooked by applicants.
In this article, Freddy offers ways to better enhance these areas to help an application stand out and maximize a project's potential to receive the funding it needs.
Tip 1: Emphasize Your Project Partners’ Commitment to Success
When providing information on your project partners, it’s tempting to just give the basics, especially when there are many more questions to be answered. However, this space provides an opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of the partners to the project’s success. Funders want to see that all involved with the project have a shared vision and are invested in achieving the project's goals. Even briefly explaining each partner’s role and motivation for the project can go a long way.
Another way to help your project stand out would be to explore additional partnerships. Funders are more likely to invest in projects that have broad support and engagement from multiple stakeholders, as this indicates a higher likelihood of successful implementation and sustainability. Of course, this takes a bit more forethought. Once you’ve identified a project and a potential grant, start looking into partnerships within the community. Whether it is a nonprofit organization or a community group, including them in the project and highlighting them on the application shows the funders that the project is supported by the community.
By showing strong partner commitment, applicants can strengthen their case for funding and increase their chances of receiving support.
Tip 2: Highlight Ways the Project Supports Equity in the Community
Funders are increasingly prioritizing initiatives that promote social justice and inclusivity, making equity a key criterion for many grant programs. When highlighting the ways a project supports equity in the community, I’ve found that applicants often focus on race and neglect to mention additional ways the project promotes equity. Take a step back and consider all the groups that could benefit from the project. Does the project benefit people with disabilities in any way? What about children and seniors? Are people of low socioeconomic status being supported?
By emphasizing how the project reduces barriers and enhances quality of life for all types of disadvantaged groups, you can align your proposal with the funders' priorities and the community’s needs.
Tip 3: Show Past Grant Administration Experience
Funders are more likely to invest in organizations that have demonstrated their capacity to handle grant funds responsibly and deliver tangible results. One way to prove this is by stating past grant experience in an application. This includes showcasing your ability to comply with reporting requirements, manage budgets efficiently and achieve project objectives within the stipulated timelines. This is crucial for establishing credibility and demonstrating a proven track record of success.
If this is your first grant-funded project, you can still demonstrate you have what it takes to succeed. Do some additional research into the administrative aspects of the funding process and convey that knowledge in the applications. Create a detailed budget and implementation plan that will prove you are prepared to handle the administration process if selected.
Benesch has helped our clients secure approximately $200 million in grants and funding for projects, with over $60 million achieved in the last five years. Freddy and other technical experts are on-hand to support you throughout the grant process—from finding funding opportunities through to strategy development and the application process. Contact Freddy (fvasquez@benesch.com) for more information on Benesch’s services.
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