So you found a grant you want to apply to! Now how exactly do you go about doing that?
When it comes to grant applications, there are many ways you can go about applying. If you are too busy running your business and don’t have the time to complete an application, you can hire a grant writer!
One of the many great things about Pocketed is that we can directly connect you with the best grant writers through our platform to save you both time and money.
But if you’d rather write the application yourself, here are some important things you need to know.
What are some things you’ll need?
Before you start applying for any grants, it’s important you have these key pieces of information on hand. It’s a good idea to store all this information in one central document so you can quickly reference it when starting new applications.
- Business Number (CRA)
- Company Description
- Company Address and Contact Information
- Incorporation Date
The Pocketed Grants 101 blog post can give you an even more detailed summary of the additional information necessary when applying to different types of grants.
So you want to hire a grant writer?
When hiring a grant writer, you usually need to decide if that person will be responsible for researching and applying to grants or applying to grants that you have already chosen.
Because Pocketed already matches you with the best grants for your business, you can have your grant writer solely focus on, well, writing the grant! Some information you need to have before you hire your grant writer includes:
- Strategic plan
- Financials
- Job descriptions (for the positions you are looking to fund)
- Any other planning documents that relate to the grant
- Contact person for your organization
Having these documents in order beforehand will allow for a smooth writing process for the grant writer.
How long does it actually take to write an application?
This depends on you and the type of grant you apply for. On the Pocketed platform, we provide an estimate of the time commitment each grant will take so you can plan accordingly.
But despite our time estimates, it’s a good idea to start writing your grant application at least a month before the deadline so you have time to gather materials and make your application stand out. We know procrastination is tempting, but we’re talking about free money! Applications can sometimes take longer than you think, so make sure you give yourself more than enough time to prepare those documents and write a jaw-dropping application.
What are some tips for the writing process?
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind If you are interested in writing your own grant application:
- Start with a rough draft — This is a great way to organize your thoughts before diving into the real deal.
- Write clearly — Try to keep your sentences short and precise by using terms that people you know would understand. And don’t forget, be yourself!
- Ask for feedback — Consult someone with good language skills so they can read through your finished application and give you improvement points.
- Check for errors — it’s always important to double-check your grant application and have it peer-reviewed so that any spelling or grammatical errors don’t go unnoticed.
Time to apply!
Now that you have a better understanding of what goes into completing a grant application, it’s time for the most important step which is to take action! Sign up for Pocketed so you can be matched with the best grants for your business and get started on applying ASAP.
If you’re still unsure about the grant application process, check out our extensive FAQ or contact our experts who are ready to help and answer all your questions.
