Tips for grant writing are everywhere—but not all of them will actually help you win funding. That’s the blunt truth. As someone who has coached hundreds of nonprofits, reviewed grant applications from both sides of the table, and written proposals that brought in six and even seven figures, I’ve seen it all.
Whether you’re brand-new to grants or trying to improve your success rate, the right strategies make all the difference.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through 7 powerful, field-tested tips for grant writing that funders actually want you to know. We’ll cut through the fluff, talk real talk, and give you examples you can use starting today.
Oh—and if you want more resources like this delivered to your inbox each week, make sure to join the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter for advanced tips, templates, and funding opportunities.
Let’s get started.
Tip #1: Write for Humans, Not Robots
One of the most overlooked grant writing tips is this: funders are human beings. Yes, they might be reviewing 40+ proposals in a week.
Yes, they’re scoring you against criteria. But ultimately, they care about impact—and they want to connect with your mission.
Use clear, simple language. Avoid jargon and academic fluff unless it’s absolutely necessary. For example, instead of saying:
“Our intervention leverages a trauma-informed framework to enhance socio-emotional outcomes in vulnerable youth populations…”
Say:
“We help young people heal from trauma and grow emotionally strong—using proven, compassionate methods.”
Highlight emotion + outcome. Your program isn’t just a project—it’s a lifeline. Describe the people you serve. Use specific examples. Let your passion show.
Tip #2: Match the Funder’s Language—Exactly
Here’s an insider grant writing trick that almost feels like cheating (but it’s not): mirror the language of the funder.
This is one of the top tips for grant writing you’ll hear from funders themselves during training webinars and review panels.
✅ Go to the funder’s website or RFP (Request for Proposals).
✅ Highlight key phrases they repeat: “community-driven,” “health equity,” “capacity building,” etc.
✅ Echo those terms word-for-word in your application—especially in your needs statement, goals, and outcomes.
Why this works: It shows alignment. It makes it easy for reviewers to check boxes. It builds instant trust.
Pro tip: Use their terms in your objectives and evaluation sections too. If they say they want “measurable impact,” don’t talk about “success stories”—talk about metrics and data-driven results.
Tip #3: Your Needs Statement Isn’t About You
One of the fastest ways to lose points in a grant review?
Writing a needs statement that focuses on your organization’s struggles.
Let’s be clear: the need is in the community, not in your budget.
Don’t say: “We lack funding to expand our services.”
✅ Say: “In our city, 1 in 3 children live in food-insecure households—and our afterschool program is the only free hot meal many of them receive each day.”
Your grant proposal should position your organization as the bridge between a pressing need and a meaningful solution. That’s how you make the funder care.
Tip #4: Answer Every Question—Even the Ones They Didn’t Ask
This one is subtle but powerful.
Sometimes, funders give you limited space or vague prompts. You’ll see questions like:
- “What are your goals?”
- “Describe your organization.”
- “Explain how you will use funds.”
Here’s the trick: anticipate what reviewers will need to understand, even if it’s not asked directly.
For example, in your project description, don’t just say what you’ll do—explain:
✅ Who’s doing it
✅ When and where it happens
✅ Why it matters
✅ What success looks like
✅ What could go wrong (and how you’ll handle it)
When reviewers finish reading your proposal, they should feel like, “Wow. I know exactly what this group is doing, and I trust them to deliver.”
Tip #5: Use Data to Back Your Passion
Funders want to see both heart and evidence. Many nonprofits lean too heavily on emotion or stories—without grounding their proposal in hard facts.
Combine stats with storytelling.
- “Last year, 40% of teens in our county reported symptoms of depression.”
- “When ‘Jade’ came to our program, she hadn’t attended school in two months due to anxiety. Today, she’s on track to graduate.”
Where to find strong data:
- U.S. Census Bureau
- County health assessments
- Issue-specific organizations (e.g., NAMI for mental health, Feeding America for food insecurity)
- Internal program data (pre/post surveys, attendance, referrals, etc.)
Use both national and hyper-local data for maximum credibility.
Tip #6: Don’t Treat the Budget Like an Afterthought
Here’s what most people get wrong: They treat the budget as a separate document.
But in reality, your budget tells a story—and it should align perfectly with your narrative.
Each line item should tie back to your activities and outcomes.
Avoid vague categories like “Miscellaneous” or “Program Support.”
Include brief budget justifications when allowed: “$10,000 for two part-time mentors to serve 100 youth over 12 months.”
Also: Don’t lowball your needs just to look frugal. Funders would rather see a realistic plan than a wishful one. Be transparent and confident in your ask.
Want a step-by-step budget planning template? Join the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter and get instant access to our exclusive tools.
Tip #7: Skip the Guilt Trip—Focus on Results
A mistake many nonprofits make is writing proposals that sound like a desperate plea:
“Without this funding, we might have to close our doors.”
That may be true—but it’s not persuasive. Funders aren’t in the business of keeping nonprofits afloat. They’re in the business of creating impact.
So instead of focusing on what you’ll lose, show what you’ll create.
✅ “This grant will allow us to double our food pantry services to reach 300 more families.”
✅ “With this funding, we can launch a mobile outreach clinic that serves three rural counties.”
Funders want to fund momentum. Show them what progress looks like—and how their investment fuels the change.
Bonus: A Mini Checklist Before You Submit
Here’s a quick-hit checklist inspired by the top-ranking grant writing tips on Google and real grant reviewers:
✅ Did you follow all instructions and formatting rules?
✅ Did you use the funder’s key language and values?
✅ Is your project specific, measurable, and doable?
✅ Does the budget match the activities?
✅ Did someone proofread the entire application?
✅ Did you make the reviewer care?
Real Example: Before vs. After
Let’s say the prompt is: “Describe your program.”
BEFORE (meh):
“We run a weekly afterschool program that provides tutoring, snacks, and safe space for youth.”
AFTER (strong):
“Our weekly afterschool program serves 75 low-income youth ages 8–14, providing academic tutoring, social-emotional skill-building, and a safe space after school hours.
With a team of three certified instructors and five volunteers, we offer math and reading support, daily snacks, and structured mentorship activities. Students attend an average of 3 days per week, and 88% show academic gains within six months.”
The difference? Specifics. Numbers. Results. And trust.
Final Thoughts: Grant Writing Is a Skill—Not a Secret
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be a genius or a full-time grant writer to win grants.
You just need the right structure, strategy, and support.
These 7 tips aren’t fluff. They come from years of experience and feedback from real funders, evaluators, and decision-makers.
Want to keep getting this kind of insight, delivered weekly?
Join the Grant Writing Academy Newsletter and unlock:
- Templates & prompts to save you time
- Funding alerts tailored to your mission
- Behind-the-scenes tips from winning proposals
- Access to premium resources for Founding Members
Because you deserve more than hope—you deserve results.
