Aim for a Perfect Score
7 tips to increase your chances getting a high score from grant reviewers
Follow instructions. It may seem obvious, but it can trip anybody up and keep you from being selected if you’re not careful. If a funder wants a certain font and size, if they want it mailed, emailed, or through an online portal, if they have a word or character limit to answers, if they want it by 5 pm on the deadline date – that is what you need to do. For your application to be considered, you need to carefully read the instructions for how to apply and follow them all.
Reflect the language in the Request for Application (RFA/NOFA or whatever acronym they use) and the questions. Use their terminology. Sometimes we all use a word and think we are meaning the same thing, but that is not always the case. For instance, Goal, Objective, Strategies, and Outcomes mean something very specific to me but different funders have used them to mean slightly different things. Take the time to read their examples and definitions to better understand how they are using the terms.
Spell out acronyms and define your industry lingo even if you think it's obvious to everyone. What is DHS? What do you mean by case management? What do you mean by “meet them where they are at”. Explain it as if to someone who doesn’t know your work at all.
Answer all the prompts. Sometimes a question will have sub-bullets or two or three questions under the same numbered question. Answer each one and in the order asked. This will really help the reviewer see that you answered all of that question.
Give it a heading that reflects the gist of the question. With word limits, you don’t want to waste valuable space with unnecessary words, but a good succinct heading that the reviewers will recognize as part of the question will help. For instance, Question: what are the challenges and successes of your organization? Give your answer heading like Challenges:....Successes:…. If the formatting allows, use bold, underline, or bullets to help the reviewers easily see that you answered the question.
Don’t just say what you’ll do but how you’ll do it. When the question asks “how,” give specific and detailed answers. For instance, don't just say you will be trauma-informed. Say how you will be trauma informed and give an example. Don’t just say you will be culturally competent – give examples of how you are or will be culturally competent. Are you a BIPOC-led organization? Have you had specific training, or do you plan on having specific training if funded?
Have others review your draft. Another set of eyes and fresh perspective will help refine your answers and increase your chances of funding. Leave time for this step before the grant deadline.