Establish a site grant-writing committee
Proposal writing often falls to one or two volunteers. This results in staff burnout and less-than-successful program implementation. Increase success and buy-in through shared responsibility.

Identify site needs to focus grant-seeking efforts.
What are your site's challenges and how would additional funding help? Prepare a brief description, including data to support your statements of need. Use this when selecting possible grants.

Prepare an "elevator pitch"
Grantors target creative ideas built on sound strategies that are easy to understand and can be quickly explained. Summarize you proposal in a couple of sentences- the time it takes to ride a few floor in an elevator.

Read sample proposals
Grant-making agencies often provide samples of funded proposals. Ask for examples and read them carefully. Note writing style, formatting, use of graphics, etc. Use this information to polish you proposal.