This chapter provides basic information that is integral to successful grant writing. On first glance, the grant-writing process may seem daunting. However, grants can be successfully completed by novices who follow an organized process and develop an understanding of the basic principles for writing grants (Karsh & Fox, 2009). The ability to write clearly, concisely, and directly is essential to success in writing grants. Of equal importance is the ability to speak knowledgeably and confidently about content that is relevant to a particular grant topic of interest (Johnson, 2011).
A grant is money given to an individual or a nonprofit organization which does not have to be repaid, as long as the terms of agreement for the grant are followed. There are a variety of ways to apply for a grant. The most common avenue is by submitting a proposal or request for funding. Organizations are often required to have a federal nonprofit status, known as 501(c) 3, per the Internal Revenue code, to be eligible for grants (Karsh & Fox, 2009).
The most important caveat in grant writing is to apply only for funds that the individual or organization is qualified to receive that corresponds with the goals of the grant-funding organization. Many falsely believe if they write an excellent grant or can demonstrate the worthiness of their project to the funder, it will not matter if the project does not meet the goals of the funding organization. A better way to view the process is to realize that funders seek applicants whose projects match their mission. When the mission of a funder matches the mission of the project, the result is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both entities (Johnson, 2011). Therefore, grant proposals must be consistent with the grant funder's objectives and mission to be successful (Wason, 2004).
Grants come from 3 main sources: governments, foundations, and corporations. Government grants are available through local, state, or federal governments. Government grants often provide the largest amounts of funding and present the highest level of competition. They are typically the most difficult grants to obtain and tend to be pursued by those with previous grant-writing experience. Government grants often require a complicated grant-writing process with extensive requirements, which can be intimidating to a novice grant writer. When applying for a government grant, it is wise to consider obtaining the assistance of an experienced grant writer, which provides a great learning opportunity for the novice (Wason, 2004).
Foundation grants are established solely with the objective of giving funds to organizations or individuals as a means to promote and achieve the foundation's goals and priorities. While funding amounts vary widely, foundation grants are generally focused on a mission or a commonly shared issue that is of interest to its members (Wason, 2004). The process and format for submitting grant proposals to foundations and corporations are generally well defined and clear cut, providing a user-friendly experience for the grant-writing novice (Wason, 2004).
Corporate grants come directly from corporations and businesses. Corporations may also provide grant funding through an established foundation within the corporation. Corporation grants are generally designated to benefit the communities where the corporation is located, or to promote research regarding a product they manufacture or represent (Wason, 2004).
The Center for Clinical Investigation (CCI) of the WOCN Society Foundation has developed a Research Grant Proposal Submission Toolkit (http://www.wocn.org/SubmissionToolkit), which is located under the WOCN Web site, Foundation, Research & Funding section of the WOCN Web site: http://www.wocn.org/ResearchFunding (CCI, WOCN Society Foundation, n.d.-a). The toolkit provides a guide to help applicants work through the elements of the grant-writing process. The toolkit is organized into 3 main sections that provide guidance about the overall process from first determining whether to develop and submit a research proposal to finally starting the study after funding is received. The toolkit is designed so the applicant can use individual sections or all of the sections, depending on the need and interest. After each section there is a flow chart of key tasks, and a final checklist at the end to ensure that all components are completed for that section. Suggestions are included throughout the toolkit to facilitate the success of the proposal. A sample research grant application/proposal is also available in the Foundation, Research & Funding section of the WOCN Web site (http://www.wocn.org/ResearchProposalApp), and a copy included in Appendix T (CCI, WOCN Society Foundation, n.d.-b). WOC nurses who plan to apply for a grant should visit the Research & Funding section of the WOCN Web site for information about the WOCN Society's grants program and application process, and additional resources for research and funding.
Center for Clinical Investigation, WOCN Society Foundation. (n.d.-a). Research grant proposal submission toolkit. Retrieved November 2012 from https://wocn.site-ym.com/?submission_toolkit
Center for Clinical Investigation, WOCN Society Foundation. (n.d.-b). 2013 WOCN Society member's research grant proposal. Retrieved November 2012 from https://wocn.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/Files/2013_Grant_Proposal_10.18.12.doc
Johnson, V. M. (2011). Grant writing 101: Everything you need to start raising funds today. The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Karsh, E., & Fox, A. S. (2009). The only grant-writing book you'll ever need (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.
Wason, S. D. (2004). Webster's new world grant writing handbook. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.