It takes a lot of planning and study to submit a grant application. Prior to receiving a grant, you should be aware of the many kinds of grants, what you may do with the money, and what the grantwriters anticipate from you. The following stages describe the fundamental requirements of a grant proposal, however there isn’t actually a defined formula for drafting a successful grant: 1. Different kinds of grants: a grant is an amount of money given for a certain objective. It is a kind of financial assistance that is given out upon fulfillment of certain requirements and is not returned. Every gift is not created equal. The sorts of grants are as follows: federal funding often known as government grants, are disbursed by a government agency to carry out a public objective of assistance or stimulation that is permitted by a US legislation. These awards do not qualify as government aid or loans. They cannot be used to purchase commodities for personal consumption or to obtain property. Private donations are provided by corporations, foundations, or non-governmental organizations. Since private institutions are not as burdened by bureaucracy and red tape as the federal government is, they may be simpler to get than grants from the federal government. Public charity grants: these awards provide money to nonprofits, or groups with IRS 501(c)3 status. Individual awards: recipients of these funds must satisfy certain requirements. Institutions and corporations are not eligible. Non-profit grants: Non-profit grants support the particular purposes of 501(c)3 organizations. Grants for sponsorship are given to those who have sponsors, however they are intended for non-profit organizations. To be eligible, be sure your sponsor has 501(c)3 status. 2. Search for different grants: a wealth of information about awards is accessible on the internet. Grant information is also available via state arts commissioners and public libraries. grants.gov: this website offers helpful tools and information regarding government grants, with a focus on 501(c)3s but also including some individual grants. 3. Your objectives should align with those of the grant writer: grants are awarded according to the priorities of the grantwriters, not according to your priorities. You’re wasting time if your intended use of the grant funds doesn’t align with the grantwriter’s objective. Before submitting an application, you must do extensive research on both the grant and the sponsoring organization. Grantwriters are rarely impressed by applicants who have little knowledge of their grant’s purpose or background. 4. a comprehensive, current, and complete piece, and be prepared for follow-up: your grant submission has to show how the funds will be used. Your grant application has to be error-free and submitted before the deadline. Grant writers may inquire about your application and strategy; be ready to respond to these inquiries. 5. Reporting after the grant is awarded: grant writers will want quarterly reports that provide information on how the funds are being used. The funds have to be used as planned. Utilize the funds just as you specified in your grant proposal. If not, fraud charges may be brought against you. Certain grants are exempt from taxes. Inquire with the grantwriter on the grant’s tax status to avoid being taken out of your higher income bracket. The author is an authority on federal funding and has written many articles on the subject. Please visit www.allamericangrantguide.com for further information on grant applications.