The SAM Blog

Intro to Grant Writing: FAQs

Intro to Grant Writing: FAQs

In recent years, grants have become increasingly popular and an important aspect of an organization’s development and growth process. 

Individuals looking to kick-start or expand their business, organization, or program are qualified to apply for a grant; most importantly, educators. 

There are perks to getting a grant as a teacher or administrator. The grant money can be used for: 

  • Student learning experiences. Cover the cost of field trips, excursions, speakers, and materials that help boost real-world learning and comprehension.
  • Teacher development. The more excellently trained educators we have, the more the knowledge goes around. 

It’s easy to outsource grant writing to an expert, but the little-known secret about grant writing is that it should come from the heart. Unbelievable, isn’t it? 

At SAM Labs, we understand that grant writing can be challenging and time-consuming. So, before you take a pen and a notebook to jumpstart writing a grant, here are FAQs about grant writing to get you started on the right path.

How do I start writing a grant?

As individuals have differences, planning and writing a grant is peculiar to the type of grant you are applying for. 

The most effective way to start writing a grant is to research the funding source and get acquainted with the requirements and guidelines. With the right resources, the writing process is a lot easier. 

An effective grant should outline the benefit of the program you’re trying to get funding for. The grant outline should contain an introduction, project description, timeline, budget, and evaluation plan. 

The grant proposal should also convey how you’ll use, monitor, and account for the funds. 

What is included in a grant?

Grants are awarded by the federal government and other private organizations. 

As such, the application forms would include the terms and conditions of the grant, eligibility requirements, the needed documents, the deadline for submission, and information about the application process.

Is grant writing difficult?

The level of difficulty depends on the type of grant you are applying for and the time needed for research. 

Federal grants can be the most difficult to write, as the requirements are more extensive compared to local or state grants. 

If you are a beginner, it would be beneficial to take some time to get familiar with the formats of grant proposals. However, with our grant writing guide, the process is a lot easier.

How many hours does it take to write a grant proposal?

If it is your first time trying to apply for grant funds, you would want to take out a few hours to research grant opportunities, requirements, and the application process for various grants. 

Understanding the step-by-step process saves you time, and depending on the type of application, writing a grant proposal can take as long as several months. 

We also recommend consulting professionals to make sure you are submitting a top-notch grant proposal.   

What are the four types of government grants?

There are 4 different types of government grant funding. They are:

  • Competitive Funding – Also known as discretionary funding, competitive funding is a process of proposal selection based on the evaluation of a reviewer or team of reviewers. Funding is based on the merits of the application, and recipients are not predetermined.
  • Formula Funding -In contrast to competitive funding, formula grants are given to pre-determined recipients. Non-competitive awards are usually allocated to eligible entities according to population and/or other census criteria, and all applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the application process are entitled to receive money
  • Continuation Funding – Continuation funding grant programs offer current award recipients the option of renewing grants for the following year. Some programs are restricted to existing grantees only, while others invite applications from current grantees and new applicants. S
  • Pass-Through Funding – Pass-through grants are funds given by the federal government to the states for further distribution to local governments. Under this funding structure, states may disburse federal funds to eligible local jurisdictions through formula allocations or open competitions.

What are grant deadlines?

Grants have different deadlines. The deadline for submitting a grant proposal is one of the most important details you should look out for when choosing a grant source. 

The deadline depends on the type and source of the grant. Many grants may require you to submit at the end of a year while others allow for multiple submissions throughout the year.

Are there grants for things like STEAM and coding solutions?

Yes. Grants are awarded for various objectives depending on the details of the grant proposal and whether or not it meets the requirements. 

It is crucial to take note of the details of the grant you are applying for and choose the one that is most suitable for your project. 

What are the pros and cons of grants?

Grants funds go a long way in helping businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals achieve their goals. 

However, the process of these applications can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Some grants also state in their terms and conditions certain requirements on how the grant can be used, including report guidelines and restrictions. 

SamLab is your number one go-to with difficulties in deciding which grant would be effective for your project.

How/where do you find technology grants?

Technology grants are beneficial for improving the health and medical sector and for a more conducive learning environment for students. There are various sites that can help you find all kinds of technology and EdTech funding opportunities, including: 

Do you have to pay back a grant?

This depends on the terms and conditions of the grant you want to apply for. 

Some grants require a refund when the grant isn’t used for the purpose outlined in the grant proposal. Besides that, no, you generally don’t have to pay back a grant.

Many grants are also tax exempt. 

Start applying for grants today! 

Are you ready to apply for that grant but still have some questions? Contact us with your grant writing questions. Apply for that grant and be a step closer to achieving your goals.