Compelling grant proposals require you to hit the head and hit the heart. To 'hit the head' you need numbers and data that tell the story of impact. Three types of data points to consider are:

1. Comparative data shows an unusually high need in your area or among the population you serve. (The graduation rate in ABC County is 65%, compared with 82% in the state and 78.5% nationally.)

2. Actual numbers shows the extent of the problem. (5,012 young adults in Clinton County can’t read.)

3. Impact data shows why it matters. (Results from DOE study in 2012 indicate that illiteracy is the number one predictor of poverty in rural America.)

Next, hit the heart. Personalize your work by sharing stories of impact. Whose life has been changed by your work. How has your mission made a difference? What is the story of a beneficiary of your program or service? Pull on those heart strings and make sure your reader can feel why your work matters.

Need help to hone your grant writing skills? Or need a place to start your grant journey? We can help! Check out our Grant Writing Basics HERE.