I’ve talked about templates for writing grants before, to make things easier and to help you reuse the narratives you already have. I use a template for my grant applications.

Here is (again) Neva’s template for grant writing (some things bear repeating):

• Abstract (consider writing your abstract last; it will allow for more concise, project-specific information)
• Problem Statement or Significance of Project
• Project Purpose (overall goal and specific objectives)
• Research Design or work plan (activities and timelines)
• Applicant qualifications and capabilities, demographics
• Evaluation Plan – assessments
• Budget (summary and justifications – refer back to the design/work plan)
• Sustainability (how will you pay for the program when the grant is gone?)
• Appendix (everything else)

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I was working on some research the other day for a grant narrative. I am amazed that people are getting away with using meaningless jargon on their websites and in other writings. I’d give you a sample, but

1. You know what I mean.
2. The offender might be annoyed with using their pearls of wisdom as examples.

When you are writing a narrative, it’s important to be clear. You must assume the reader is not an educator and doesn’t hear the buzzwords and jargon you are using in your narrative. You don’t sound smarter if you know and use these words, the effect is the opposite.

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