Free Grant Proposal Templates to Secure Additional Support

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Free Grant Proposal Templates to Secure Additional Support

Securing funding for your organization, project, or upcoming initiative can be a challenging process. Fortunately, well-crafted grant proposal templates can make all the difference.

To simplify the process, we’ve compiled a collection of free grant proposal templates that can help you get started. These sample communications are designed to save you time, ensure you include all essential elements, and increase your chances of ultimately receiving grant funding.

But first, we want to cover the basics⁠—which includes:

Whether you’re a nonprofit, small business, or researcher, having a strong proposal helps you effectively communicate your goals, needs, and impact to potential funders. And we’re here to help you do so.

Let’s begin!

What is a grant proposal?

A grant proposal is a formal request for funding submitted to a government agency, foundation, corporation, or other funding organization. It essentially serves as a detailed pitch that outlines your project, its goals, and the impact it will have if funded.

Grant proposals are commonly used by nonprofits, researchers, small businesses, and educational institutions to secure financial support for initiatives that align with the funder’s mission and priorities.

A compelling grant proposal typically includes key elements such as these:

  • Executive Summary – A brief overview of your project and funding request.
  • Statement of Need – A compelling explanation of the problem you aim to address and why funding is necessary.
  • Project Description – Detailed information on your objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.
  • Budget – A breakdown of how the funds will be used to achieve your goals.
  • Organization Information – Background on your organization, including its mission, history, and past successes.

All in all, the goal of a grant proposal is to convince funders that your project is well-planned, impactful, and deserving of support. Since competition for grants can be fierce, crafting a clear, persuasive, and well-structured proposal is essential to increasing your chances of success.

Why do grant proposals matter?

Grant proposals serve as a bridge between organizations in need of funding and entities that provide financial support. In addition, they empower teams to…

  • Receive Funding for Growth and Sustainability – Many organizations rely on grants to sustain their operations, expand services, or develop new projects. A well-crafted proposal can secure the resources needed to achieve long-term goals.
  • Demonstrate Credibility and Impact – A strong grant proposal showcases the significance of your work and how it aligns with a funder’s mission. It proves that your project is well-planned, feasible, and capable of delivering measurable results.
  • Build Relationships with Funders – Writing and submitting a grant proposal is not just about receiving money; it’s also about building relationships with funding organizations. A successful proposal can open doors to future funding opportunities and partnerships.
  • Encourage Strategic Planning – The process of writing a grant proposal forces organizations to clearly define their objectives, strategies, and budget. This level of planning strengthens overall project management and increases the likelihood of success.

In short, grant proposals are more than just funding requests—they are powerful tools that help organizations articulate their vision, demonstrate impact, and establish valuable connections with funders.

Raise more with Double the Donation's software and grant proposal templates.

Best practices for successful grant proposals

Writing a compelling grant proposal requires more than just filling out an application—it’s about effectively communicating your mission, demonstrating impact, and aligning with the funder’s priorities.

Here are some best practices to increase your chances of securing funding:

1. Research the Funder Thoroughly

Before you begin writing, take time to understand the funder’s mission, priorities, and past grant recipients. Then, tailor your proposal to align with their goals and ensure your project meets funding criteria.

2. Follow the Guidelines Precisely

Each grant generally comes with specific requirements, including formatting, word limits, and submission deadlines. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in automatic disqualification, so pay close attention to details as you begin researching opportunities.

3. Write a Strong Executive Summary

Your executive summary is the first thing reviewers will see, so make it compelling. Clearly outline your project’s purpose, the amount of funding requested, and the expected impact.

In a hurry? Skip ahead to our Executive Summary template below!

4. Make a Compelling Case for Need

Clearly define the problem your project addresses and support your case with data, research, and real-world examples. Funders want to see that their investment will create meaningful change, and your Statement of Need is an integral part of communicating this.

5. Outline Clear and Measurable Goals

Ideally, your grant proposal should include specific, achievable, and measurable objectives. After all, funders want to see a clear plan for how their money will be used⁠—and the tangible results it would be expected to produce.

6. Develop a Realistic Budget

Break down your funding request in detail, ensuring that your budget is reasonable and aligns with your project goals. Be transparent about how funds will be allocated and justify each expense for the best results.

7. Tell a Compelling Story

While data and facts are crucial, storytelling can make your proposal more engaging. Use real-life examples and testimonials (such as impact stories from beneficiaries you’ve served) to illustrate the impact of your work.

8. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly

A grant proposal with errors or unclear language can weaken your credibility. Be sure to review your proposal multiple times, ask for feedback from colleagues, and ensure it’s well-polished before submission.

9. Submit Early and Follow Up

Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent technical issues or missed deadlines. After completing your proposal, make sure to follow up with the funder to confirm receipt and express your appreciation for their consideration.

By following these best practices, you can create a persuasive and well-structured grant proposal that increases your chances of securing the funding you need to make a meaningful impact.

7 grant proposal templates to get started

Ready to kick off the grant-seeking process? We’ve crafted these seven grant proposal templates to give you a headstart in your efforts:

General Grant Proposal Template

[Your Organization’s Name]

Grant Proposal for [Project Name]

[Date]

I. Cover Letter

  • Addressed to the funder, including their name, title, and organization.
  • Briefly introduce your nonprofit, its mission, and the purpose of the grant request.
  • Include a compelling summary of the project and express appreciation for the funder’s consideration.

II. Executive Summary

  • A concise overview (1-2 paragraphs) summarizing the project, funding amount requested, and expected impact.

III. Statement of Need

  • Define the problem your nonprofit seeks to address.
  • Provide relevant statistics, research, or case studies to support your claim.
  • Explain why this issue is significant and how your organization is uniquely positioned to address it.

IV. Project Description

  • Goals & Objectives: Clearly define what your project aims to achieve.
  • Implementation Plan: Outline the steps involved, including activities, timeline, and key milestones.
  • Target Audience: Describe who will benefit from the project and how.
  • Evaluation Plan: Explain how you will measure success (metrics, data collection, impact assessment).

V. Budget

  • Provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be used.
  • Include personnel costs, materials, travel expenses, administrative costs, etc.
  • Indicate any matching funds or other sources of support.

VI. Organization Information

  • Overview of your nonprofit, including history, mission, and key programs.
  • List of leadership and staff members.
  • Description of past achievements and success stories.

VII. Conclusion

  • Restate your funding request and emphasize the impact of the project.
  • Express appreciation for the opportunity and invite further discussion.

VIII. Attachments (if applicable)

  • IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
  • Financial statements.
  • Letters of support or endorsements.
  • Organizational charts, key personnel resumes.

Foundation Grant Proposal Template

[Your Organization’s Name]

Proposal to [Foundation Name]

[Date]

I. Cover Letter

  • Address to the appropriate foundation representative.
  • Introduce your organization and state the purpose of your funding request.
  • Briefly mention alignment with the foundation’s mission and goals.

II. Executive Summary

  • Provide a high-level summary of the project, the funding request, and the anticipated impact.

III. Statement of Need

  • Explain the community need or problem your project will address.
  • Include supporting data, testimonials, or case studies.
  • Emphasize why your organization is well-suited to address this issue.

IV. Project Description

  • Goals & Objectives: Clearly articulate your project’s goals.
  • Activities & Timeline: Describe how the project will be implemented and key phases.
  • Target Audience: Define the population that will benefit from the project.
  • Outcomes & Impact: Explain the expected results and long-term impact.

V. Sustainability Plan

  • Describe how the project will continue beyond the grant period.
  • Identify potential future funding sources or earned revenue strategies.

VI. Budget & Financial Information

  • Present a detailed budget, including anticipated expenses and funding sources.
  • If applicable, highlight any matching funds or in-kind contributions.

VII. Organization Overview

  • History, mission, and vision of your nonprofit.
  • Past successes and program impact.

VIII. Conclusion & Call to Action

  • Reiterate your request and express appreciation.
  • Invite the foundation to visit your programs or discuss further.

IX. Supporting Documents

  • 501(c)(3) verification.
  • Audited financial statements.
  • Staff bios, letters of recommendation, or community support letters.

Government Grant Proposal Template

[Your Organization’s Name]

Proposal for Government Grant Funding: [Program Name]

[Date]

I. Cover Page

  • Project Title
  • Organization Name
  • Contact Information
  • Date of Submission

II. Abstract/Executive Summary

  • Summarize the project, funding request, and expected outcomes.

III. Statement of Need

  • Provide a detailed explanation of the problem your project will address.
  • Include data, reports, and research to justify the need.

IV. Project Goals & Objectives

  • Clearly outline measurable goals and objectives that align with the grant’s purpose.

V. Implementation Plan

  • Activities & Timeline: Detail each project phase, including responsible personnel.
  • Methodology: Describe the approach and strategies used to achieve project goals.
  • Partnerships & Collaborations: List any governmental, nonprofit, or private-sector partnerships involved.

VI. Evaluation & Reporting

  • Define how project success will be measured.
  • Explain reporting requirements and data collection methods.

VII. Budget Justification

  • Provide a line-item budget, including salaries, materials, travel, and administrative costs.
  • Justify each expense and explain how funds will be allocated effectively.

VIII. Organizational Capacity

  • Explain why your organization is qualified to manage this project.
  • Provide evidence of past success with similar programs.

IX. Compliance & Regulatory Information

  • Detail adherence to government regulations, licensing, and policies.

X. Appendices

  • Resumes of key staff.
  • Organizational structure.
  • Letters of support from stakeholders.

Corporate Grant Proposal Template

[Your Organization’s Name]

Corporate Grant Proposal to [Company Name]

[Date]

I. Cover Letter

  • Address to the corporate giving or CSR department.
  • Introduce your nonprofit and the project seeking funding.
  • Emphasize alignment with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

II. Executive Summary

  • Provide a brief overview of your funding request, project, and expected impact.

III. Statement of Need

  • Explain the problem your project addresses.
  • Highlight community impact and corporate brand alignment.

IV. Project Description

  • Objectives & Impact: Outline goals and measurable outcomes.
  • Implementation Plan: Describe activities and timelines.
  • Target Beneficiaries: Define the audience served.

V. Corporate Partnership Benefits

  • Showcase how the corporation benefits from supporting your initiative.
  • Highlight opportunities for brand visibility, employee engagement, or PR impact.

VI. Budget & Funding Request

  • Present a clear budget with funding allocation details.
  • Offer sponsorship tiers or partnership levels if applicable.

VII. Organization Background

  • Provide your nonprofit’s history, mission, and past impact.

VIII. Conclusion

  • Reaffirm your funding request and express interest in a long-term partnership.

IX. Supporting Materials

  • IRS 501(c)(3) letter.
  • Testimonials or success stories.
  • Media coverage or past corporate collaborations.

Grant Proposal Cover Letter Template

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization’s Name]

[Date]

[Funder’s Name]
[Title]
[Funding Organization’s Name]

Subject: Grant Proposal Submission for [Project Name]

Dear [Funder’s Name],

I am pleased to submit this grant proposal on behalf of [Your Organization’s Name] for consideration by [Funder’s Organization Name]. We are seeking [$ Amount] in funding to support our [Project Name], which aims to [briefly describe project goals and impact].

[Your Organization’s Name] has been committed to [describe your mission] since [year of establishment]. Our work has positively impacted [describe key beneficiaries or accomplishments, e.g., “over 5,000 underserved youth in our community”]. The funding from [Funder’s Organization] will enable us to [describe the specific use of funds and intended outcomes].

We believe that our project aligns with your organization’s mission to [reference the funder’s goals or priorities] and presents a valuable opportunity to create meaningful change in [target community or issue area]. Enclosed, you will find our full grant proposal detailing our project objectives, implementation strategy, and anticipated impact.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and explore how we can collaborate to achieve shared goals. Please feel free to contact me at [email] or [phone number] at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Grant Proposal Executive Summary Template

Project Title: [Project Name]

Organization Name: [Your Organization’s Name]
Funding Request: [$ Amount]
Submitted To: [Funder’s Name / Organization]
Date: [Submission Date]

Overview

[Your Organization’s Name] is pleased to submit this proposal requesting [$ Amount] in funding from [Funder’s Organization] to support [Project Name]. This project aims to [briefly summarize the project’s primary goal]. Through this initiative, we seek to [describe the intended impact and beneficiaries, e.g., “improve literacy rates among low-income children by providing free tutoring services”].

Statement of Need

Currently, [describe target community] faces significant challenges, including [mention key statistics]. Without intervention, [describe negative consequences of inaction]. Our project provides a solution by [briefly describe how your program will address the need].

Project Goals & Objectives

  • Goal 1: [Describe the first goal, e.g., “Increase access to STEM education for 500 students.”]
  • Goal 2: [Describe the second goal, e.g., “Enhance digital literacy through interactive learning tools.”]
  • Goal 3: [Optional additional goal]

Implementation Plan

To achieve these goals, we will [describe project activities and timeline, e.g., “implement a 12-month curriculum that includes workshops, mentorship, and hands-on training”]. Our team of [mention key personnel or partners] will oversee project execution and ensure effective delivery.

Evaluation & Impact Measurement

Success will be measured through [describe evaluation methods, e.g., “pre- and post-assessments, participant surveys, and performance tracking”]. We anticipate that this project will result in [describe expected outcomes, such as “a 25% improvement in test scores among participants”].

Budget & Sustainability

The requested [$ Amount] will be allocated toward [list major budget categories]. We are committed to long-term sustainability through [mention other funding sources, partnerships, or plans for future revenue].

Conclusion

By funding [Project Name], [Funder’s Organization] will play a critical role in [describe the impact, e.g., “bridging the education gap for underserved youth”]. We look forward to the possibility of working together to create lasting change.

Grant Proposal Statement of Need Template

Project Name: [Project Name]
Organization Name: [Your Organization’s Name]

Introduction

[Your Organization’s Name] is seeking [$ Amount] from [Funder’s Name] to support [Project Name], an initiative designed to [briefly describe project purpose and intended impact]. This funding will enable us to address a critical issue affecting [describe target community, e.g., “low-income families struggling with food insecurity”].

The Problem & Its Significance

[Describe the problem in detail. Use statistics, research, and real-life examples to strengthen your case.]

Example:

  • “According to [relevant source], [statistic, e.g., ‘1 in 5 children in our city goes to bed hungry each night’].”
  • “Without intervention, [explain the consequences, e.g., ‘students experiencing food insecurity are 40% more likely to struggle academically’].”
  • “Despite existing efforts, there remains a significant gap in services. [Your Organization’s Name] seeks to bridge this gap by [briefly describe your solution].”

Who is Affected?

This issue primarily impacts [describe the affected population, such as “low-income families, children, seniors, or marginalized communities”]. They face challenges such as [list key struggles, e.g., “limited access to healthy food, financial constraints, lack of educational support”].

The Solution: How This Grant Will Make a Difference

With the support of [Funder’s Name], we will implement [describe project activities, e.g., “a community food distribution program that provides fresh meals to 1,000 families per month”]. This approach will:

  • Increase access to [key resource, e.g., ‘nutritious food’]
  • Improve [specific outcomes, e.g., ‘academic performance and overall well-being of children’]
  • Provide long-term solutions such as [mention sustainability efforts, e.g., ‘nutrition education workshops and community partnerships’]

Evidence of Success & Organizational Capacity

[Your Organization’s Name] has a proven track record of success in addressing [related issue]. Our past initiatives have:

  • [Example of past success, e.g., “Helped over 5,000 families access nutritious meals annually.”]
  • [Highlight relevant expertise, e.g., “Collaborated with local schools to improve student nutrition programs.”]

With our experience and infrastructure, we are well-positioned to implement [Project Name] effectively and maximize impact.

Conclusion: Why This Matters Now

The need for [describe service or solution] is urgent, and funding from [Funder’s Name] will enable us to take immediate action. Investing in this initiative now will [describe expected results, such as “reduce food insecurity rates by 20% within one year”]. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to work together to create lasting change.

Wrapping up & additional resources

Writing a compelling grant proposal doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using these free templates, you can streamline your efforts and focus on crafting a persuasive case for funding.

Remember, a successful grant proposal is clear, well-organized, and tailored to the specific requirements of each opportunity. With the right tools and a strategic approach, you’ll be well on your way to securing the financial support you need to bring your vision to life. It’s time to start building a winning proposal!

For more information on grant-seeking and other fundraising opportunities, check out the recommended resources below:

Raise more with Double the Donation's software and grant proposal templates.

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