What Reviewers Are Looking For
Grant reviewers are often volunteers or part-time staff reading dozens of applications in a single sitting. They are looking for applications that make their job easy: a clear problem, a credible solution, a realistic budget, and evidence that the applicant can deliver.
The Core Sections of a Grant Narrative
Statement of Need. This section establishes the problem your project addresses. It should be specific, data-driven, and local. Use statistics from credible sources — census data, public health reports, community needs assessments — to quantify the problem. Project Description. Describe exactly what you will do, when you will do it, and who will do it. Be specific about activities, timelines, and staffing. Reviewers should be able to picture your project running. Goals and Objectives. Goals are broad statements of intended impact. Objectives are specific, measurable, time-bound targets. A strong application has 2–4 goals and 2–3 measurable objectives per goal. Objectives should follow the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Evaluation Plan. How will you measure success? Describe the data you will collect, how you will collect it, and how you will use it to improve your program. Organizational Capacity. Why is your organization the right one to do this work? Highlight relevant experience, partnerships, and staff qualifications. Budget Narrative. Every line item in your budget should be explained and justified.Writing for the Funder, Not for Yourself
Before writing a single word, read the funder's guidelines, their website, their recent grants list, and their annual report if available. Understand their priorities, their language, and the types of projects they fund. Then write your narrative in their language.
What to Avoid
Jargon. Write for an intelligent non-specialist. Passive voice. "Services will be provided" is weaker than "our team will deliver." Unsupported claims. Every claim about need, impact, or effectiveness should be backed by data or evidence.Our team writes every grant narrative from scratch, tailored to the specific funder's priorities and requirements.