Tips for Writing Grant Narrative (or “Why is a Blank Page So Scary?”)
I’ve been deep in narrative first drafts these last few weeks, and in fact it’s the reason I’m publishing this blog post so late into the month. For the first 6 weeks of 2022 alone, I’m 9 narratives down, 2 to go! So if you’re putting off writing the first draft of a grant narrative, I feel your pain.
Sometimes the beginning stages of grant writing are the toughest because you’re staring at a blank page and knowing how much work there is to be done. Reading through the guidelines and narrative prompts can be overwhelming, especially when you have lots of other responsibilities on your plate.
I like to break down the writing process into manageable pieces so I can develop a good content checklist and timeline. I’ll talk about my project management process in a future blog post, but my first step is always to lay out the entire application, with all narrative prompts, in a document so I can get a good view of the big picture.
When it comes time to start on the narrative, think about the best way you work and block out time in your calendar so you can review all the narrative prompts at once. I tend to like to write first thing in the morning when my brain is clearest and I have fewer distractions. Think about how and when you work best. Do you need to find time at night? Go to a coffee shop? Have a white noise machine? Find a babysitter so you have a quiet night in your office? Would you rather start by writing with pen and paper, on a whiteboard, or on a computer?
Read each narrative prompt closely. One of the mistakes writers make is not answering all the questions asked in the prompts. You’re too smart to make this oversight! If the funder has asked you very specific questions, be sure to answer them all. Other funders are quite broad. You might notice at this point that some grant applications seem to ask the same question in different ways.
Before you write a single sentence, bullet out your responses to each prompt. Sometimes I’ll literally bullet every single question asked in a prompt to be sure I’m fully answering the question. This is a good time to figure out what text copy you already have that answers the prompt. Use your resources wisely – if you have recently applied for a grant with the same program, think about which language you can grab from that narrative.
Now, what information do you still need to actually write? Is it information you can gain on your own, or do you need to ask a staff member or program participant for more details? Even if you’re intimately familiar with the program, think about the project or program as an outsider to fill in the blanks: re-read the program website, scroll through social media posts, review program participant surveys. There’s so much great copy out there that can serve as a guide for your grant narrative, and data and testimonials are crucial to writing a compelling narrative. Then take time to talk to staff members or program participants, even recording the conversations if you can so you can reference them later.
After all that, now you’re ready to actually write full sentences and paragraphs. Don’t worry too much about the character or word limits to start with. It’s most important to get “pen to paper,” whether that’s literal paper or just typing away. Remember your audience (the grant panel) and what information they might need for context.
You’re on your way to crafting a compelling grant narrative! What’s your least favorite part about starting a writing project?
P.S. If you tend to be a writing procrastinator, don’t be too hard on yourself! Listen to your limiting beliefs and think about ways to combat them. Build in some extra time for yourself during the first draft process. Think of fun rewards you can use to encourage progress through the process.
Thumbnail photo of blank page is by Elana Joland and is used with permission.