Anyone have GRANT experience?

I've done a fair number of academic grants so I'm happy to chat, but specific details will depend on who's sponsoring the grant and the type of grant.

I've done a number of entrepreneurship grants. My biggest advice is EDIT, EDIT, EDIT. Just like entrepreneurship, writing grants is an iterative process; we've done best with the grants we've edited the most and worst with those we've submitted after the first draft. 

Second piece of advice is pretty obvious, but you need to tell an emotional story that draws the reviewers in to your story. 

Lastly, you have to answer each question to a T. If your application does not adequately address one part, it's often regarded in a significantly lower light. Furthermore, a lot of grants include the judging requirements on their website. In my experience, reviewers have told me they chose our grant rather than others not because we presented our information better or more cohesively, but because we answered not only the questions asked, but also the items listed in the judging requirements. 

Awesome! Thanks so much those are very helpful. All those points will help immensely because I only plan on applying to 1-2. 

Have you ever applied for a grant where 1/2 the application was coming from a local political subdivision who had to submit a letter answering a ton of financial questions based on the grant's impact on my business? and the other 1/2 of the application is a letter from me directly... 

When you're in the iLab, maybe i'd be easier for me to show you this requirement list to see if you have ever applied to a grant with this application structure. 

I have grant writing experience in the science, education and international development worlds. Reviewing grants for colleagues is something we do in science all the time. I'm happy to read a draft when you have it ready and give comments.