Anyone have GRANT experience?

Question

I'm applying for a grant and it looks like I have to answer a monster set of questions in the form of a letter. Does anyone have any experience applying for a grant and can just share a few trips/tips/warnings with me?

Alexander Singh · Accepted Answer

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.

Aaron Reedy · Answer

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.

Anyone have GRANT experience?

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