Grants: Getting Started

You’re thinking about applying for your first grant. That’s a big decision, and I want to start by saying: well done. Just getting here means you care deeply about your community, your cause, and the impact you want to make. That passion should be at the heart of every single application that you choose to make going forward, and it’s something no funder can ignore.

As a grant writer, I’ve had the privilege of working with organisations at every stage ranging from large ones with decades of history, to those just starting out with an early spark of an idea. All of them took their first steps into the grants world at some point though.

So wherever you are on your journey, here are a few gentle pointers to help you take those first steps with confidence.

1. Begin with Your “Why”

Before you look at forms or deadlines, take a moment to remind yourself: why does your organisation exist? Who are you here for? What change do you want to see? And what makes you stand out from the crowd?

Funders aren’t just investing in projects - they’re investing in people, purpose and impact. When you’re clear on your “why,” the passion and conviction that funders look for will carry forward easily into your application.

2. Choose Grants That Feel Right

It’s tempting to apply for everything you find - like a scatter gun approach - and hope that something sticks. But here’s the hard truth. Not every opportunity will be a good match. Instead, look for grants where the funder’s values align with yours, where the size of the award feels manageable, and where the application doesn’t pull you too far away from your core mission.

If writing your application doesn’t really feel like ‘selling yourself’, but more like starting a conversation with someone who already cares about the same things you do, then you’re on the right track.

3. Gather Your Building Blocks

… and do that before you put pen to paper (or start typing). Every application needs some basics: a clear budget, details of your organisation and your project. Maybe some facts and figures around your why and your expected impact. Putting all of this together can feel a little daunting at first, but think of it as laying foundations. Once you have these things prepared, future applications will be so much easier as you can package them together in a way that suits each individual funder.

Tip: Create a simple “funding folder” on your computer (or even a physical one). Over time, it’ll grow into a toolkit that saves you hours.

4. Tell Your Story in Your Own Words

You don’t need fancy phrases or jargon. In fact, the most powerful applications are often the simplest. Write as if you’re talking to someone curious but new to your work. Share stories, examples, and the voices of the people you serve. Add facts and figures to give context and to show a deep knowledge of what you do. That’s what brings your application to life.

There are some slight caveats to the use of simple language - such as when you’re writing for a highly academic or technical funder/audience - but even then, the ‘voice’ of your application should still be your own.

Remember: you’re not just filling out forms—you’re inviting someone to walk alongside you on your journey.

5. Lean on Others

You don’t have to carry this alone. Involve your colleagues, volunteers, or even members of your community. Or even a professional, if you feel that would be beneficial. They might offer a perspective you hadn’t thought of, or remind you of something powerful about your work that’s easy to overlook, but that can be just as important as budgets and deadlines.

Grant writing can (and often should) feel like a team effort—and that makes the journey lighter.

6. Rejections Happen (and That’s Okay)

Not every application will be successful, and success rates can vary hugely, dependent on the funder - and that can feel discouraging, especially when you’re starting out. But please don’t let it make you doubt your value. Funders often have to make incredibly tough decisions, and a rejection doesn’t mean your work isn’t needed—it simply means the timing or fit wasn’t right.

Whenever you can, ask for feedback. Each “no” can help shape your next “yes.”

A Gentle Closing Thought

Stepping into the world of grants is a brave move, and every single application you write is an act of belief in your mission. Even if your first one doesn’t bring funding, it will bring growth—clarity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for your future. Each application will also be a massive learning opportunity as you move forward through your grants journey.

So take a deep breath, trust your story, and take that first step. You’ve got this—and the communities you serve will be stronger for it.