For non-profits, grants are a vital source of money. But creating a great proposal can certainly be daunting. The process calls for order, clarity, and a strong case supported by accurate statistics—not just passion.
Should three things be done—clearly state the need, present a reasonable strategy, and show the capacity to properly manage funds—a sample grant proposal non-profit organizations might utilize as a model.
We are offering you a basic, no-nonsense grant proposal template you may modify to suit your company. Let’s jump right in.
[Organization Name]
Grant Proposal for [Project Title]
Submitted to: [Grantmaker Name]
Date: [Submission Date]
Executive Summary
[Organization Name] is requesting [Amount Requested] to support [Project Title], a program that aims to [brief description of the goal]. This initiative will provide [specific services] to [target population], addressing [problem or need] in [location].
This money will let us accomplish [important target] guaranteeing [anticipated outcome]. Our track record, alliances, and community impact show that we are capable of properly running this project.
Organization Background
Who We Are
[Organization Name] is a [type of non-profit] dedicated to [mission statement]. Since [year founded], we have worked to [key accomplishments], reaching [number] individuals annually through our programs.
What We’ve Done
- [Program or initiative]: Achieved [measurable outcome].
- [Another key achievement]: Helped [specific impact].
- [Partnerships]: Collaborated with [organizations] to expand services.
Funders want to know that their money is going to an organization that delivers results. This section is your proof.
Problem Statement
Every grant proposal needs a clear problem statement. If you can’t explain why funding is needed in simple terms, it won’t get approved.
- [Statistic] people in [region] don’t have access to [service].
- The demand for [resource] is growing, but current funding only covers [percentage] of what’s needed.
- Without intervention, [negative consequence] will continue to rise.
The problem should be backed by facts, not assumptions. Funders need to see why the issue is urgent and why your organization is the right one to solve it.
Goals and Objectives
A strong proposal makes it easy for funders to see what they’re investing in. This section should spell out exactly what your organization plans to accomplish.
Primary Goal
With this funding, we will [main objective], improving [specific aspects of the community].
Specific Objectives
- [Objective 1]: Complete [measurable task] by [timeline].
- [Objective 2]: Expand [program or service] to [number] more individuals.
- [Objective 3]: Train [number] staff members to enhance service delivery.
Keep it focused. Funders don’t want vague promises—they want clear, measurable outcomes.
Project Design and Implementation
This is where you lay out exactly how the program will work. What steps will you take? Who is responsible for execution? How will the grant money be used?
- Phase 1 (Months 1-3): [Key activities]—hiring staff, securing resources, setting up infrastructure.
- Phase 2 (Months 4-6): [Program launch], serving the first group of participants.
- Phase 3 (Months 7-12): [Scaling up], gathering data, refining the approach.
Partnerships
Collaboration strengthens any grant proposal. If you work with other organizations, highlight how those partnerships increase the impact of the project.
Evaluation Plan
Funders want to see that their money is making a real difference. A strong evaluation plan answers the question: How will you measure success? Let’s look at some key performance indicators:
- [Metric 1]: [Example: Number of individuals served].
- [Metric 2]: [Example: Increase in access to services].
- [Metric 3]: [Example: Percentage improvement in the targeted area].
Data should be collected through [surveys, interviews, program tracking], with regular reporting to the funder. Transparency is key—funders need to know where their money is going and what impact it’s having.
Budget
A well-organized budget shows funders exactly how their money will be used.
| Category | Amount Requested |
| Personnel | $XX,XXX |
| Program Supplies | $XX,XXX |
| Outreach | $XX,XXX |
| Administrative Costs | $XX,XXX |
If you’re requesting significant funding, break down expenses clearly. If anything looks excessive or unclear, your proposal won’t be taken seriously.
Sustainability Plan
Funders don’t want to throw money at a short-term fix. They want to know what happens after their grant runs out.
- Additional Funding Sources: [Example: Other grants, donor campaigns, corporate sponsorships].
- Long-Term Impact: [Example: Building self-sustaining programs that continue beyond initial funding].
- Operational Strategy: [Example: Training staff, investing in technology, building infrastructure to maintain services].
A strong sustainability plan reassures funders that their investment will have lasting results.
Conclusion
End with a direct, confident funding request. No unnecessary fluff, no vague statements.
- The need is real and backed by data.
- The plan is clear and achievable.
- The impact is measurable and sustainable.
- The funding request is justified.
Clearly state how much funding you’re requesting and what it will accomplish. Then, invite the funder to discuss the next steps.
What Non-Profits Get Wrong About Grant Writing
Too many non-profits submit grant proposals that don’t stand a chance. Why? Because they focus on passion instead of execution. Funders are looking for proof that you can manage money, execute a plan, and track results.
A well-structured proposal for a sample grant for non-profit organizations can be used as a starting point and should cover these key areas:
- A real problem backed by data—not just a general sense of injustice.
- A clear plan of action—with timelines, responsible parties, and execution steps.
- Measurable impact—because funders need to see the results of their investment.
- A responsible budget—showing exactly where the money will go.
- A sustainability plan—so the project doesn’t fall apart when the grant ends.
A great proposal isn’t enough if your finances don’t hold up. Many non-profits lose funding opportunities because their books are disorganized. Funders want to see clear, accurate financial reports. They need to trust that you can manage grant money responsibly.
Why Financials Matter in Grant Applications
At Quantify, we handle non-profit bookkeeping, so your finances are always audit-ready, grant-ready, and funding-ready. Whether it’s tracking expenses, preparing financial reports, or ensuring compliance, we make sure funders see a financially competent organization they can trust.
Need financials that support your grant applications? Let’s talk. We make sure your books are as strong as your mission.
