Grant writing: every section of a proposal, explained

A proposal is an argument in a fixed order. These guides take each section in turn: what reviewers check, what strong answers look like, and sample language you can adapt.

1. Anatomy of a grant proposal: every section, explainedEvery section of a grant proposal explained: what each does, typical order and length, how federal applications differ, and what reviewers check.16 min read
2. How to write a letter of inquiry funders say yes toHow to write a grant letter of inquiry: structure, length, invited vs. unsolicited LOIs, sample paragraphs to adapt, and mistakes that get LOIs declined.13 min read
3. How to write a grant proposal cover letterHow to write a grant cover letter: when to include one, what to say, who signs, a sample letter, and how federal cover letters differ from foundation ones.10 min read
4. How to write a grant executive summary that gets readHow to write a grant executive summary or project abstract: what to include, ideal length, a fill-in structure, a full example, and mistakes to avoid.9 min read
5. The statement of need: how to write one funders believeHow to write a grant statement of need: where to find credible local data, how to localize national figures, asset framing, and a full example to adapt.11 min read
6. Grant goals and objectives: SMART objectives, outputs vs. outcomesHow to write grant goals and SMART objectives: process vs. outcome objectives, outputs vs. outcomes, setting targets, and weak objectives rewritten.8 min read
7. Logic models for grants: how to build one, with a full exampleHow to build a grant logic model: inputs, activities, outputs, and short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes, theory of change vs. logic model, and an example.9 min read
8. Program design: writing the methods, activities, and timelineHow to write the program design or methods section of a grant: activities, participants, dosage, staffing, evidence base, and a timeline table to adapt.9 min read
9. How to write a grant evaluation plan funders trustHow to write a grant evaluation plan: process vs. outcome evaluation, indicators, data tools, internal vs. external evaluators, and a sample plan table.9 min read
10. Organizational capacity: proving you can deliver the grantHow to write the organizational capacity section: history, staff, board, financial health, partners, and when to use support letters, commitments or MOUs.12 min read
11. Grant sustainability plans: how to show the work will lastHow to write a grant sustainability plan: what funders mean, credible revenue and non-financial strategies, phase-down budgets, and a full example.9 min read
12. How to build a grant budget and budget justificationBuild a grant budget line by line: personnel, fringe, travel, supplies, contractual, indirect, in-kind and match, plus a worked example and justification.19 min read
13. Indirect costs: NICRA, the 15% de minimis rate, and overheadIndirect costs explained: the 15% federal de minimis rate, MTDC, NICRAs, foundation overhead policies, 2025-2026 policy changes, and how to find your rate.17 min read
14. Grant proposal review checklist: final QA before you submitA pre-submission checklist for grant proposals: eligibility, compliance, narrative, budget, attachments, federal registrations, and final submission steps.12 min read
15. Why grant proposals get rejected, and what to do nextWhy grant proposals get declined, from a reviewer's view: how federal merit review and scoring work, the top reasons, and how to get feedback and reapply.15 min read
16. Using AI in grant writing responsibly: policies and workflowsUse AI in grant writing responsibly: verified NIH and NSF policies, confidentiality, accuracy risks, disclosure, and workflows that keep you accountable.14 min read

Listed in the order the sections usually appear in a proposal, with the budget and final checks at the end.