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How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

• Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
• Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
• Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
• Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
• Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
• Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

• Why do you deserve this scholarship?
• How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
• When did you overcome adversity?
• Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

• I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
• I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

• Career goals
• Goals for personal growth
• The type of friend you want to be
• The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

• Authenticity
• And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

NSF Fellowship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship ( NSF GRFP ) is a great way to start a research career. I was a successful applicant in 2010. Below are some details about the program and some tips for applying. You will also find many examples of successful essays and you can even submit your own essays if you are willing to serve as inspiration for the next round of applicants.

Note, this advice was last updated in Sept 2021.

What is it?

The NSF GRFP provides $34,000 to the student and some money to your department for three years. You have the flexibility to defer for up to two years in case you have another source of funding (but you cannot defer to take a year off).

The basic requirements are:

1. US Citizen, US National, or permanent resident

2. Currently a graduating Senior or First/Second year graduate student

3. Graduate students may only apply in their first OR second year (NOT both) . I have some thoughts on which year to apply .

4. Going into science research (does not apply to medical school)

Check out the official requirements at the NSF GRFP website . Here is the more detailed NSF presentation on the requirements. The deadlines are usually the last week of October , but it is never too early to start.

Basic Outline of Application Process

You will need to write two essays:

Personal Statement, Relevant Background, and Future Goals (3 pages)

Graduate Research Statement (2 pages)

You will need to get at least three letters of reference

These essays will be reviewed on the criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.

And that's really it. The challenge is to sell yourself in 5 pages and to successful address the two criteria.

Tips for Getting Started

Read over the official NSF GRFP website , especially their tips .

Look through the NSF GRFP FAQ , with detailed answers here.

Here is a detailed website from Robin Walker . She has a very very thorough guide to the application .

Look at advice from past winners. There are lots of great advice out there, but in an interest to not overload you, here are my personal top choices. You can find more in my examples table at the bottom of the page.

Mallory Ladd - If you can follow her schedule, you should be more than prepared

Claire Bowen - Lots of advice interleaved with excerpts from successful essays

DJ Strouse - Applied under old system, but still great advice.

Blengineers - Fun video series of application tips

Read an example essay. I have posted all of my essays (and others) as well as my ratings sheets at the bottom of this page and organized into them into a table . Personally, I found this extremely useful and I have to give credit to two University of Wisconsin NSF GRFP winners who shared their essays with me, without which I was struggling on how to start the application.

Check out an old guide for reviewers .

For current discussions on the application process, check out this years NSF GRFP discussion at The GradCafe Forums . Some past years discussions include: 2020-2021 , 2019-2020 , 2018-2019 , 2017-2018 , 2016-2017 , 2015-2016 , 2014-2015 , 2013-2014 , 2012-2013 , 2011-2012 , and 2010-2011 .

General Advice

Every essay should address both Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.

Each essay needs explicit headers of Intellectual Merit / Broader Impacts .

NSF GRFP funds the person, not the project. The most important choice you make is designating the primary field (Chemistry vs Physics & Astronomy, etc). The subfield is less important. If you are an undergrad doing research, I would strongly suggest to make your research proposal related to what you are currently researching as long as: 1. you are going to apply to programs in the same primary field and 2. there is at least a small chance (even if only a few percent) that you could do something related to your proposal in graduate school. NSF will not force you to follow through with the research; instead they just want to see that you can actually write a proposal. I personally wrote about my undergraduate research. It was in physics and I only applied to physics graduate schools (so same primary field), but I was not sure I wanted to continue with it in graduate school, and in fact it ended up being impossible since I did not get into any graduate schools with anyone doing research in my proposed subfield.

Write for a general science audience and assume the reviewer is in your primary field, but not your subfield. This is NSF's tentative review panels , you can see that the only guarantee is that the reviewer is in your primary field.

Ask for letters of reference early and gently remind your writers of the deadline. Get a diverse set of letter writers. I had my current adviser (who was doing research similar to what I proposed), a past research adviser, and my boss at a tutoring center. Therefore, I had two letters addressing my intellectual merit, while one letter addressed broader impacts.

Ask for help. Your current university probably has a writing center . Don't be shy, they will love to help you. Also try asking around your department to find students who have applied previously.

Review Criteria Details

(Below is direct text from NSF but with sentences cut and added highlights)

General Review Criteria

In considering applications, reviewers are instructed to address the two Merit Review Criteria as approved by the National Science Board - Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Therefore, applicants must include separate statements on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts in their written statements in order to provide reviewers with the information necessary to evaluate the application with respect to both Criteria as detailed below.

Reviewers will be asked to evaluate all proposals against two criteria:

Intellectual Merit: the potential to advance knowledge

Broader Impacts: the potential to benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.

The following elements should be considered in the review for both criteria:

What is the potential for the proposed activity to

Advance knowledge and understanding within its own field or across different fields (Intellectual Merit); and

Benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes (Broader Impacts)?

To what extent do the proposed activities suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?

Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound rationale ? Does the plan incorporate a mechanism to assess success ?

How well qualified is the individual, team, or organization to conduct the proposed activities?

Are there adequate resources available to the PI (either at the home organization or through collaborations) to carry out the proposed activities?

Extra details on Broader Impacts: (additional tips from NSF here )

Broader impacts may be accomplished through the research itself , through the activities that are directly related to specific research projects , or through activities that are supported by, but are complementary to, the project . NSF values the advancement of scientific knowledge and activities that contribute to achievement of societally relevant outcomes. Such outcomes include, but are not limited to: full participation of women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); improved STEM education and educator development at any level; increased public scientific literacy and public engagement with science and technology; improved well-being of individuals in society; development of a diverse, globally competitive STEM workforce; increased partnerships between academia, industry, and others; improved national security; increased economic competitiveness of the US; and enhanced infrastructure for research and education.

Merit Review Criteria specific to the GRFP

Intellectual Merit Criterion : the potential of the applicant to advance knowledge based on a holistic analysis of the complete application, including the Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement, Graduate Research Plan Statement, strength of the academic record, description of previous research experience or publication/presentations, and references.

Broader Impacts Criterion : the potential of the applicant for future broader impacts as indicated by personal experiences, professional experiences, educational experiences and future plans.

Review Criteria: My Two Cents

Here is how I like to think of the review criteria, point by point.

How would answering this research question change science (Intellectual Merit) or society (Broader Impacts)?

Why should I fund you specifically, and not just this research question? What innovation do you specifically bring to the table?

Is there a detailed plan? With built in measures of success?

What are your qualifications?

Can you actual carry out the needed research?

At the end of each essay, you should be able to check off how you answered each point above for BOTH Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.

Personal Statement, Relevant Background, and Future Goals: Essay Prompt from NSF

Prompt in 2021:

Please outline your educational and professional development plans and career goals. How do you envision graduate school preparing your for a career that allows you to contribute to expanding scientific understanding as well as broadly benefit society?

Additional prompt previously provided by NSF:

Describe your personal, educational, and/or professional experiences that motivate your decision to pursue advanced study in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Include specific examples of any research and/or professional activities in which you have participated. Present a concise description of the activities, highlight the results and discuss how these activities have prepared you to seek a graduate degree. Specify your role in the activity including the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team. Describe the contributions of your activity to advancing knowledge in STEM fields as well as the potential for broader impacts (See Solicitation, Section VI, for more information about Broader Impacts).

NSF Fellows are expected to become globally engaged knowledge experts and leaders who can contribute significantly to research, education, and innovations in science and engineering. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your potential to satisfy this requirement. Your ideas and examples do not have to be confined necessarily to the discipline that you have chosen to pursue.

Personal Statement, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Essay: My Two Cents

Based on the new emphasis NSF GRFP general requirements, I would write the essay in three main sections with two subsections for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.

Personal Statement (~1 page). This is where you tell your unique story of either how you became interested in science, what makes you special, and/or any unique perspective you bring to science. Great place to mention if you had to overcome any hardships or would be adding to the diversity of the STEM field. Definitely use this section to highlight Broader Impacts.

Relevant Background (~1 page). Hopefully you already have research experience, so explain how that has prepared you for success in graduate school and beyond. Mainly use this section for Intellectual Merit, but also highly the Broader Impacts of your research experience.

Future Goals (~ 1/2 page). This is where you tie your personal background and scientific background into one cohesive vision for the future.

Intellectual Merit (~1/4 page). Conclude the essay by summarizing all of your contributions to Intellectual Merit. Make sure this is an explicit header.

Broader Impact (~1/4 page). Conclude the essay by summarizing all of your contributions to Broader Impact. Make sure this is an explicit header.

Graduate Research Statement: Essay Prompt from NSF

Present an original research topic that you would like to pursue in graduate school. Describe the research idea, your general approach, as well as any unique resources that may be needed for accomplishing the research goal (i.e. access to national facilities or collections, collaborations, overseas work, etc). You may choose to include important literature citations. Address the potential of the research to advance knowledge and understanding within science as well as the potential for broader impacts on society. The research discussed must be in a field listed in the Solicitation (Section X, Fields of Study).

Graduate Research Statement: My Two Cents

I would recommend structuring the essay as follows:

Introduction

Introduce the scientific problem and its impact on science and society (emphasis on Review Criteria 1)

Research Plan

Show the major steps that need to be accomplished

What is the creative part of your approach?

Have you thought of alternatives for hard or crucial steps?

What skills do you have to make this plan successful?

Intellectual Merit

Have a clear header for this section

Clearly demonstrate that tackling this problem will make an impact and advance science

Try to summarize how you hit all five Review Criteria

Broader Impacts

Paragraphs to address how this research impacts all five Review Criteria.

(Optional). Could use the Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts sections as conclusion. If not, e nd with several sentences summarizing your project .

This essay will be Intellectual Merit heavy, but still needs to address Broader Impacts. Show why the broader scientific community / society should care about your research!

Examples of Successful Essays

These are all the essays of recent winners that I could find online. If you want me to link to an example on your website, or if you are willing to share your essays but don't have a site, I can add it to the table if you fill out the contact form below .

Some notes:

Click here to apply your own sort / filters to the table .

Remember the format changed starting in 2014!

If I couldn't figure out the year, I filled in 2013 for old format and 2014 for new formats.

Proposal Column --- Graduate Research Plan ( >= 2014) or Proposed Research ( <= 2013)

Personal Column --- Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals ( >= 2014) or Personal ( <= 2013)

Previous Column --- Previous Research Statement ( <= 2013 only)

HM = Honorable Mention

Can't find an example in your area? Tip from GradCafe Forum : politely email past winners !

I've linked to a lot of sites, let me know if any links break! A suggested fix is even better :)

Example essays below, or open in Google Drive

Submit Example Here

Writing Personal Statements for Fellowships and Grants

The personal statement.

Definition of a Personal Statement

Reflection and Retrospection: A Pedagogic Mystery Story

Writing Personal Essays: On the Necessity of Turning Oneself Into a Character

Writing Personal Statements

10 Commandments for Writing Personal Statements

Not Leadership Material? Good. The World Needs Followers

Which program are you applying to?

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

October 6, 2022

Writing a Confident and Thematically Driven Personal Statement for Fulbright

Like many large grant organizations, the Fulbright Foundation requires applicants to write both a statement of purpose and a personal statement.

Regardless of your personal background, a strong personal statement for a large grant application like the Fulbright should always have a clear focus: the content of it should always serve the overarching project proposal that you’ve articulated in your statement of purpose.

[For more about the statement of purpose, check out: Writing the Fulbright Statement of Purpose as a Practical Document . ]

4 goals of your grant personal statement

The personal statement is a persuasive text in which your job is to convince the reader that you are excited about and capable of achieving the impactful goals you have set for yourself. The choices that you make as you share your personal history should enable you to accomplish the following goals:

• Explain what drives you to carry out this particular project with an authentic sense of enthusiasm, passion, and commitment towards generating tangible impacts.
• Describe past experiences that have equipped you to carry out this particular project with a clear sense of cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and purpose.
• If your project plays a part in your overarching personal or professional trajectory, show the reader what you have already done to fulfill this mission.
• Show the committee what kinds of impacts you plan to have both as you carry out this project, and afterwards. How will the time that you spend on this grant contribute to a future that goes far beyond the project itself?

Below I’ve included the personal statement that I wrote for a successful application to the Fulbright Brazil cohort of 2016. After the original essay, I have provided analysis that clearly shows the argumentative logic and supporting evidence in each paragraph.

Fulbright personal statement example

My fulbright personal statement.

(Original text)

I first studied Portuguese to expand my comparative engagement with Spanish Latin American literature as an undergraduate student. This literary curiosity, however, quickly unfolded into an overwhelming year of music, buses, warm tropical air, and full- time coursework as an exchange student at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro in 2007. Captivating Brazilian authors like Darcy Ribeiro and Machado de Assis pulled me deeper into the Portuguese language. The political power of Música Popular Brasileira and the stark creativity of Cinema Novo forced me to reconsider my own historical perspectives regarding the increasingly visible and global role of regional cultures. After that year of international studies my relationship with Brazil continued to expand in dynamic ways.

My first professional role at Glass Lewis required me to conduct research in Spanish and Portuguese, translating documents for the explicit purpose of assessing the monetary value of publicly traded companies in the Americas. There I realized that my affinity for language acquisition and critical thinking put me in a unique position to facilitate access to economic and cultural dialogues regarding the growing importance of Latin America and Brazil. After this experience I attended the University of Cambridge and wrote my thesis on 20th century visual and photographic representations of the U.S.-Mexico border. This project showed me that there are undeniable links between aesthetic representation, technology, politics and economic flows. By continuing my studies at the doctoral level and seeking opportunities to work with Latin America and Brazil, I make choices that allow me to facilitate public access to information, critical dialogue and multiple points of view in a variety of international contexts.

In the classroom I have collaborated with Professor L. to teach students how to translate ethnographic narratives about musical experiences into research projects regarding relationships between global popular culture, technology and individual identities. I have spoken at several conferences about my collaboration with UCLA archivists to make a previously hidden collection of cordel accessible through a highly searchable and detailed Finding Aid at the Online Archives of California. Last year I consulted with a small educational start-up called Endless Mobile, a company that facilitates access to educational information for communities that only have intermittent access to the Internet. At Endless Mobile I served as a content strategist and developed tools for selecting and storing educational content that is now being used in classrooms all over Guatemala.

The knowledge that I continue to develop and gain as I study Latin America and Brazil is only useful unless* I can share it with others. There are a variety of venues through which information can be made accessible to larger audiences, and they are not always in the classroom. In addition to my studies, experiences at Glass Lewis, the UCLA Library’s Special Collections and internet companies like Endless Mobile have shown me that that the stories we tell about relationships between the Americas, whether they are driven by financial or educational needs, play incredibly powerful roles in the contemporary world. As a student, translator, teacher and researcher I aim to participate in these conversations and search for better ways to make them possible.

* This typo was in my original (and successful) proposal. “Unless” should be ‘if.”

Analysis of the argument – paragraph by paragraph

Paragraph 1.

Persuasive goal: Explain my initial exposure to studying in the host country of Brazil as the root of my current desire to study the “increasingly visible and global role of regional cultures.”

Evidence provided in paragraph: As I discuss my experiences studying abroad in Brazil, I clearly reference the main components of my project. The prominent content of my project: “literatura de cordel,” is an object of regional culture, and the complex mechanism I wish to consider: “global visibility,” results from processes of circulation and redistribution.

Paragraph 2

Persuasive goal: Clearly show how my postgraduate experiences were a continuation of the interests I developed during my year abroad in Brazil.

Evidence provided in paragraph: Whether in my professional role as a financial researcher, master’s student at Cambridge, or doctoral student at UCLA, I consistently chose to pursue complex questions related to “public access to information” in cross-cultural, multi-lingual, and global contexts. Again, in this paragraph I’ve chosen to narrate my professional history through the broadest theme of the project: redistribution.

Paragraph 3

Persuasive goal: Demonstrate the active role that I currently play in the process of redistributing educational information through teaching, archival collaboration, and non-research work experiences.

This paragraph ties together a diverse set of work experiences, and purposefully cuts through a number of institutional boundaries. By clearly narrating my recent non-research work experiences as a teacher, collaborative archivist, and content developer for an education start-up, I clearly state my capacity to carry out my mission both within and beyond the university setting.

Paragraph 4

Hey there’s a typo in this paragraph, and I still made it through!

Persuasive goal: Envision a future for myself that will allow me to have broad social impacts through a continuous practice of making information accessible in a variety of institutional settings.

Evidence provided in paragraph: This paragraph clearly expresses a personal mission that is open to the future, wishes to make information available outside of the classroom, and can see beyond this singular project. I acknowledge the powerful nature of cultural relationships between the Americas and, in the final sentence; I firmly plant myself in the contemporary world, even though my object of study is from the past.

Bottom line: what I learned

Hindsight is 20/20. Even though I didn’t know how the events, activities, and interests of my past experiences would add up while they were happening, the personal statement was a chance for me to confidently show the committee that I was passionate about and prepared to achieve the project-based goals that I set for myself.

Need help navigating the grant application writing process? Looking for personalized guidance for your personal statement? Learn how your Accepted advisor can help you achieve your educational and professional goals.

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Student Affairs Advisor and scholarship expert, Rebecca has six years experience reviewing and editing large grant applications, research-based proposals, statements of purpose, personal statements and fellowship materials. Want Rebecca to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Grad School Statement of Purpose , a free guide • What I Learned about Grant Writing from Putting Together 3 Fulbright Applications Before Finally Being Selected • Writing the Fulbright Statement of Grant Purpose as a Practical Document

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A number of grants ask for personal statements as part of the application. However, what they mean by the term can vary widely. “Personal statement” in some applications might refer to a hybrid research narrative-personal background format, while in others it might refer to a more strictly personal, i.e., autobiographical, essay. Be sure to pay close attention to how the funder defines the personal statement.

If an application requires a personal statement in addition to a more traditional proposal narrative, one productive way to go about writing the personal statement is to think of it as an intellectual biography and piece of creative non-fiction, which serves to connect where you are now (interested in a particular area of research) to your past (an event or context that brought you to the present) while also projecting into the future (where you see yourself going after having completed this research).

This blog post from UMass Amherst gives a good overview to different things you will want to keep in mind as you prepare a personal statement.

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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Personal Statement

Your 500-800 word Personal Statement is critical!

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Personal Statement 

The personal statement is by far the most important of the four main parts of your application to a charity. We talk all about it in this section! As well as going through the key basics, this section also contains: 1. A Model Personal Statement , and key Dos and Don'ts

2. Advanced Application Techniques for different student groups (e.g. international students, mature students, students, fourth year PhD students).

3.   Our Personal Statement Assistant which will help you write your statement paragraph by paragraph (See link at top right of screen)!

Your statement should be between 500-800 words in length, and will vary depending on what you need the money for : i.e. fees, maintenance, conference costs, travel, field work etc. In the statement, you need to make your case con­vincingly and tell your potential funder why you are a deserving applicant, why you have a shortage of funds, and how your course or proposed research/conference visit will benefit you, and society in general. You may also need to explain how you meet the charity's eligibility criteria.

If you are doing a research Masters or PhD, it can be hard to gauge how much you should talk about your research. It is important to remember that charities are usually not run by academics but well-informed and intelligent members of the public, and you must take this into account when you describe your studies. Generally, if it is a non-educational charity, a paragraph ought to be sufficient. Describe your research simply, avoid jargon, and highlight the parts which are of the most ‘general interest’, just as you would if you were describing it to a fellow graduate from a different discipline. If you can envisage any potential wider societal benefit or scholarly contribution from your work beyond your field, be sure to mention it.

Charities also like it if you say you have made applications to other bodies, and are not simply extending your cap to them. They like to be seen as a potential partner in funding you, rather than your sole provider. Charities dislike being the only funder of something, and many may be emboldened by the presence of other sponsors. As a rule, the more bodies you get to support you, the easier it will be to persuade others to do the same. Even if you are only thinking about applications to other charities, you should give the impression that your application is part of a bigger plan. If you won, awards from internal university competitions (departmental or school monies for conferences, for example) you should also note these down, as it also gives the impression that you have other backers. Finally, if you have won at least one award f rom an alternative funding source, be sure to let us know as you will be entered into our annual Prize Draw , which features a top prize of £500 and three prizes of £100!

  Model Personal Statement: Key Dos and Don'ts

Personal Statements: Advanced Techniques

Most of what makes a good personal statement is generic and covered in the Basics section above: i.e. the above advice applies whoever you are, and whatever you want the money for. However, for those who want to take their application to the next level, we've got some extra tailored techniques for seven key student groups:   1. Students applying for Research, Travel, and Conference Costs 2. Fourth Year PhD Students 3. Masters Students 4. PhD Students 5. Part-Time Students 6. International Students (EU and non-EU) 7. Mature Students 8. Students attempting Crowdfunding Personal Statement Assistant

Of course we can't write your personal statement for you, but you may find our Personal Statement Assistant to be a useful way of organising your ideas and arguments, paragraph by paragraph. You can actually work on your statement right here, save it to work on later, or download it to your computer as a text file! You can find the link to it at the top right of this page.

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Gre prep online guides and tips, 3 successful graduate school personal statement examples.

Looking for grad school personal statement examples? Look no further! In this total guide to graduate school personal statement examples, we’ll discuss why you need a personal statement for grad school and what makes a good one. Then we’ll provide three graduate school personal statement samples from our grad school experts. After that, we’ll do a deep dive on one of our personal statement for graduate school examples. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a list of other grad school personal statements you can find online.

Why Do You Need a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a chance for admissions committees to get to know you: your goals and passions, what you’ll bring to the program, and what you’re hoping to get out of the program.  You need to sell the admissions committee on what makes you a worthwhile applicant. The personal statement is a good chance to highlight significant things about you that don’t appear elsewhere on your application.

A personal statement is slightly different from a statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent). A statement of purpose/letter of intent tends to be more tightly focused on your academic or professional credentials and your future research and/or professional interests.

While a personal statement also addresses your academic experiences and goals, you have more leeway to be a little more, well, personal. In a personal statement, it’s often appropriate to include information on significant life experiences or challenges that aren’t necessarily directly relevant to your field of interest.

Some programs ask for both a personal statement and a statement of purpose/letter of intent. In this case, the personal statement is likely to be much more tightly focused on your life experience and personality assets while the statement of purpose will focus in much more on your academic/research experiences and goals.

However, there’s not always a hard-and-fast demarcation between a personal statement and a statement of purpose. The two statement types should address a lot of the same themes, especially as relates to your future goals and the valuable assets you bring to the program. Some programs will ask for a personal statement but the prompt will be focused primarily on your research and professional experiences and interests. Some will ask for a statement of purpose but the prompt will be more focused on your general life experiences.

When in doubt, give the program what they are asking for in the prompt and don’t get too hung up on whether they call it a personal statement or statement of purpose. You can always call the admissions office to get more clarification on what they want you to address in your admissions essay.

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What Makes a Good Grad School Personal Statement?

A great graduate school personal statement can come in many forms and styles. However, strong grad school personal statement examples all share the same following elements:

A Clear Narrative

Above all, a good personal statement communicates clear messages about what makes you a strong applicant who is likely to have success in graduate school. So to that extent, think about a couple of key points that you want to communicate about yourself and then drill down on how you can best communicate those points. (Your key points should of course be related to what you can bring to the field and to the program specifically).

You can also decide whether to address things like setbacks or gaps in your application as part of your narrative. Have a low GPA for a couple semesters due to a health issue? Been out of a job for a while taking care of a family member? If you do decide to explain an issue like this, make sure that the overall arc is more about demonstrating positive qualities like resilience and diligence than about providing excuses.

Specific Examples

A great statement of purpose uses specific examples to illustrate its key messages. This can include anecdotes that demonstrate particular traits or even references to scholars and works that have influenced your academic trajectory to show that you are familiar and insightful about the relevant literature in your field.

Just saying “I love plants,” is pretty vague. Describing how you worked in a plant lab during undergrad and then went home and carefully cultivated your own greenhouse where you cross-bred new flower colors by hand is much more specific and vivid, which makes for better evidence.

A strong personal statement will describe why you are a good fit for the program, and why the program is a good fit for you. It’s important to identify specific things about the program that appeal to you, and how you’ll take advantage of those opportunities. It’s also a good idea to talk about specific professors you might be interested in working with. This shows that you are informed about and genuinely invested in the program.

Strong Writing

Even quantitative and science disciplines typically require some writing, so it’s important that your personal statement shows strong writing skills. Make sure that you are communicating clearly and that you don’t have any grammar and spelling errors. It’s helpful to get other people to read your statement and provide feedback. Plan on going through multiple drafts.

Another important thing here is to avoid cliches and gimmicks. Don’t deploy overused phrases and openings like “ever since I was a child.” Don’t structure your statement in a gimmicky way (i.e., writing a faux legal brief about yourself for a law school statement of purpose). The first will make your writing banal; the second is likely to make you stand out in a bad way.

Appropriate Boundaries

While you can be more personal in a personal statement than in a statement of purpose, it’s important to maintain appropriate boundaries in your writing. Don’t overshare anything too personal about relationships, bodily functions, or illegal activities. Similarly, don’t share anything that makes it seem like you may be out of control, unstable, or an otherwise risky investment. The personal statement is not a confessional booth. If you share inappropriately, you may seem like you have bad judgment, which is a huge red flag to admissions committees.

You should also be careful with how you deploy humor and jokes. Your statement doesn’t have to be totally joyless and serious, but bear in mind that the person reading the statement may not have the same sense of humor as you do. When in doubt, err towards the side of being as inoffensive as possible.

Just as being too intimate in your statement can hurt you, it’s also important not to be overly formal or staid. You should be professional, but conversational.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

Our graduate school experts have been kind enough to provide some successful grad school personal statement examples. We’ll provide three examples here, along with brief analysis of what makes each one successful.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 1

PDF of Sample Personal Statement 1 – Japanese Studies

For this Japanese Studies master’s degree, the applicant had to provide a statement of purpose outlining her academic goals and experience with Japanese and a separate personal statement describing her personal relationship with Japanese Studies and what led her to pursue a master’s degree.

Here’s what’s successful about this personal statement:

• An attention-grabbing beginning: The applicant begins with the statement that Japanese has never come easily to her and that it’s a brutal language to learn. Seeing as how this is an application for a Japanese Studies program, this is an intriguing beginning that makes the reader want to keep going.
• A compelling narrative: From this attention-grabbing beginning, the applicant builds a well-structured and dramatic narrative tracking her engagement with the Japanese language over time. The clear turning point is her experience studying abroad, leading to a resolution in which she has clarity about her plans. Seeing as how the applicant wants to be a translator of Japanese literature, the tight narrative structure here is a great way to show her writing skills.
• Specific examples that show important traits: The applicant clearly communicates both a deep passion for Japanese through examples of her continued engagement with Japanese and her determination and work ethic by highlighting the challenges she’s faced (and overcome) in her study of the language. This gives the impression that she is an engaged and dedicated student.

Overall, this is a very strong statement both in terms of style and content. It flows well, is memorable, and communicates that the applicant would make the most of the graduate school experience.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 2

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 2 – Musical Composition

This personal statement for a Music Composition master’s degree discusses the factors that motivate the applicant to pursue graduate study.

Here’s what works well in this statement:

• The applicant provides two clear reasons motivating the student to pursue graduate study: her experiences with music growing up, and her family’s musical history. She then supports those two reasons with examples and analysis.
• The description of her ancestors’ engagement with music is very compelling and memorable. The applicant paints her own involvement with music as almost inevitable based on her family’s long history with musical pursuits.
• The applicant gives thoughtful analysis of the advantages she has been afforded that have allowed her to study music so extensively. We get the sense that she is insightful and empathetic—qualities that would add greatly to any academic community.

This is a strong, serviceable personal statement. And in truth, given that this for a masters in music composition, other elements of the application (like work samples) are probably the most important.  However, here are two small changes I would make to improve it:

• I would probably to split the massive second paragraph into 2-3 separate paragraphs. I might use one paragraph to orient the reader to the family’s musical history, one paragraph to discuss Giacomo and Antonio, and one paragraph to discuss how the family has influenced the applicant. As it stands, it’s a little unwieldy and the second paragraph doesn’t have a super-clear focus even though it’s all loosely related to the applicant’s family history with music.
• I would also slightly shorten the anecdote about the applicant’s ancestors and expand more on how this family history has motivated the applicant’s interest in music. In what specific ways has her ancestors’ perseverance inspired her? Did she think about them during hard practice sessions? Is she interested in composing music in a style they might have played? More specific examples here would lend greater depth and clarity to the statement.

Sample Personal Statement for Graduate School 3

PDF of Sample Graduate School Personal Statement 3 – Public Health

This is my successful personal statement for Columbia’s Master’s program in Public Health. We’ll do a deep dive on this statement paragraph-by-paragraph in the next section, but I’ll highlight a couple of things that work in this statement here:

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• This statement is clearly organized. Almost every paragraph has a distinct focus and message, and when I move on to a new idea, I move on to a new paragraph with a logical transitions.
• This statement covers a lot of ground in a pretty short space. I discuss my family history, my goals, my educational background, and my professional background. But because the paragraphs are organized and I use specific examples, it doesn’t feel too vague or scattered.
• In addition to including information about my personal motivations, like my family, I also include some analysis about tailoring health interventions with my example of the Zande. This is a good way to show off what kinds of insights I might bring to the program based on my academic background.

Grad School Personal Statement Example: Deep Dive

Now let’s do a deep dive, paragraph-by-paragraph, on one of these sample graduate school personal statements. We’ll use my personal statement that I used when I applied to Columbia’s public health program.

Paragraph One: For twenty-three years, my grandmother (a Veterinarian and an Epidemiologist) ran the Communicable Disease Department of a mid-sized urban public health department. The stories of Grandma Betty doggedly tracking down the named sexual partners of the infected are part of our family lore. Grandma Betty would persuade people to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases, encourage safer sexual practices, document the spread of infection and strive to contain and prevent it. Indeed, due to the large gay population in the city where she worked, Grandma Betty was at the forefront of the AIDS crises, and her analysis contributed greatly towards understanding how the disease was contracted and spread. My grandmother has always been a huge inspiration to me, and the reason why a career in public health was always on my radar.

This is an attention-grabbing opening anecdote that avoids most of the usual cliches about childhood dreams and proclivities. This story also subtly shows that I have a sense of public health history, given the significance of the AIDs crisis for public health as a field.

It’s good that I connect this family history to my own interests. However, if I were to revise this paragraph again, I might cut down on some of the detail because when it comes down to it, this story isn’t really about me. It’s important that even (sparingly used) anecdotes about other people ultimately reveal something about you in a personal statement.

Paragraph Two: Recent years have cemented that interest. In January 2012, my parents adopted my little brother Fred from China. Doctors in America subsequently diagnosed Fred with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). My parents were told that if Fred’s condition had been discovered in China, the (very poor) orphanage in which he spent the first 8+ years of his life would have recognized his DMD as a death sentence and denied him sustenance to hasten his demise.

Here’s another compelling anecdote to help explain my interest in public health. This is an appropriately personal detail for a personal statement—it’s a serious thing about my immediate family, but it doesn’t disclose anything that the admissions committee might find concerning or inappropriate.

If I were to take another pass through this paragraph, the main thing I would change is the last phrase. “Denied him sustenance to hasten his demise” is a little flowery. “Denied him food to hasten his death” is actually more powerful because it’s clearer and more direct.

Paragraph Three: It is not right that some people have access to the best doctors and treatment while others have no medical care. I want to pursue an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia because studying social factors in health, with a particular focus on socio-health inequities, will prepare me to address these inequities. The interdisciplinary approach of the program appeals to me greatly as I believe interdisciplinary approaches are the most effective way to develop meaningful solutions to complex problems.

In this paragraph I make a neat and clear transition from discussing what sparked my interest in public health and health equity to what I am interested in about Columbia specifically: the interdisciplinary focus of the program, and how that focus will prepare me to solve complex health problems. This paragraph also serves as a good pivot point to start discussing my academic and professional background.

Paragraph Four: My undergraduate education has prepared me well for my chosen career. Understanding the underlying structure of a group’s culture is essential to successfully communicating with the group. In studying folklore and mythology, I’ve learned how to parse the unspoken structures of folk groups, and how those structures can be used to build bridges of understanding. For example, in a culture where most illnesses are believed to be caused by witchcraft, as is the case for the Zande people of central Africa, any successful health intervention or education program would of necessity take into account their very real belief in witchcraft.

In this paragraph, I link my undergraduate education and the skills I learned there to public health. The (very brief) analysis of tailoring health interventions to the Zande is a good way to show insight and show off the competencies I would bring to the program.

Paragraph Five: I now work in the healthcare industry for one of the largest providers of health benefits in the world. In addition to reigniting my passion for data and quantitative analytics, working for this company has immersed me in the business side of healthcare, a critical component of public health.

This brief paragraph highlights my relevant work experience in the healthcare industry. It also allows me to mention my work with data and quantitative analytics, which isn’t necessarily obvious from my academic background, which was primarily based in the social sciences.

Paragraph Six: I intend to pursue a PhD in order to become an expert in how social factors affect health, particularly as related to gender and sexuality. I intend to pursue a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Reproduction. Working together with other experts to create effective interventions across cultures and societies, I want to help transform health landscapes both in America and abroad.

This final paragraph is about my future plans and intentions. Unfortunately, it’s a little disjointed, primarily because I discuss goals of pursuing a PhD before I talk about what certificate I want to pursue within the MPH program! Switching those two sentences and discussing my certificate goals within the MPH and then mentioning my PhD plans would make a lot more sense.

I also start two sentences in a row with “I intend,” which is repetitive.

The final sentence is a little bit generic; I might tailor it to specifically discuss a gender and sexual health issue, since that is the primary area of interest I’ve identified.

This was a successful personal statement; I got into (and attended!) the program. It has strong examples, clear organization, and outlines what interests me about the program (its interdisciplinary focus) and what competencies I would bring (a background in cultural analysis and experience with the business side of healthcare). However, a few slight tweaks would elevate this statement to the next level.

Graduate School Personal Statement Examples You Can Find Online

So you need more samples for your personal statement for graduate school? Examples are everywhere on the internet, but they aren’t all of equal quality.

Most of examples are posted as part of writing guides published online by educational institutions. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones here if you are looking for more personal statement examples for graduate school.

Penn State Personal Statement Examples for Graduate School

This selection of ten short personal statements for graduate school and fellowship programs offers an interesting mix of approaches. Some focus more on personal adversity while others focus more closely on professional work within the field.

The writing in some of these statements is a little dry, and most deploy at least a few cliches. However, these are generally strong, serviceable statements that communicate clearly why the student is interested in the field, their skills and competencies, and what about the specific program appeals to them.

Cal State Sample Graduate School Personal Statements

These are good examples of personal statements for graduate school where students deploy lots of very vivid imagery and illustrative anecdotes of life experiences. There are also helpful comments about what works in each of these essays.

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However, all of these statements are definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable length, as all are above 1000 and one is almost 1500 words! Many programs limit you to 500 words; if you don’t have a limit, you should try to keep it to two single-spaced pages at most (which is about 1000 words).

University of Chicago Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples

These examples of successful essays to the University of Chicago law school cover a wide range of life experiences and topics. The writing in all is very vivid, and all communicate clear messages about the students’ strengths and competencies.

Note, however, that these are all essays that specifically worked for University of Chicago law school. That does not mean that they would work everywhere. In fact, one major thing to note is that many of these responses, while well-written and vivid, barely address the students’ interest in law school at all! This is something that might not work well for most graduate programs.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 10

This successful essay for law school from a Wheaton College undergraduate does a great job tracking the student’s interest in the law in a compelling and personal way. Wheaton offers other graduate school personal statement examples, but this one offers the most persuasive case for the students’ competencies. The student accomplishes this by using clear, well-elaborated examples, showing strong and vivid writing, and highlighting positive qualities like an interest in justice and empathy without seeming grandiose or out of touch.

Wheaton College Personal Statement for Graduate School Sample 1

Based on the background information provided at the bottom of the essay, this essay was apparently successful for this applicant. However, I’ve actually included this essay because it demonstrates an extremely risky approach. While this personal statement is strikingly written and the story is very memorable, it could definitely communicate the wrong message to some admissions committees. The student’s decision not to report the drill sergeant may read incredibly poorly to some admissions committees. They may wonder if the student’s failure to report the sergeant’s violence will ultimately expose more soldiers-in-training to the same kinds of abuses. This incident perhaps reads especially poorly in light of the fact that the military has such a notable problem with violence against women being covered up and otherwise mishandled

It’s actually hard to get a complete picture of the student’s true motivations from this essay, and what we have might raise real questions about the student’s character to some admissions committees. This student took a risk and it paid off, but it could have just as easily backfired spectacularly.

Key Takeaways: Graduate School Personal Statement Examples

In this guide, we discussed why you need a personal statement and how it differs from a statement of purpose. (It’s more personal!)

We also discussed what you’ll find in a strong sample personal statement for graduate school:

• A clear narrative about the applicant and why they are qualified for graduate study.
• Specific examples to support that narrative.
• Compelling reasons why the applicant and the program are a good fit for each other.
• Strong writing, including clear organization and error-free, cliche-free language.
• Appropriate boundaries—sharing without over-sharing.

Then, we provided three strong graduate school personal statement examples for different fields, along with analysis. We did a deep-dive on the third statement.

Finally, we provided a list of other sample grad school personal statements online.

What’s Next?

Want more advice on writing a personal statement ? See our guide.

Writing a graduate school statement of purpose? See our statement of purpose samples  and a nine-step process for writing the best statement of purpose possible .

If you’re writing a graduate school CV or resume, see our how-to guide to writing a CV , a how-to guide to writing a resume , our list of sample resumes and CVs , resume and CV templates , and a special guide for writing resume objectives .

Need stellar graduate school recommendation letters ? See our guide.

See our 29 tips for successfully applying to graduate school .

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

Author: Ellen McCammon

Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics. View all posts by Ellen McCammon

How to Craft a Personal Statement

Some practical tips and perspective

August 5, 2019 | Erika A.

There’s one part of any application that can always make you freeze: the dreaded personal statement.

Writing about yourself is an exercise in embarrassment, anxiety, and existential doubt. Don’t worry; I’m here to help!

Let’s get one thing out of the way first. The point of a personal statement is to bring your application package alive. You’re not just a resume and a research statement; you’re a whole person, with thoughts and ideas and experiences that have led you to this moment. Remember: humans respond to stories and to people . Your personal statement offers a narrative the reader will use to remember you , the person, long after they forget your GPA and your undergrad major.

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for components that work well in your personal statement.

1. The Hook . A great way to begin a personal statement is by briefly telling a story about a moment when you had some sort of poignant experience or a pivotal moment that led you down the path to graduate school/a postdoc/whatever you’re applying for. If you’re having trouble getting started, a great exercise is to think back and come up with some favorite memories. This process can involve a fair amount of soul-searching. Don’t sweat it if you can’t think of something right away!

Often, these events happen during time periods that are on your resume, like an undergraduate research project you did or a class you took. If so, telling this story can be an opportunity to briefly highlight that bullet point and give the reader something to hold on to when they read the resume.

When writing hooks, I get really hung up on the ‘truth’ of the hook. Remember that the goal is to give the reader something that has color and flavor and is easy to remember, not to write a comprehensive autobiography. There are many true stories. Pick one. A memorable, small one.

2. Interpret your experience . Again, a personal statement isn’t just your resume. Rather, it is an opportunity  to explain to the reader how the experiences you’ve had fit together and make you a candidate that has characteristics they’re looking for. 

• Have you traveled, or do you have substantial work experience? You have a thing grad school is looking for: perspective. Think back to the time before you had this experience, and articulate how it changed your view of how the world works.
• All graduate schools want students who are resilient and self-directed (because grad school = suffering, but that’s a different blog post!). If you did a research project or an internship, you can highlight ways in which it didn’t go according to plan, and then say, for example, “these hurdles taught me to think on my feet, understand challenges, and implement a plan”
• If you have previous research experience, talk about why it was hard. Your reader has experienced research being hard in every way you can imagine! Commiserate them, and they will see you as one of their own.

These are just a few examples. The goal is to interpret how your experiences have made you the person you are today. Emphasize the characteristics your reader is most likely to care about.

If you’re having trouble filling in the body of your personal statement, I’d recommend describing your relevant experiences in chronological order and then going back through and explaining why they were important to you and how you’re different today because of them. Your personal statement is all about the narrative explaining how your experiences relate to one another and make sense together.

3. Go ahead and fantasize . Most people end their personal statement with the classic, “I am applying to the ___department at MIT because it is home to the ___ lab that already are doing work on ___ and ___, which I find to be especially aligned with my interests.” It’s a good idea to customize your personal statement to each graduate school you apply to, being VERY careful to submit the right one to each school! It can be overwhelming to try to digest the research agenda of an entire department or lab when you don’t have boots on the ground. But the reality is that writing this section is the most fun part: you get the opportunity to imagine what it would be like to work in any lab you want! Engage with the research in these different places and connect themes to the ones you’ve already talked about in your statement.

Now go ahead. Write it up!  Find the right spot for the authentic you in the right lab at the right school (hopefully MIT!) and create your own awesome graduate school experience.

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Application Process: Personal Statement

Rowing is God's sport. The crisp early morning air, mist-shrouded hills, shells gliding silently on the glassy surface, oars slicing in unison. For casual observers, time slows and they become immersed in art. An ardent rower, I experience this beauty, but I also know that strength, courage and endurance command the shell, as in life.

Silence. White knuckles and callused palms suffocate the oar. In anticipation, my breathing, even my pumping heart stops. Then the horn sounds. Adrenaline rips through my torso. I pull, and keep pulling, sinews stretched to breaking, every muscle screaming to quit. Concentrating only on the starting dock, I surge forward relentlessly. That dock is my beacon.

I left home at sixteen. My single mother's drinking had become intolerable. M_____, my twin, was pregnant; her drug-addict boyfriend moved in. The starting horn had sounded.

High school races by when you have to study, make a living, do chores, play guitar in a band, and still maintain a social life. But the independence gave me strength. There were some ironies. I had no curfew, but there wasn't much to do in Artesia, New Mexico. As my own guardian, I could sign sick slips and grade reports, and attend PTA events. I earned two varsity letters, the maximum AP credits, and enough wages to escape debt.

Disregarding warnings that "fifty cents and a humanities degree could only buy a cup of coffee," I selected political science and economics, impelled by a seemingly instinctive curiosity to study the two edifices of our society. Taking to reading like breathing, I devoured Marx, Mill, Keynes, and Smith, oblivious to my roommate's pleadings to "chill out-put the books down."

But it wasn't all studies. I discovered rowing. Four hours of daily practice: jogging, racing, lifting weights. The intense winter regimen: push-ups in the snow, running stadium steps, battling the ergonometer. Still, it was energizing, incredibly satisfying. Balancing classes and training, however, required innovation-the coxswain would read my lecture notes aloud while I trained. My grades were good and, not surprisingly, there was no "freshman fifteen" for me.

I became seduced by legal theory and its axiomatic system. How constitutional law is foundational. How statutory law governs every facet of our lives: births, deaths, taxes. How criminal law maintains order. How the court is objective and politically insulated, the ideal forum for upholding controversial rights and effecting change.

As I matured, I realized it wasn't that simple. I was entranced by the originalist and non-interpretivist debates. Delving into the contentious theories of feminist jurisprudence, I was often bemused, as when I stumbled upon Katherine MacKinnon's characterization of sex as rape. I struggled with the question: is law truth or merely ideology? Realists like Jerome Frank exposed judicial subjectivity-the (perceived) objectivity provides credibility, but the process is inherently political. I appreciated the sociological view of the judiciary, but recognized that the legislature is best situated to implement policy.

For two years, I was entirely absorbed, almost intoxicated. Suddenly, my beacon flashed. It was a call from M_____. "The police are taking Britney away," she cried. M_____'s boyfriend had complained she was a user.

I drove all night. The next morning, I earnestly discussed M_____'s case with her court-appointed attorney. He just shook his head. Later, as we approached the judge, he asked M_____, "What did you say your name was?" She didn't stand a chance.

That courtroom experience transformed me into an advocate for social justice. I had removed myself from M_____'s life and plunged into the law; now the dualities had converged.

I resolved to work to achieve outcomes that were pragmatic, yet personal. Declining a clerkship at a posh Charleston law firm, I opted for the Neighborhood Legal Clinic where I could help Edna, unable to read her divorce papers; Mrs. Gray, bilked of her insurance benefits; and Maria with her children, who desperately needed child support. Interning at the Probation Office, I investigated criminal histories and drafted sentencing recommendations, but I created my own opportunities, volunteering counseling services to convicts.

Drawn to community activism, I spearheaded a housing renovation project and wrote a proposal for affordable financial services for Tulsa's low-income population. Now with AmeriCorps, I am developing curricula to foster small business development in low-income communities, and setting mechanisms for coordinating these efforts nationwide, so that populations can pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

I want to fight poverty and social inequity on a large scale. My plans include obtaining a law degree with a concentration in public interest law, gaining broad policy experience as a legislative advisor and eventually leading my own anti-poverty agency. But I dream of running for elected office, and winning-politics has the power to mobilize individuals, communities and nations.

But who am I to dream such things? Why will I succeed? Because I am passionate? Maybe. Because I live my life like I row? Possibly. The real reason is that there will always be a part of me, M_____, cleaved from the same flesh, for whom poverty is a daily struggle. M_____ is my beacon. I see her in the eyes of every person I try to help.

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Home › Writing › What is Grant Writing? › 10 Successful Grant Writing Examples that Win Grants

10 Successful Grant Writing Examples that Win Grants

Become a Certified Grant Writer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What does it take to win a grant? This is the question that many people ask when they are trying to get funding for their project. There are many different factors, but one of the most important ones is the quality of your writing. If you have incredible writing skills and can create an interesting proposal, then it will be much easier to win grants. 

Preparing a winning proposal may seem overwhelming at first; however, once you have reviewed a couple of examples, the process becomes much within reach. This list of 10 successful grant writing examples will help you to create a grant-worthy proposal in no time. In addition, each time you follow the pattern of these samples, you are one step closer to achieving your goal.  

Grant Proposal Objectives

Zeroing in on the ‘why’ behind a grant approval has to be your top priority. If your grant proposal highlights the why clearly, it is already on its way to winning it.

It also ensures explaining your objectives to the grant funding body in a much more accurate and precise fashion.

Don’t underestimate the power of the first few sentences in your grant writing. If you want to get it right, make sure that your initial paragraphs are as compelling and engaging as possible.

This will help set up what is going to come in subsequent sections without becoming too wordy or burdensome.  

Successful Grant Proposal Examples

By reviewing the examples below, you may give yourself the best chance at winning the grant for your project or organization. 

Whether you are looking to reach out to a government agency or private organization, there are some basics to remember to ensure your grant proposal is a success. 

Many organizations believe in giving back to the community; hence, your project could provide the stimulus for them to act. It is only a matter of time for the grant to be yours, provided the grant application meets all the writing guidelines.

Winning Grant Examples for Schools, Colleges, and Universities

If you seek funding for an educational project, you can look into the following examples without hesitation. Grant writing is an organized process with various sections to fill up before finally submitting and securing funding.

1.      Kurzweil Educational Systems

Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs and services for people with disabilities or the elderly. This grant example is about how acquiring their software would help children with reading difficulties. That way, they will compete with their peers and not fall behind due to poor reading skills. 

This sample grant writing example has everything you need for writing a worthwhile proposal. Alongside solid grant writing skills , your grant application has a high chance of acceptance if you follow the sample letter format, cover letter, and other portions given inside. It takes you through the whole grant writing process in an organized manner to seek funds from private foundations. 

2.      Salem Education Foundation

It provides grants and scholarships to teachers, principals, students, and organizations that share its vision for bettering public education.

History is a difficult subject to teach that’s why some schools want the funds for enrichment opportunities. That will in turn help them provide students with an excellent education. Salem’s example , in particular, takes you through a school’s effort for an enrichment grant.

3.      National Language Resource Center

This proposal seeks funds for a National Language Resource Center to support foreign language instructors in K-12 and post-secondary institutions. It teaches a thing or two about professional grant writing.

George Washington University/Center of Applied Linguistics grant proposal sought funding to establish a National Language Resource Center : this would provide much-needed resources and services that were sorely lacking then.

Grant Samples for Youth Empowerment

Science is the future, and funding exists to support programs designed to help youth reach their potential. If that’s what you’re looking for, review these examples of research grants for young people in need.

4.      William T. Grant Foundation

The William T. Grant Foundation provides fellowships for researchers focusing on improving the lives of kids living in America today. It does that via grant-based projects relevant to child welfare issues such as drug abuse prevention or delinquency treatment – all while providing a stipend so they can conduct an independent inquiry into any field related to children’s health and wellbeing.

5.      Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Youth Development Block Grant is one of the most competitive and sought-after CDBGs , so it’s important to write a proposal that captures its essence. This well-written effort by Family Service Association in Riverside can be used as inspiration for your own bid.

Before we dive deeper, if you’re interested in getting feedback from grant writing experts on a grant proposal that you write, then check out our grant writing certification course.

Individual and Family Sustenance Grant Applications

Below is a classic grant writing example to activate resources and acquire funding for underprivileged, handicapped, and senior citizens. 

6.      Kennett Area Senior Center 

It sought funding to provide much-needed services and assistance for local seniors. A grant would help the Kennett Area Senior Center meet needs that currently exist, as well as fund programs designed to better serve clients in need – including those with limited resources or mobility challenges.

It says they are looking for a community foundation that wants to make a difference by providing funds for essentials like clothing and medical equipment. In that way, the senior citizens can afford these things on their budgets.  

Grant Proposal Samples for Art Projects

Not only does a grant benefit a noble cause, but it also creates a feeling of satisfaction to work for the good of people. For artists with tight budgets, we have the following examples to address their documentation needs.

7.      Imagine Fund

These are excerpts from compelling grant proposals submitted to the University of Minnesota’s Imagine Fund program. They are all for art-related endeavors, and they provide support so that the journey towards self-fulfillment moves on regardless of how small or big those desires may seem.

8.      Individual Artist Growth Grant

The arts councils can be a great way to get funding for your project. That is because of the assistance they provide and their understanding of what artists need to thrive.

If you’re an artist seeking individual funding through one of those organizations, I recommend checking out this sample proposal from Region 2 Arts Council .  

Grant Examples for Science-related Endeavors

Scientists seeking funding to conduct research is one of the most sought-after types of grant writing endeavors. Science-related projects are often difficult to fund through traditional methods because of their more complicated nature.

If you, as a scientist, seek financial aid from government agencies or private organizations, the following examples would help you build an effective case. 

9.      NIAID

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) is a top-of-the-line resource for those looking to secure funding for scientific research related to healthcare. The NIAID offers several examples of winning grant proposal applications that will help you get your foot in the door with all sorts of organizations that are willing to invest their money into making people healthy.

For professional, polite, and accurate proposal writing, it is advisable to hire the services of an experienced grant writer on either a full-time or freelance basis. Not only do they search for opportunities, but they grab them as soon as they appear with their command in writing. 

10.  Association of Zoos and Aquariums

This site is a goldmine for anyone looking to study up on funding grant proposals that actually worked. It includes many examples of highly successful projects ranging from animal health to their management, all the way through breeding and genetics. All are in pdf format, so save this link as your go-to resource when you need some major inspiration.  

Aspects of Successful Grants

For a good chance at winning grant money, the applicant must be thorough in their research and find an organization that will fund their project type. Some of the aspects include:

• The preliminary proposal is covered with every detail of the project from start to finish 
• Make sure your application fits each funding organization’s criteria before submission 
• Analyze the prior grants in your field for ideas on what they are looking to fund 
• Isolate the cause and provide innovative solutions to address it based upon your personal experience or expertise 
• Be diligent in following the funding agency’s writing guidelines when creating their proposal and submit it by the deadline 
• The proposal should explain every section of the project – particularly sections that describe the need for initiative, resources needed to complete this work, goals, and budget 
• In response to any possible question about what they are proposing or how much money is involved with achieving these goals, there is an answer in detail within ‘The Narrative Section’

Once you keep the above characteristics in mind while writing your grant proposals, you are sure to come up with a convincing piece that is bound to bring success.

Anatomy of a Grant Proposal

In general, every grant proposal is made up of various sections. Therefore, it helps to be mindful of these portions while writing yours.

First Three Parts

They include: proposal summary, organization introduction, statement of the problem – these are all parts and components that you need to have in your grant proposal. They’re like a roadmap for it.

Fourth Part

Next are project objectives – what does this project aim to do? How is it going improve our community overall or make life easier for specific groups within society? 

Then are the methods – how will we go about getting there? 

Think long-term questions as well: future funding options (i.e., would funders be interested in continuing their support?) 

Seventh and Eighth Parts

Lastly, talk about evaluation (does everyone love you?) and budget estimation.

Stick to Your Plan; Stay Focused on Requirements

When you stick to your plan and also follow your funder’s requirements to the letter, then you will probably receive the grant. 

In some cases your idea may already exist from another organization’s work (like Habitat) so review their resources first before starting yours; they can offer tips and advice since it isn’t new territory for them like it would be for you. 

Contacting experts in this field may help you on your way to grant acceptance.

Tips on How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant

• Start early and be organized
• Do your research, read books , and make sure you know what’s been done about your topic in the past so that you don’t have to redo work that someone else may already have completed
• Have an actionable plan of where it will go once funded; this way they can see how their dollar will get invested if granted (don’t forget other funding sources, though) 
• Even just pitching a rough idea with potential benefits has its merits too. It might not always result in being awarded grant money, but it could lead them on a path towards something better down the line, which would’ve never happened without, at least, putting forth some effort first
• Are they going to get the best bang for their buck? The funders need to know if their money is in good hands and the applicants know their way around funds management; you should have basic accounting skills to manage funds effectively 
• Do they have a realistic timeline in place? Applicants should know how to manage their time and meet deadlines. The funder will want to know how much of an impact this project would make at what point in time – so better be honest about it from the get-go
• Is there any potential for fraud or misuse of funds? For example, will they use grant funding as personal expenses (e.g., building materials)? If yes, then you might want to think twice before applying for that particular grant. These issues should be addressed ASAP if discovered rather than waiting until after receiving grant money – it’ll only cause problems down the line when things start falling through
• Some applicants may use a grant proposal template as an organizational tool for their submission, in case there’s no specific format that the funder speaks of on their website

In the world of grant-seeking, locally funded grants outrank other options in terms of success rates. Local backers are more likely to support your cause because they too have a vested interest in how their community is shaped and what kind of businesses it attracts or retains.

  Conclusion

The grant writing examples above show you the best ways to win grants. When applying for funding, it’s vital that your proposal meets each criterion and is in accordance with what they are looking to fund.

Grants are a great way to get your project funded, but it can be an uphill battle if you don’t know how to write one. The grant proposal process is in-depth and requires careful thought before writing the actual document. Now that you have this article, we hope you feel more confident about your ability to win a grant. 

What type of grant funding are you looking for?

If you are new to grant writing and are looking to break-in, we recommend taking our Grant Writing Certification Course , where you will learn the fundamentals of being a grant writer, how to write proposals that win grants, and how to stand out as a grant writing candidate.

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Writing Center

Personal statements.

How to Write a Personal Statement

We offer these examples for you to adapt to your needs and the requirements of your application(s). Don’t feel pressured to copy them exactly! Each of these examples are written by UConn students, but for different types of programs:

Undergraduate Programs

NEAG School of Education Personal Statement  (pdf)

School of Pharmacy Personal Statement  (pdf)

Graduate Programs

English Ph.D. Statement of Purpose  (pdf)

Medical School Personal Statement  (pdf)

Social Psychology Ph.D. Personal Statement  (pdf)

These various sites from other university writing centers offer additional advice on personal statements.

Indiana University

UMass Amherst Writing Center

Purdue Online Writing Lab Graduate School Application Guide

Grant Proposals (or Give me the money!)

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you write and revise grant proposals for research funding in all academic disciplines (sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts). It’s targeted primarily to graduate students and faculty, although it will also be helpful to undergraduate students who are seeking funding for research (e.g. for a senior thesis).

The grant writing process

A grant proposal or application is a document or set of documents that is submitted to an organization with the explicit intent of securing funding for a research project. Grant writing varies widely across the disciplines, and research intended for epistemological purposes (philosophy or the arts) rests on very different assumptions than research intended for practical applications (medicine or social policy research). Nonetheless, this handout attempts to provide a general introduction to grant writing across the disciplines.

Before you begin writing your proposal, you need to know what kind of research you will be doing and why. You may have a topic or experiment in mind, but taking the time to define what your ultimate purpose is can be essential to convincing others to fund that project. Although some scholars in the humanities and arts may not have thought about their projects in terms of research design, hypotheses, research questions, or results, reviewers and funding agencies expect you to frame your project in these terms. You may also find that thinking about your project in these terms reveals new aspects of it to you.

Writing successful grant applications is a long process that begins with an idea. Although many people think of grant writing as a linear process (from idea to proposal to award), it is a circular process. Many people start by defining their research question or questions. What knowledge or information will be gained as a direct result of your project? Why is undertaking your research important in a broader sense? You will need to explicitly communicate this purpose to the committee reviewing your application. This is easier when you know what you plan to achieve before you begin the writing process.

Diagram 1 below provides an overview of the grant writing process and may help you plan your proposal development.

Applicants must write grant proposals, submit them, receive notice of acceptance or rejection, and then revise their proposals. Unsuccessful grant applicants must revise and resubmit their proposals during the next funding cycle. Successful grant applications and the resulting research lead to ideas for further research and new grant proposals.

Cultivating an ongoing, positive relationship with funding agencies may lead to additional grants down the road. Thus, make sure you file progress reports and final reports in a timely and professional manner. Although some successful grant applicants may fear that funding agencies will reject future proposals because they’ve already received “enough” funding, the truth is that money follows money. Individuals or projects awarded grants in the past are more competitive and thus more likely to receive funding in the future.

Some general tips

• Begin early.
• Apply early and often.
• Don’t forget to include a cover letter with your application.
• Answer all questions. (Pre-empt all unstated questions.)
• If rejected, revise your proposal and apply again.
• Give them what they want. Follow the application guidelines exactly.
• Be explicit and specific.
• Be realistic in designing the project.
• Make explicit the connections between your research questions and objectives, your objectives and methods, your methods and results, and your results and dissemination plan.
• Follow the application guidelines exactly. (We have repeated this tip because it is very, very important.)

Before you start writing

Identify your needs and focus.

First, identify your needs. Answering the following questions may help you:

• Are you undertaking preliminary or pilot research in order to develop a full-blown research agenda?
• Are you seeking funding for dissertation research? Pre-dissertation research? Postdoctoral research? Archival research? Experimental research? Fieldwork?
• Are you seeking a stipend so that you can write a dissertation or book? Polish a manuscript?
• Do you want a fellowship in residence at an institution that will offer some programmatic support or other resources to enhance your project?
• Do you want funding for a large research project that will last for several years and involve multiple staff members?

Next, think about the focus of your research/project. Answering the following questions may help you narrow it down:

• What is the topic? Why is this topic important?
• What are the research questions that you’re trying to answer? What relevance do your research questions have?
• What are your hypotheses?
• What are your research methods?
• Why is your research/project important? What is its significance?
• Do you plan on using quantitative methods? Qualitative methods? Both?
• Will you be undertaking experimental research? Clinical research?

Once you have identified your needs and focus, you can begin looking for prospective grants and funding agencies.

Finding prospective grants and funding agencies

Whether your proposal receives funding will rely in large part on whether your purpose and goals closely match the priorities of granting agencies. Locating possible grantors is a time consuming task, but in the long run it will yield the greatest benefits. Even if you have the most appealing research proposal in the world, if you don’t send it to the right institutions, then you’re unlikely to receive funding.

There are many sources of information about granting agencies and grant programs. Most universities and many schools within universities have Offices of Research, whose primary purpose is to support faculty and students in grant-seeking endeavors. These offices usually have libraries or resource centers to help people find prospective grants.

At UNC, the Research at Carolina office coordinates research support.

The Funding Information Portal offers a collection of databases and proposal development guidance.

The UNC School of Medicine and School of Public Health each have their own Office of Research.

Writing your proposal

The majority of grant programs recruit academic reviewers with knowledge of the disciplines and/or program areas of the grant. Thus, when writing your grant proposals, assume that you are addressing a colleague who is knowledgeable in the general area, but who does not necessarily know the details about your research questions.

Remember that most readers are lazy and will not respond well to a poorly organized, poorly written, or confusing proposal. Be sure to give readers what they want. Follow all the guidelines for the particular grant you are applying for. This may require you to reframe your project in a different light or language. Reframing your project to fit a specific grant’s requirements is a legitimate and necessary part of the process unless it will fundamentally change your project’s goals or outcomes.

Final decisions about which proposals are funded often come down to whether the proposal convinces the reviewer that the research project is well planned and feasible and whether the investigators are well qualified to execute it. Throughout the proposal, be as explicit as possible. Predict the questions that the reviewer may have and answer them. Przeworski and Salomon (1995) note that reviewers read with three questions in mind:

• What are we going to learn as a result of the proposed project that we do not know now? (goals, aims, and outcomes)
• Why is it worth knowing? (significance)
• How will we know that the conclusions are valid? (criteria for success) (2)

Be sure to answer these questions in your proposal. Keep in mind that reviewers may not read every word of your proposal. Your reviewer may only read the abstract, the sections on research design and methodology, the vitae, and the budget. Make these sections as clear and straightforward as possible.

The way you write your grant will tell the reviewers a lot about you (Reif-Lehrer 82). From reading your proposal, the reviewers will form an idea of who you are as a scholar, a researcher, and a person. They will decide whether you are creative, logical, analytical, up-to-date in the relevant literature of the field, and, most importantly, capable of executing the proposed project. Allow your discipline and its conventions to determine the general style of your writing, but allow your own voice and personality to come through. Be sure to clarify your project’s theoretical orientation.

Develop a general proposal and budget

Because most proposal writers seek funding from several different agencies or granting programs, it is a good idea to begin by developing a general grant proposal and budget. This general proposal is sometimes called a “white paper.” Your general proposal should explain your project to a general academic audience. Before you submit proposals to different grant programs, you will tailor a specific proposal to their guidelines and priorities.

Organizing your proposal

Although each funding agency will have its own (usually very specific) requirements, there are several elements of a proposal that are fairly standard, and they often come in the following order:

• Introduction (statement of the problem, purpose of research or goals, and significance of research)

Literature review

• Project narrative (methods, procedures, objectives, outcomes or deliverables, evaluation, and dissemination)
• Budget and budget justification

Format the proposal so that it is easy to read. Use headings to break the proposal up into sections. If it is long, include a table of contents with page numbers.

The title page usually includes a brief yet explicit title for the research project, the names of the principal investigator(s), the institutional affiliation of the applicants (the department and university), name and address of the granting agency, project dates, amount of funding requested, and signatures of university personnel authorizing the proposal (when necessary). Most funding agencies have specific requirements for the title page; make sure to follow them.

The abstract provides readers with their first impression of your project. To remind themselves of your proposal, readers may glance at your abstract when making their final recommendations, so it may also serve as their last impression of your project. The abstract should explain the key elements of your research project in the future tense. Most abstracts state: (1) the general purpose, (2) specific goals, (3) research design, (4) methods, and (5) significance (contribution and rationale). Be as explicit as possible in your abstract. Use statements such as, “The objective of this study is to …”

Introduction

The introduction should cover the key elements of your proposal, including a statement of the problem, the purpose of research, research goals or objectives, and significance of the research. The statement of problem should provide a background and rationale for the project and establish the need and relevance of the research. How is your project different from previous research on the same topic? Will you be using new methodologies or covering new theoretical territory? The research goals or objectives should identify the anticipated outcomes of the research and should match up to the needs identified in the statement of problem. List only the principle goal(s) or objective(s) of your research and save sub-objectives for the project narrative.

Many proposals require a literature review. Reviewers want to know whether you’ve done the necessary preliminary research to undertake your project. Literature reviews should be selective and critical, not exhaustive. Reviewers want to see your evaluation of pertinent works. For more information, see our handout on literature reviews .

Project narrative

The project narrative provides the meat of your proposal and may require several subsections. The project narrative should supply all the details of the project, including a detailed statement of problem, research objectives or goals, hypotheses, methods, procedures, outcomes or deliverables, and evaluation and dissemination of the research.

For the project narrative, pre-empt and/or answer all of the reviewers’ questions. Don’t leave them wondering about anything. For example, if you propose to conduct unstructured interviews with open-ended questions, be sure you’ve explained why this methodology is best suited to the specific research questions in your proposal. Or, if you’re using item response theory rather than classical test theory to verify the validity of your survey instrument, explain the advantages of this innovative methodology. Or, if you need to travel to Valdez, Alaska to access historical archives at the Valdez Museum, make it clear what documents you hope to find and why they are relevant to your historical novel on the ’98ers in the Alaskan Gold Rush.

Clearly and explicitly state the connections between your research objectives, research questions, hypotheses, methodologies, and outcomes. As the requirements for a strong project narrative vary widely by discipline, consult a discipline-specific guide to grant writing for some additional advice.

Explain staffing requirements in detail and make sure that staffing makes sense. Be very explicit about the skill sets of the personnel already in place (you will probably include their Curriculum Vitae as part of the proposal). Explain the necessary skill sets and functions of personnel you will recruit. To minimize expenses, phase out personnel who are not relevant to later phases of a project.

The budget spells out project costs and usually consists of a spreadsheet or table with the budget detailed as line items and a budget narrative (also known as a budget justification) that explains the various expenses. Even when proposal guidelines do not specifically mention a narrative, be sure to include a one or two page explanation of the budget. To see a sample budget, turn to Example #1 at the end of this handout.

Consider including an exhaustive budget for your project, even if it exceeds the normal grant size of a particular funding organization. Simply make it clear that you are seeking additional funding from other sources. This technique will make it easier for you to combine awards down the road should you have the good fortune of receiving multiple grants.

Make sure that all budget items meet the funding agency’s requirements. For example, all U.S. government agencies have strict requirements for airline travel. Be sure the cost of the airline travel in your budget meets their requirements. If a line item falls outside an agency’s requirements (e.g. some organizations will not cover equipment purchases or other capital expenses), explain in the budget justification that other grant sources will pay for the item.

Many universities require that indirect costs (overhead) be added to grants that they administer. Check with the appropriate offices to find out what the standard (or required) rates are for overhead. Pass a draft budget by the university officer in charge of grant administration for assistance with indirect costs and costs not directly associated with research (e.g. facilities use charges).

Furthermore, make sure you factor in the estimated taxes applicable for your case. Depending on the categories of expenses and your particular circumstances (whether you are a foreign national, for example), estimated tax rates may differ. You can consult respective departmental staff or university services, as well as professional tax assistants. For information on taxes on scholarships and fellowships, see https://cashier.unc.edu/student-tax-information/scholarships-fellowships/ .

Explain the timeframe for the research project in some detail. When will you begin and complete each step? It may be helpful to reviewers if you present a visual version of your timeline. For less complicated research, a table summarizing the timeline for the project will help reviewers understand and evaluate the planning and feasibility. See Example #2 at the end of this handout.

For multi-year research proposals with numerous procedures and a large staff, a time line diagram can help clarify the feasibility and planning of the study. See Example #3 at the end of this handout.

Revising your proposal

Strong grant proposals take a long time to develop. Start the process early and leave time to get feedback from several readers on different drafts. Seek out a variety of readers, both specialists in your research area and non-specialist colleagues. You may also want to request assistance from knowledgeable readers on specific areas of your proposal. For example, you may want to schedule a meeting with a statistician to help revise your methodology section. Don’t hesitate to seek out specialized assistance from the relevant research offices on your campus. At UNC, the Odum Institute provides a variety of services to graduate students and faculty in the social sciences.

In your revision and editing, ask your readers to give careful consideration to whether you’ve made explicit the connections between your research objectives and methodology. Here are some example questions:

• Have you presented a compelling case?
• Have you made your hypotheses explicit?
• Does your project seem feasible? Is it overly ambitious? Does it have other weaknesses?
• Have you stated the means that grantors can use to evaluate the success of your project after you’ve executed it?

If a granting agency lists particular criteria used for rating and evaluating proposals, be sure to share these with your own reviewers.

Example #1. Sample Budget

Jet travel $6,100 This estimate is based on the commercial high season rate for jet economy travel on Sabena Belgian Airlines. No U.S. carriers fly to Kigali, Rwanda. Sabena has student fare tickets available which will be significantly less expensive (approximately $2,000).

Maintenance allowance $22,788 Based on the Fulbright-Hays Maintenance Allowances published in the grant application guide.

Research assistant/translator $4,800 The research assistant/translator will be a native (and primary) speaker of Kinya-rwanda with at least a four-year university degree. They will accompany the primary investigator during life history interviews to provide assistance in comprehension. In addition, they will provide commentary, explanations, and observations to facilitate the primary investigator’s participant observation. During the first phase of the project in Kigali, the research assistant will work forty hours a week and occasional overtime as needed. During phases two and three in rural Rwanda, the assistant will stay with the investigator overnight in the field when necessary. The salary of $400 per month is based on the average pay rate for individuals with similar qualifications working for international NGO’s in Rwanda.

Transportation within country, phase one $1,200 The primary investigator and research assistant will need regular transportation within Kigali by bus and taxi. The average taxi fare in Kigali is $6-8 and bus fare is $.15. This figure is based on an average of $10 per day in transportation costs during the first project phase.

Transportation within country, phases two and three $12,000 Project personnel will also require regular transportation between rural field sites. If it is not possible to remain overnight, daily trips will be necessary. The average rental rate for a 4×4 vehicle in Rwanda is $130 per day. This estimate is based on an average of $50 per day in transportation costs for the second and third project phases. These costs could be reduced if an arrangement could be made with either a government ministry or international aid agency for transportation assistance.

Email $720 The rate for email service from RwandaTel (the only service provider in Rwanda) is $60 per month. Email access is vital for receiving news reports on Rwanda and the region as well as for staying in contact with dissertation committee members and advisors in the United States.

Audiocassette tapes $400 Audiocassette tapes will be necessary for recording life history interviews, musical performances, community events, story telling, and other pertinent data.

Photographic & slide film $100 Photographic and slide film will be necessary to document visual data such as landscape, environment, marriages, funerals, community events, etc.

Laptop computer $2,895 A laptop computer will be necessary for recording observations, thoughts, and analysis during research project. Price listed is a special offer to UNC students through the Carolina Computing Initiative.

NUD*IST 4.0 software $373.00 NUD*IST, “Nonnumerical, Unstructured Data, Indexing, Searching, and Theorizing,” is necessary for cataloging, indexing, and managing field notes both during and following the field research phase. The program will assist in cataloging themes that emerge during the life history interviews.

Administrative fee $100 Fee set by Fulbright-Hays for the sponsoring institution.

Example #2: Project Timeline in Table Format

Example #3: Project Timeline in Chart Format

Some closing advice

Some of us may feel ashamed or embarrassed about asking for money or promoting ourselves. Often, these feelings have more to do with our own insecurities than with problems in the tone or style of our writing. If you’re having trouble because of these types of hang-ups, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it never hurts to ask. If you never ask for the money, they’ll never give you the money. Besides, the worst thing they can do is say no.

UNC resources for proposal writing

Research at Carolina http://research.unc.edu

The Odum Institute for Research in the Social Sciences https://odum.unc.edu/

UNC Medical School Office of Research https://www.med.unc.edu/oor

UNC School of Public Health Office of Research http://www.sph.unc.edu/research/

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Holloway, Brian R. 2003. Proposal Writing Across the Disciplines. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Levine, S. Joseph. “Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal.” http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal/ .

Locke, Lawrence F., Waneen Wyrick Spirduso, and Stephen J. Silverman. 2014. Proposals That Work . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Przeworski, Adam, and Frank Salomon. 2012. “Some Candid Suggestions on the Art of Writing Proposals.” Social Science Research Council. https://s3.amazonaws.com/ssrc-cdn2/art-of-writing-proposals-dsd-e-56b50ef814f12.pdf .

Reif-Lehrer, Liane. 1989. Writing a Successful Grant Application . Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Wiggins, Beverly. 2002. “Funding and Proposal Writing for Social Science Faculty and Graduate Student Research.” Chapel Hill: Howard W. Odum Institute for Research in Social Science. 2 Feb. 2004. http://www2.irss.unc.edu/irss/shortcourses/wigginshandouts/granthandout.pdf.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Successful Grant Proposal Examples: The Ultimate List for 2024

Reviewed by:

January 29, 2024

Table of Contents

Writing grant proposals can be a stressful process for many organizations. However, it's also an exciting time for your nonprofit to secure the funds needed to deliver or expand your services.

In this article, we'll dig into successful grant proposal examples to show how you can start winning grant funding for your organization.

By the time you finish reading this, you'll understand the characteristics of successful proposals, examples of grant proposals in a variety of program areas, and know exactly where you can find more sample grant proposals for nonprofit organizations .

Ready? Let's dig in!

Why Should You Find Successful Grant Proposal Examples?

Whether you are a seasoned grant writer or are preparing your first proposal ever, grant writing can be an intimidating endeavor. Grant writing is like any skill in that if you apply yourself, practice, and practice some more, you are sure to increase your ability to write compelling proposals.

Successful grant proposals not only convey the great idea you have for your organization but convince others to get excited about the future you envision. Many follow similar structures and developing a process that works best for your writing style can help make the task of preparing proposals much easier.

In addition to showing what to and not to do, finding successful grant proposals can help you see significant trends and structures that can help you develop your grant writing capabilities.

Insights Straight To Your Inbox

What characteristics make a grant proposal successful.

"Grant writing is science, but it's not rocket science." - Meredith Noble

There's a lot that goes into creating a successful grant proposal. If you're feeling overwhelmed, Meredith Noble, grant writing expert, shares a straightforward step-by-step process to win funding.

1. Successful grant proposals have a clear focus.

Your first step when searching for funds is to clearly understand why you need those funds and what they will accomplish. Funders want to invest in programs they believe will be successful and impactful.

In your proposals, you want to instill confidence in your organization's commitment to the issue, dedication to the communities you serve, and capacity to fulfill the proposed grant activities.

Some questions that you may want to consider include:

• Are you looking for funds to establish a new program, launch a pilot project, or expand an existing program?
• Will your proposed program be finished in a year, or will it take multiple years to achieve your goal?
• Who is involved in your program, and who will benefit from its success?
• What problem will the proposed program address, and how is that solution unique?
• What are the specific, tangible goals that you hope to accomplish with the potential grant award?

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2. Successful grant proposals are supported with relevant data.

Before starting your grant proposal, you want to take the time to do your research and make sure that your action plan is realistic and well-supported with data. By presenting yourself as capable and knowledgeable with reliable data, a thorough action plan, and a clear understanding of the subject matter.

It can also be beneficial to include data that your organization has collected to show program impacts and staff successes. Conduct regular analysis of program activities, grant deliverables, and collect success stories from clients and community members.

Some tips for when you collect your grant research :

• Make sure that you gather data from reputable sources. For example, at government sites such as Data.Census.gov , the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for demographic data, or the U.S. Small Business, Explore Census Data Administration for industry analyses.

• Include diverse data. There may be some statistics where the numbers are enough to grab the reader's attention; other times, it may be helpful to have illustrations, graphs, or maps.
• In addition to quantitative data, qualitative data such as a story from an impacted community member may be extremely compelling.
• Make sure that the data you include is relevant. Throwing random numbers or statistics into the proposal does not make it impressive. All of the included data should directly support the main point of your proposal.
• You may find it useful to log important notes around what data you want to include in your grant proposal using a grant tracking tool such as Instrumentl .

By the way, check out our post on grant statistics after you finish this one!

3. Successful grant proposals are well-organized

Make sure to pay close attention to all of the requirements that a potential funder includes in their grant details and/or request for proposals (RFP). Your submission and all accompanying attachments, which may also include any graphs and illustrations, should adhere precisely to these guidelines.

Frequently the RFP or grant description will include directions for dividing and organizing your proposal. If, however, it does not, it is still best practice to break your proposal into clear sections with concise headings. You can include a table of contents with page numbers as well.

Standard grant proposal sections include:

• Proposal Summary: Also called the Executive Summary, this is a very brief statement (1-3 paragraphs) that explains your proposal and specifically states the amount of funding requested.
• Project Narrative: The bulk of your proposal, the Project Narrative, will do most of the work introducing your organization, the program, and describing your project. - Organization History: Who you are, what you do, where and how you do it. - Statement of the Problem: Background information on the problem and how it will be solved through the grant. - Project Description: Detailed explanation of the program you intend to implement with the grant, including a detailed timeline.
• Budget and Budget Justification: A breakdown of the project resources into specific budget categories, the amount allocated to each category, and appropriate reasons for that breakdown.

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4. Successful grant proposals are tailored to the funder.

In addition to finding the basic details on the funding opportunity and application guidelines, you should also look into the funder, their giving priorities, and history.

Funders are much more likely to select your organization among others if they clearly understand and empathize with your cause and recognize the impact your work has in the community.

For more details on establishing meaningful relationships with funders, check out our article on How to Approach and Build Grant Funder Relationships .

The first step in determining whether a funding opportunity is a good fit, do some research to ensure your organization's programs and financial needs meet the funder’s interests and resources.

A few questions to ask include:

• What are the organization’s values, written mission, and goals?
• How is what you want to do aligned with the overall mission of this agency?
• Do their giving priorities match with the vision of your proposed program?
• Will this grant cover the entire cost of your program, or will you need to find additional funds?
• Does the grant timeline meet the budget needs of your organization?
• Are there other considerations that might be useful for us to know in preparing your application?

5. Successful grant proposals are proofread!

If you have been in the grant writing game for any extended period of time, chances are that you’ve dealt with tight deadlines. Nonprofit staff often have a lot on their plates, and if you happen to find an attractive funding opportunity when there’s only a handful of days before its deadline, it may be difficult to walk away.

It is crucial to plan an appropriate amount of time to review and proofread your proposal. Grammar mistakes can make or break your submission and they are easy to fix.

General strategies for editing your proposal include:

• Use one of the many available grammar-checking software such as Grammarly or GrammarCheck.me . These online tools are often free to use and can help you quickly and accurately review your work.

• Ask other members of your team to peer-review the proposal. It is especially important to have staff working on or who are directly impacted by the program proposed to ensure everyone is on the same page. Additionally, these staff members have the most information about the program's implementation and can catch inconsistency or unrealistic promises in the proposal.
• It is also helpful to ask someone unfamiliar with your program and the subject matter discussed in the proposal. Sometimes the grant reviewer may not have the same level of knowledge you or your staff have about the subject matter, and so you want to ensure you stay away from overly-specific jargon and undefined acronyms.
• Read through it (again!). A final read-through, maybe out loud, after all the edits have been made, can help you catch overlooked mistakes or inconsistencies in the proposal.

If you're looking to start building your own nonprofit financial statement and nonprofit membership application, get started quickly by using our Nonprofit Financial Statement Template and Nonprofit Membership Application Template . The template is made in Canva, an an easy-to-use creative design tool. You can jump right in, change colors, add your logo, and adjust the copy so it fits your brand.Why start from scratch when you can use one of our templates?

The Ultimate List of Grant Proposal Examples

As stated early on in the article, every grant proposal is unique. We have curated a list of sample grants for various types of projects or nonprofit organizations. This list is in no way exhaustive, but several examples cover common program designs and focus areas that receive philanthropic support through grants.

Research Grant Proposal Samples

Finding a grant opportunity to fund research can be a challenge. These types of grants are typically intensive and require in-depth expertise, a proposed research design, explanation of methodology, project timelines, and evidence of the principal investigator(s) qualifications.

The following are examples of grant proposals in support of research projects or studies.

Harvard University - Proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2009) :

Researchers at Harvard University proposed to research the “growth of policies in the United States around the use of genomic science in medicine and racial identity.”

For grants focused on research, it is important to ensure that the proposal can be understood by different kinds of stakeholders. While the research may be very specific and require some expertise to understand, the purpose and need for the research undertaken should be able to be understood by anyone.

For example, being cognizant of jargon and when it is and isn’t appropriate to use is incredibly important when developing a research grant proposal.

This proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, while very detailed and specific, still lays out the intent of the proposal in laymans terms and includes the appropriate amount of detail while ensuring that a broader audience can read and understand the request and purpose of the study.

Northwestern University - Annotated Grant Proposal Sample (2016)

For individuals or organizations who are interested in developing a great grant proposal in support of a research project, Northwestern University has a catalog of grant proposal samples with annotations denoting notable strengths and weaknesses of the application.

Linked above is one such example, a grant proposal in support of a project titled “Understanding the Stability of Barium-Containing Ceramic Glazes”. Review Northwestern University’s catalog of sample proposals here for additional guidance and inspiration.

Clinical Trial Grant Proposal Sample

Clinical trials are important research projects that test medical, behavioral, or surgical inventions to prove or disprove hypotheses about their efficacy. These trials are an important component of scientific and medical advancement. Oftentimes, hospitals or research institutions require robust funding from grants to initiate a trial of this kind.

While clinical trials are highly specific and require a great deal of expert input to develop, reviewing a grant proposal sample can help you prepare should your nonprofit organization decide to pursue a funding opportunity of this kind.

University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Clinical and Translational Science – NIH Grant R Series Samples :

If your nonprofit organization is seeking funding for a clinical trial, a great place to begin for tools and resources is the University of Alabama’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science.

The Center’s website has several sample proposals submitted to the National Institutes of Health . For professionals hoping to submit a grant proposal in support of a clinical trial, you may find one among these excellent examples that aligns closely with your work and can guide the grant development process.

Community Garden Grant Proposal Sample

Community gardens are idyllic cornerstones of their neighborhoods, cultivating lush, green spaces where residents can build a thriving community. Some community gardens are run by nonprofits such as land trusts or are born out of special projects initiated by nonprofit organizations.

Either way, to ensure the sustainability of local community gardens, gardeners and community garden managers may need to apply for funding through grant opportunities. Below is just one grant proposal sample in support of a community garden that may help you develop your own winning community garden grant application.

Stockton University – Community Garden 2020 Proposal :

This grant proposal submitted on behalf of Stockton University does an excellent job of illustrating the success of their community garden project and justifies the need for funding to sustain the momentum of the project going forward.

This proposal is also visually compelling and well-designed, incorporating photos and color schemes that directly evoke the image of a flourishing community garden. Ensuring your proposal document is easy to read and incorporates a strong layout and design can sometimes make or break an otherwise strong proposal that is being judged in a competitive pool of applicants. Strong design elements can set your proposal apart and make it shine!

Government Grant Proposal Samples

Government grants are some of the most complex and challenging funding opportunities that a person can come across. Funding from government entities is allocated from tax-payer dollars, and as such the government employs strict requirements and rigorous oversight over the grantmaking process.

Having a successful template or sample in hand can help position you for success when you need help applying for a government grant.

National Endowment for the Humanities - Challenge Grant Proposal Narrative Sample :

Developing a grant narrative is a challenge regardless of the opportunity. Government grants, which require very specific detail, can pose an even greater challenge than most opportunities. Linked here is a successfully funded project of the Alexandria Archive Institute, Inc . through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

This project is a great example of how to develop a grant narrative that successfully addresses the stringent requirements associated with grant proposals. Note how each section is laid out, the double spacing, citations, and other key elements that are required in a government proposal to adhere to specific standards.

Even though this is a great example, also be aware that every government agency is different and while this proposal was a successful application for the NEH, other agencies may have different requirements including specific narrative sections, attachments and work plans, among other key items.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – City of Pleasantville Clean School Bus, Clean Snow Removal Trucks and Clean Bulldozers Project Proposal Sample :

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers an example grant for potential grantees to review. This sample proposal envisions a project by a local municipality to procure buses, snow removal trucks, and bulldozers that produce less emissions thereby decreasing air pollution in the region. This sample proposal is a great guide for developing a compelling narrative and weaving in evidence-based data and information to support throughout.

Conference Grant Proposal Sample

Conferences are an important aspect of a nonprofit or educational institution's operations. Conferences can help bring together like minded individuals across sectors to find solutions and sharpen their skills, and they can facilitate the formation of powerful coalitions and advocacy groups.

Identifying funding for conferences can be difficult, and requires a thoughtful, strategic approach to achieve success. Following a template or grant proposal sample can help guide you through the application process and strengthen your chances of submitting a successful application.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – American Urological Associations Quality Improvement Summit :

This sample proposal provides an extensive template to follow for writing a successful conference grant proposal. The proposal follows an easily understood, structured narrative, and includes a detailed budget and key personnel profiles that will help anyone applying for grant support strengthen their chances of developing a high-quality application.

Dance Grant Proposal Sample

There are countless arts and cultural nonprofit organizations in the United States. According to Americans for the Arts , there are over 113,000 organizations (nonprofit or otherwise) devoted to promoting arts and culture in communities throughout the country—including dance.

Whether a theater that focuses on dance performance or a studio that teaches beginners how to appreciate the art form, there are a variety of dance-focused nonprofits that exist. Identifying strong grant proposal samples for dance-focused organizations or projects can be helpful as you work to help your dance program grow and gain revenue.

Mass Cultural Council – Dance/Theater Project Grant Sample :

This is an example proposal for an interactive dance/theatrical puppet project that focuses on engaging families. While this example captures a very unique and specific project, it also provides a good example of how to craft a case statement , write a strong project description, and develop a detailed project budget.

Daycare Grant Proposal Sample

In the United States, daycares are a vital component of childhood development, but unfortunately many families are unable to access them due to cost or accessibility. Studies show that in 2020 alone, over 57% of working families spent more than $10,000 on childcare while 51% U.S. residents live in regions classified as “childcare deserts”.

Given this, nonprofit daycares are vital to supporting future generations and providing accessible and affordable childcare for parents throughout the country. Many nonprofit daycares rely on generous funding through grants. Nonprofit day care professionals can use all the help they can get to submit winning proposals and sustain their daycare’s operations.

Relying on a high-quality grant proposal sample or template can be a huge help when working on a grant application or writing a proposal in support of a daycare.

AWE - Digital Learning Solutions – Grant Proposal Template :

While not a straightforward grant proposal sample, this grant template provides detailed guidance and helpful examples of how to respond to common questions and how to craft essential elements of a grant proposal focused on childcare and childhood development.

For example, the template provides easy to understand steps and bulleted lists for every key component of the grant proposal including a case statement, organizational capacity and information, project sustainability, project budget, and project evaluation.

Literacy Grant Proposal Sample

Promoting literacy is a very common mission for nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and the world. Literacy projects and programs are typically provided by educational institutions or education focused nonprofits.

In fact, according to the Urban Institute , Education focused nonprofits made up 17.2% of all public charities. With numbers like these, it can be helpful to gain insights from a grant proposal sample that will help you win grants and grow your organization.

Suburban Council of International Literacy (Reading) Association “Simply Reading” – Grant Proposal Sample :

This sample proposal to the Suburban Council of International Literacy (Reading) Association (SCIRA) is a great example of a strongly developed narrative that makes a powerful case for how fostering a love for reading among young students can result in improved educational outcomes. This helpful guide provides a framework for drafting a high-quality grant narrative while also giving examples of other key proposal elements such as a project budget.

Successful Educational Grant Proposals

Educational programming can be highly diverse in its delivery. Check out these examples of successful grant proposals for education to help you get started winning funds for your next educational program.

Kurzweil Educational Systems : In addition to this being a successful grant proposal, this example also includes detailed explanations of each section and provides useful guidelines that can help you frame your proposal.

Salem Education Foundation : This foundation has posted a sample application of a school seeking funding for increasing youth enrichment opportunities for their annual grant.

This is a great example for funding opportunities that ask specific questions about your organization and the proposed project instead of requesting a general proposal or narrative.

Successful Youth Grant Proposals

These examples of grant proposals for youth programs can help you tap into one of the largest categories of charitable dollars.

Family Service Association (FSA): This example of a grant proposal that is well-written and comprehensive. It is for a community block grant focused on youth development to expand services and cover staff salaries.

The Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA): This is a sample produced by the national office of the BGCA to assist local branches in securing funds for youth programming and expanding services.

Successful Health-Related Grant Proposals

There is a large amount of funding for health-related initiatives, from healthcare grants to individuals, operational support for organizations or clinicians, and supporting researchers advancing the field. These sample grants give a bit of insight into this diverse sphere.

Centerville Community Center : Follow this link to read a grant to support community-based programming to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease prevention. This proposal does a great job of breaking down the project description, proposed activities, tracking measures, and timeline.

Prevention Plus Wellness : This is a sample grant proposal for nonprofit organizations to assist those looking to secure funds to address substance use and wellness programming for youth and young adults.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID): The NIAID has released several examples of proposal applications and scientific research grant proposal samples that successfully secured funding for scientific research related to healthcare.

Other Successful Grant Proposals

Of the over 1.6 million nonprofit organizations in the United States , your funding requests may fall out of the three general categories described above. We have included additional grants that may help meet your diverse needs.

Kennett Area Senior Center : Submitted to a local community foundation, this proposal requests funding between the range of $1,000 to $10,000 to provide critical services and assistance to local seniors.

In addition to being very detailed in describing the program details it also carefully describes the problem to be addressed.

Region 2 Arts Council: This comprehensive grant proposal requests funds to support an artist to continue expanding their skills and professional experience. This is a useful example for individual grants or scholarships for professional or scholastic opportunities in supported fields.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church: This is an excellent example of a faith-based organization’s proposal to secure funds for a capital project to repair their building. The framing of this proposal and the language in the narrative can be used to help shape proposal letters to individual donors and to foundations, which can be especially useful for faith-based organizations or other groups looking to secure funds.

Tips to Get More Successful Grant Proposal Examples

If you are interested in finding more grant proposal examples, especially those directly related to your organization's priorities and service area, you can look at a few places.

1st: Foundation Websites

Sometimes a foundation will include past proposal submissions publicly on the website. These are especially useful if you are seeking grants from the organization. You can see exactly what kind of proposals they found compelling enough to fund and see if there are any trends in their structure or language.

2nd: Online Tools and Workshops

Sites like the Community Tool Box or Non-Profit Guides offer free online resources for organizations working to support healthier communities and support social change. They provide helpful advice for new nonprofits and provide a whole suite of sample grants to help you start winning grants step by step.

You may also be able to ask other members of the Instrumentl community for their past successful grant proposals by attending our next live workshop. Hundreds of grant proposals attend these every few weeks. To RSVP, go here .

3rd: Collect your own! 

As you start submitting grants, you are also creating a collection of sample grants tailored to your subject area. Every response offers an invaluable learning opportunity that can help you strengthen your grant writing skills.

Perhaps there are similarities among proposals that do exceptionally well. If a submission is rejected, ask for feedback or a score breakdown. Then, you may be able to see what areas need improvement for the future. Read our post on grant writing best practices for more on how to evaluate your past proposals.

Wrapping Things Up: Successful Grant Proposal Examples

Grant writing is a skill that anyone can learn. And as you begin to build your skills and prepare to write your next proposal, let these examples of successful grant proposals act as a guide to successful grant writing. Don’t however mistake a useful example as the ultimate guide to winning a grant for your organization.

Make sure to keep your unique mission, vision, and voice in the proposal!

Are you ready to get started? ‍

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WTO / Business / Proposals / 35 Successful Grant Proposal Examples (How to Write)

35 Successful Grant Proposal Examples (How to Write)

A grant proposal is a written request to an organization or government for financial assistance for ordinarily a non-profit project but can also be for a profit project.

Once the proposal is approved and the grantee selected, the grantor becomes a partner aiming to achieve the goals laid out in the proposal. In most cases, the proposal must be aligned with the grantor’s interests. It should be an influential and very well-upheld archive for change.

A grant is a non-refundable financial assistance (gift, bounty, subsidy, or contribution) given by an organization, government, or individual for a specific purpose.

It is typically given through a selection process to an eligible recipient (grantee) who satisfies the set conditions for selection. Common grantees are children, organizations, environmentalists, human and animal life, social justice activists, etc.

Grant Proposal Examples

Reviewing successful grant proposal examples can improve your writing skills when it comes to requests for grants. Winning examples are great sources to note formats, persuasive tone, keywords, and structure. Most grantors have specific requirements to align the request with the requirements. You can learn the technique by reviewing one the grantor in question has previously approved.

Types of Grants

You can request diverse types of grants from organizations or governments, depending on how they intend to use the funding. 

Some of the commonly known types are:

Operating support or unrestricted funding

Also referred to as general operating grants, they are awarded to cover operational expenses (administrative costs such as salaries, rent and utility bills, and overhead expenses) within an organization. The utilization of these is not restricted, hence the name, and they are not devoted to a particular project or purpose. They offer maximum flexibility and are the rarest type of grant.

Capital support

Capital support grants are funds given for specific capital investments. Such investments include the construction of new facilities, renovation, and remodeling of existing buildings, land acquisition, and the purchase of costly equipment. Thus, they are sometimes referred to as brick-and-mortar grants.

Program development grants or restricted funding

Program and project grants or restricted grants are the most common types of grants. As the name suggests, program and project grants are more restrictive and can only be used for the purpose specified in the grant proposal. The purpose is usually to create, support, or develop or grow programs or projects you request.

Myths About Non-Profit Grants

There are multiple factors that revolve around the requesting and awarding of grants. The most common myths are:

Grantors operate like charities with gifts

Although grantors have significant sums of money available to award out there, it is not given to anybody who asks for it. Instead, applicants must work for the grants so that the most suitable candidate is awarded. To ensure this is achieved, grantors usually set demanding requirements that applicants must meet.

Grants are only awarded to big NPOs

There are different types and sizes of grants that entities can apply for; therefore, even small entities can request them. In addition, there are no restrictions as to who can request it.

It is intricate and challenging to attain

There is a lot to take into account when coming up with an excellent and persuasive grant that will ensure you get the grant, and it is not impossible or limited to particular people. Once you learn the basics and follow the guidelines given by the grantor, you can increase your chances of getting it.

Pre-Writing Considerations

Before commencing the writing process, there are several things you ought to investigate. Firstly, getting a clear understanding of how grants work should be a priority. You can consult with mentors, professors, previous grant recipients, trusted advisers, and the granting organization to learn more about awards and how to apply for one successfully.

Other pre-writing considerations include:

• Entities and individuals seeking grants should come up with a project and develop objectives and actionable plans that outline what they should do and the reason behind the task.
• Determine how the grant will be used to obtain positive results from the intended use.
• Research and list organizations that fund projects for the type of project or actionable plan previously developed.
• Select the organization(s) to be requested for the grant and determine if their mission and vision align with the project’s objectives.
• Review the guidelines put in place by the awarding agency or organization.
• Look for samples related to similar projects or those submitted to the awarding agency and examine them for tips on how to incorporate them.

9-Steps to Excellent Grant Proposal Writing

The writing process can sometimes be lengthy, especially if there is no adequate planning. However, with enough preparation, writing a grant proposal should not be a complicated task.

In addition to planning, the guide below can be used to develop an excellent one:

Write a strong cover letter. When writing the cover letter, keep it short (three to four paragraphs), precise (amount needed, purpose, and reasons why you deserve the grant), and relatable to the reader. You should avoid repetition and compare yourself to other applicants.

Start with a brief executive summary that introduces the applicant and states what they are trying to accomplish. The executive summary should be kept brief while presenting a complete set of ideas about the request and the project at hand to the grantor. The summary can be a couple of sentences, with one page being the maximum.

Introduce the applicant. This section is meant to prove that the applicant has the ability and capacity to meet all the deliverables in execution, legal, quality, and safety obligations. Therefore, you should be objective and focus on convincing the grantor why you deserve the grant. Avoid going into too much detail to stay objective. Also, try to link your mission or goals to those of the grantor as much as possible.

Write a precise problem statement. This section will always require extensive research to prove that the solution you offer makes a difference compared to other solutions aimed at the same problem. The problem statement uses comparable data that shows how one solution is translated into positive outcomes. It should also show a sense of urgency and be objective—talk about the main problem without diverting.

Outline the goals and objectives of the project. Goals are more broad statements of what you want to do, while objectives are more definite statements of intention with measurable outcomes or results and a time frame. Remember, goals and objectives are not processes but rather measurable outcomes.

Describe the project. Outline what the project entails. This section should highlight all the moving parts of the project. Including a logic model using graphical representations of the project is an efficient way of achieving this. Ensure to illustrate how the different components are interconnected; it helps the grantor understand the project better. Moreover, your timeline should be specific and detailed about who will do what and when.

Outline the monitoring process or key performance indicators. This information shows that the success of the project can be measured at specific milestones and completions. When writing the proposal, define the internal and external evaluation procedures of the project explicitly to avoid ambiguity. 

Indicate additional funding sources and sustainability. Outline any other sources of funding (expected or already received). Additionally, grantors consider the sustainability of a project. Grant proposals for projects that have long-term benefits are more likely to be selected. Therefore, illustrating how your project is sustainable can be a significant boost towards receiving the grant. Also, indicate if the funding required will be a one-time request or progressive.

Provide the project budget. At this point, justify the amount quoted. Demonstrate the services and products that will have a monetary impact. Avoid overcharging or underquoting because this might be seen as greed and might affect the quality of deliverables. Round off numbers to create a more comprehensive budget. Accuracy should be a priority, so carry out cost research thoroughly before quoting a service or product’s price.

Components of a Grant Proposal

A well-written proposal should contain specific essential components. Regardless of the format, these components are typically included, as they will cater to most of the requirements needed by grantors.

The basic components are:

Cover letter

A cover letter contains personal traits and accomplishments that can persuade the awarding committee to review an applicant’s grant proposal. Cover letters can be formal or less formal, depending on the situation.

Executive summary

The executive summary/abstract is a concise synopsis of the overall grant proposal. It introduces the applicant and outlines the proposal, project goals, and use of the money.

Information of the applicant/organization’s qualification

The applicant’s introduction should entail pertinent information that the grantor can use to have a clear picture of who they will be awarding the grant. The information included in this section includes history, mission, infrastructure, biography of crucial staff, business track record, client recommendations, feedback from customers, experience, etc.

Problem/need statement

Also referred to as the statement of need or needs statement. The problem statement indicates a problem existing in one’s community and aims to resolve the problem. A well-crafted problem statement incorporates quantitative data.

Project description 

The project description gives an overall understanding of what the project entails: staff members, services or products, location or region, deliverables, etc.

Objectives and outcomes

Every project ought to have goals/objectives and outcomes for it to qualify as a worthwhile proposal. Objectives can be defined as what the project is meant to achieve. Objectives and outcomes ought to be SMART—measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. In addition, the goals and outcomes should connect with the audience (the community).

Program plan/design

This section addresses “how” you intend to achieve the set objectives. The information to be provided includes new recruitments, additional facilities, support services to be acquired, and methods and strategies that will be used to ensure the applicant meets the deliverables. Also includes aspects such as effective time management, discipline, and methodologies that will influence the quality of the outcomes.

Target audience

The grant proposal should clearly illustrate to whom the project is meant to benefit. Information, such as demographic criteria, can be provided to further clarify the target audience. Statistical data, such as exact figures or percentages of people in a region the project will benefit from, can also be used.

Evaluation plan

The evaluation plan indicates how you will track the progress of the project to ensure the set objectives are met. The proposal should show the timeframe of evaluation, milestones, criteria for quality measurement, requirements such as costs and skills for evaluation, and the designated person to carry out evaluations. The evaluation plan should be progressive, such that it demonstrates how success will be measured from a certain point at a specific time in the future.

Project budget

The project budget is a significant consideration. List all the services and products that will be acquired and the cost implications of each. A reasonable budget ought to have its items well described and quantified. In addition, the proposal should have a budget inclusive of indirect costs as they influence the outcomes.

Sustained impact and expectations from the project

A grant proposal can also look into the long-term impacts of the project or campaign. This section can provide a strong blueprint for the organization’s vision for the next 5 or 10 years. This section can also include projected costs subjected to inflation, potential future growth, ongoing training, decommission expenses, and the final stage of the project life cycle.

Supporting documents

Grant proposals can have supporting documents attached to support your case further. Such documents include letters of support, proof of 501 (c) status, personal resumes, a list of board of directors, tax-exempt IRS letters, etc.

Grant Proposal Examples- by Types

In case you require these documents in different categories or types, you can browse the free library of them that we have provided below for your additional ease and assistance:

General Tips for Writing a Grant Proposal

Below are some tips to assist anyone in writing a winning grant proposal:

Pay heed to the agency’s interest

Most grantors will be looking for specific keywords or items during the review process. Therefore, it is vital to note this and incorporate it into the proposal, especially in today’s world where reviews can be done automatically. However, avoid using too many of the keywords (overstuffing).

Collect the entire data

Carry out extensive research on the problem and solution the project addresses and make statements or proposals based on this data. Factual representation of information is key to persuading agencies to award grants.

Customize your proposal

Make the proposal more reader-friendly and personalized. When writing to different agencies, ensure to customize the proposal to resemble the agencies’ interests, expectations, and guidelines; these vary between agencies. As much as you can borrow items from one proposal and use them on another, avoid reusing the same document. Customizing a proposal will often require a bit of research.

Organize ideas with a numbered list

It is recommended that when you are listing items, you number them, as it improves the proposal presentation and makes it easier for the reader to skim, which might come in handy during the review process.

Do not be generic

A lack of precision (generalization) can hurt your chances of getting a grant. Remain specific to the grant and the project when writing the proposal.

Be clear and concise

Be direct and to the point. Grant proposals are not novels of what is going to happen; therefore, they should include only relevant information that the grantor can use to decide whether to award the grant or not.

Review and get a fresh perspective

Once completed, review it to ensure it is written from a perspective that can be understood by someone not involved in the same industry. Reducing or removing jargon and abbreviations can be helpful to the reader. Alternatively, have a third party review the proposal and ask them to give feedback.

Double-check the application

Look for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, calculations, and due dates before preparing the final draft. Also, check the formatting and supporting documents. Finally, review the document on whether it has met the grantor’s specifications.

Character limits, font size, page numbers, etc.

Key Takeaways

• A grant proposal is defined as a formal written request for funds to carry out a profit or non-profit project or campaign.
• Its essential elements are a cover letter, title page, abstract/introduction, institutional background, problem statement, project goals and objectives, implementation plan, evaluation plan, other funding and sustainability, project budget, and supporting documents.
• Research is part and parcel of writing a winning grant proposal.
• Writing one does not have to be intricate if you are willing to research and abide by the grantor’s guidelines.
• There are different types and sizes of grants: general operating, program and project grants, capacity-building grants, capital grants, endowment grants, matching grants, etc.
• Applicants can request grants from more than one agency at the same time.

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10 Steps to Writing a Winning HRSA Grant Proposal

When a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funding opportunity is announced, it’s easy to come up with excuses not to apply. If you’ve never submitted before, the process can seem daunting. Plus, you’re a PA educator, so you’re probably already stretched pretty thin.

But HRSA grants are an unparalleled resource; one that every PA program could benefit from. So to help demystify the process, we went straight to the source — the four most recent HRSA grant recipients — to get their advice on what it takes to write a successful proposal.

 1.  Be ready to pounce. When the last HRSA grant call was released, it was over the winter holiday. Imperfect timing to be sure, especially considering applicants only had two months to submit. Just one example of why it helps to prep in advance.

“It is important to begin planning now for grant writing,” said PAEA’s Chief Policy Officer and Head of Research Tony Miller, MEd, PA-C. “This includes developing ideas and potential partnerships.”

Director of Grants & Operations at Red Rocks Community College Kristin Aslan agrees. The institution’s PA program successfully submitted a proposal that aims to advance the Patient-Centered Medical Home model in Colorado. “Partnerships that would support the project’s success were in place and supported through letters of commitment,” she noted.

A number of grantees will soon be coming off a 5-year grant cycle, so PAEA expects a significant amount of funding to be available next year. You can consider this a major heads-up.

2.  Use your resources (Psst, that’s us!). When she first applied for HRSA grants, Upstate Medical University’s Sandra Banas, MST, RPA-C, didn’t expect she’d be funded. Instead, she looked at it as a learning opportunity. To prepare, Banas payed close attention during a PAEA grant-writing webinar, led by Miller and Dave Keahey, MSPH, PA-C, who had previously served on a HRSA advisory committee. “I still have the notes from the webinar,” she said. And what do you know ― her first grants were ultimately funded.

PAEA will again be offering webinars early this fall along with a grant-writing Pando TM workshop at this year’s Education Forum.

 3.  Remember there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Idaho State University’s PA program was recently awarded a HRSA grant for their Pipeline to Diversity project. Program Director Paula Phelps, MHE, PA-C, said she and her team built upon material that they had already developed for a PAEA workshop presentation.

“I think one of the things that made it successful was that we weren’t starting from scratch,” Phelps said. “We had the basis of what we already wanted to do.”

 4.  Think big but not too big. Phelps had written HRSA grant proposals before, but they’d been declined. Why does she think this one was successful? “I think that in the past we were only looking at a small slice, just Spanish language acquisition,” she said. “It didn’t have as much of a far-reaching emphasis.”  

With that said, there’s a fine line to tow. Aslan said she believes Red Rocks’ proposal was successful because “the outcomes were ambitious yet realistic and measurable.”

 5.  Who’s HRSA again? Banas said that, when writing a grant, she always keeps the mission statement of the sponsor in mind. Here’s HRSA’s: “To improve health and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative programs.”

 6.  Get to the point. Banas has an impressive track record; all four HRSA grant proposals she’s submitted have been funded (the most recent for continuity of care clinical curriculum). So what’s her secret?

“You want to make sure you’re organized and very attentive to clarity and details,” she said.

She begins by reviewing the reviewer criteria that’s listed in the Funding Opportunity Announcement. Each criterion is assigned a point value. Not only does Banas make sure to articulate those points, she does so in the beginning of the section because, simply, “I know grant reviewers get tired while reading.”

Aslan added an additional suggestion: “Use a logic model to develop your plan, and make sure anything in your budget ties back to the logic model.”

 7.  But don’t sacrifice passion for points. Have you ever said to yourself, “I’d love to do this with our program, if only I had the money?” That’s what you should write your grant about.

“A year ago this was a pipe dream. It was like, ‘Gosh, wouldn’t it be great if we could do this?’” Phelps recalled. “And so we started looking at what it would take.”

She recommends following an idea you’re really passionate about. “It’s not just about getting the money to say, ‘I got a HRSA grant to do X,Y,Z,’” Phelps said. “It’s ‘What do I really care about?’ and ‘How would federal dollars help us achieve that goal?’ because it will never be enough money.”

 8.  Write away. Three  people contributed to the Idaho State grant proposal, but Phelps worked to meld them into one consistent and cohesive voice. “It was honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever edited,” she said. 

“If there is time, have someone less familiar with the project read your proposal,” suggested Aslan.

This past grant cycle, LeMoyne College was awarded funding for its Primary Care Enhancement Initiative. Program Director Mary Springston, MSEd, PA-C, relied on a professor in her department who is a “flowery writer” to finesse the language and “make it sound beautiful.”

 9.  Close the door, clear the calendar. Banas said writing a grant isn’t something you can do in 15-minute increments here and there. She put in many evening and weekend hours.

“I think that’s the biggest challenge,” Banas said. “As PA educators we’re all so busy, and you’re pulled in so many directions, so it’s trying to find the time.”

Springston agreed. “It does take time, and I think that’s the most intimidating part,” she said. “You need to be able to shut your door and write and let the whole world go on.”

10. Think long game. “I really encourage people to do it because, unless you actually put the time in, you’re never going to know,” Banas said.

Plus, even if your proposal isn’t accepted, you can use the negative feedback you receive from the reviewers to make the next one stronger.

“I would recommend writing grants to anybody,” Springston said. “It’s a lot of work to get started, but it’s so worth it.”

Marsea Nelson

Related news & alerts.

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6 Grants Manager Resume Examples and Templates for Your Successful 2024’s Job Search

Our Resumes are featured in

• • Managed financial and administrative operations for multiple sponsored research projects, ensuring compliance with University and sponsor policies.
• • Developed and monitored budgets for pre- and post-award phases, leading to accurately forecasted expenditures.
• • Collaborated with faculty to prepare proposals and submit them through internal systems, meeting strict deadlines.
• • Approved and reconciled invoices, purchase orders, and travel expenses, maintaining accountability and proper documentation.
• • Generated monthly financial reports for faculty members, providing insights on budget status and future projections.
• • Successfully coordinated joint projects and subawards, resulting in enhanced interdisciplinary research collaborations.
• • Assisted in the preparation and submission of grant proposals, including budgets and justifications.
• • Maintained regular communication with principal investigators, providing financial guidance and support.
• • Monitored grant expenditures, ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor regulations.
• • Played a key role in managing effort certification processes, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• • Conducted financial reconciliations and analyses, enabling informed decision-making for research funding.
• • Supported finance team in managing budgeting and forecasting activities.
• • Performed account reconciliations and assisted with financial reporting.
• • Assisted in processing expense reports and tracking expenditures.
• • Participated in the preparation of financial documents for grant submissions.

The heart of many successful nonprofit and research projects beats with the dedication of a Grants Manager. These professionals are the unsung heroes who fuel initiatives with the necessary financial oxygen. Without their diligence, countless life-changing programs would struggle to take flight.

Grants Managers must wield skills in financial acumen and project management deftly. They are valued for their ability to secure funding, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with grant requirements. Your Grants Manager resume must reflect these critical abilities, highlighting both your strategic vision and precision in execution.

Senior Grants Manager Resume Example

Senior Grants Managers are responsible for overseeing and administering funding applications and ensuring compliance with all grant requirements in your organization. Your resume should highlight experiences in grant writing, budget management, deadline adherence, and strategic planning. Expertise in financial software, database management, and grant-specific technologies are crucial hard skills to feature. Remember to showcase soft skills like communication, leadership, and relationship-building, as these are equally important. Above all, make sure your resume demonstrates a clear track record of successful grant submissions and management, as this will be a significant indicator of your capabilities.

Assistant Grants Manager Resume Example

An Assistant Grants Manager is in charge of helping secure and manage funds from grants for the company. Your resume should list tasks like preparing grant proposals, tracking application processes, and collaborating with project teams. Highlight hard skills like proficiency in grant management software, budget analysis, and data reporting. Also, add soft skills such as strong communication, teamwork, and time management. Always remember, your resume should focus on showcasing your ability to support and enhance the company's grant funding strategy.

Grants Program Manager Resume Example

Grants Program Managers in companies oversee funding opportunities, ensuring funds are sourced, managed, and distributed properly. Your resume should highlight experiences like managing grant applications, coordinating with stakeholders, and executing grant-funded projects. You need to emphasize hard skills, such as proficiency in grant management software, budgeting, and data analysis. It's also important to include soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities. A big thing to remember about these resumes is to show measurable successes and outcomes from your grant management efforts.

Federal Grants Manager Resume Example

Federal Grants Managers are crucial for securing and managing funds provided by government agencies to support a company’s projects. Your resume should highlight responsibilities such as preparing grant applications, monitoring compliance, and ensuring timely report submissions. Highlight your expertise in data analysis software, financial reporting tools, and any other relevant technologies. Make sure to add communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and team collaboration as these are highly valued in this role. Lastly, remember to showcase your knowledge of federal regulations and grant processes, as this sets you apart from other candidates.

Grants Operations Manager Resume Example

Grants Operations Managers play a vital role in organizations by overseeing the management and distribution of grant funds, ensuring compliance, and reporting results. Your resume should highlight critical responsibilities such as grant writing, budget management, compliance oversight, and project coordination. Make sure you mention hard skills like data analysis, proficiency with grant management software, and financial reporting. Don’t forget to include soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities, which are equally important. Remember that a standout resume for this role often showcases a balanced mix of financial acuity and interpersonal talents.

Looking for more specific tips? Check all related jobs’ resume guides here:

• Senior Grants Manager resume
• Assistant Grants Manager resume
• Grants Program Manager resume
• Federal Grants Manager resume
• Grants Operations Manager resume

The most important tips for Grants Manager resumes:

• Showcase your leadership: When you're writing your resume, make sure to highlight instances where you've led teams or projects. Recruiters like to see examples that illustrate how you've directed initiatives and driven successful outcomes. Leadership skills in managing grants speak volumes about your capability to handle responsibilities efficiently.
• Highlight your achievements: Instead of merely listing job duties, focus on what you’ve achieved in your previous roles. State concrete outcomes such as the amount of funding secured or the number of successful grant applications. Quantifiable achievements provide a clear idea of your impact and measure your proficiency.
• Tailor your resume for keywords: Incorporate related keywords that are common in job postings for grants managers. Words like "funding," "non-profit," "budget management," and "grant writing" should find a place in your resume. Doing this not only helps with automated screening tools but also clearly communicates your experience to recruiters.
• Use an organized format: Break down your resume into clear, organized sections. Start with a professional summary, followed by your experience, education, skills, and achievements. An organized structure helps in easily guiding the hiring manager through your qualifications and experience.
• Keep your resume concise: Aim for a one-page or at most a two-page resume. A concise resume forces you to include only the most relevant and impressive information. You want to leave a strong impression without making the reader wade through unnecessary details.
• Include relevant skills: Beyond the everyday responsibilities, list specific skills that highlight your ability to excel as a grants manager. Skills such as "budget planning," "project management," and "stakeholder communication" show that you have the advanced knowledge and technical skills needed. Recruiters are looking for these skills to ensure you can handle the complexities of grant management.

Must-Have Sections on a Grants Manager Resume:

Creating a well-crafted resume for a Grants Manager is vital in showcasing your unique skills and experiences effectively. Here are the main sections a Grants Manager resume must have:

• Contact information: This section should contain your full name, phone number, email address, and location. It's the first place potential employers will look to get in touch. Make sure this information is current and easy to find.
• Professional summary: Write a concise summary that highlights your core competencies and experience. This gives employers a quick overview of what you bring to the table. Tailor it to the specific job you are applying for to make a strong impact.
• Work experience: List your most recent positions first, with bullet points detailing your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on relevant roles where you managed grants. Be specific about the amounts of grant funds and the success rates of your projects.
• Education: Include your educational background, starting with your highest degree first. Make sure to list your school’s name, your degree, and the year you graduated. Additional certifications related to grants management should also be included.
• Skills: Detail the key abilities that make you an effective Grants Manager. These might include grant writing, financial reporting, and project management. Highlight both soft skills and technical skills to show your versatility.

In addition to the main sections, adding these optional sections can provide a competitive edge and further enrich your resume:

• Professional affiliations: Mention any memberships in relevant organizations or professional groups. This shows you’re engaged and committed to your field. It can also be a network that your potential employer finds valuable.
• Volunteer experience: If you've volunteered in a capacity that relates to grant management, include it. This helps to demonstrate your passion and commitment outside of paid work. It can also provide insight into your community involvement.
• Awards and honors: Showcase any awards or recognitions you've received in your career. This could include “Employee of the Month” or specific industry awards. They help to validate your skills and accomplishments in grant management.

How to Write Your Grants Manager Resume Experience Section

Crafting an effective Grants Manager resume highlights both your organizational prowess and your ability to secure necessary funding. Potential employers want to see how you've excelled in managing grant applications and budgets. Properly showcasing your experiences can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Let’s explore some practical tips for you to refine the work experience section of your resume.

• Start with strong action verbs that depict your role clearly and emphasize your key responsibilities in previous positions. It grabs the reader’s attention immediately. Phrases like "Managed grant applications" or "Coordinated funding activities" resonate well.
• Provide specific examples of grants you managed, highlighting successful funding and how it benefited the organization. Numbers add credibility and make your achievements stand out. Statements such as “Secured $500,000 in grant funding” give tangible proof of your impact.
• Include the names of institutions or organizations you worked with. This detail can provide context and show the scale of your expertise. For instance, “Collaborated with renowned institutions like XYZ University” is effective.
• Quantify your accomplishments to give a sense of scale and results. Use metrics such as number of grants managed or total funding secured. “Managed over 50 grants worth $2 million” conveys your capabilities succinctly.
• Highlight your ability to meet deadlines under pressure. This is crucial in grants management roles where time-sensitive applications are common. “Consistently met application deadlines, ensuring timely submission” works well.
• Discuss your experience with grant reporting and compliance. Employers look for candidates who ensure adherence to guidelines. A phrase like “Ensured compliance with funding guidelines” reflects this skill.
• Showcase your collaborative skills by describing team interactions. Grants management often involves working with various departments. “Worked closely with financial and program teams to align funding strategies” illustrates this effectively.
• Include any software or tools you’re proficient in that are relevant to grants management. This shows you’re tech-savvy and efficient in using modern tools. Terms like “Proficient in GrantHub and Salesforce” can be beneficial.
• Describe any experience you have in training or mentoring others in grants processes. This demonstrates leadership and knowledge sharing. “Trained junior staff on best practices in grant writing and reporting” is a suitable example.
• Emphasize skills in budget management, as managing funds is a key aspect of the role. Clearly state your involvement in financial planning. “Oversaw budget allocation for multiple grants, ensuring optimal use of funds” portrays this well.

Next, we’ll show examples of quantifying your experience, the most common responsibilities HR managers look for, and how to refine your resume to closely match job descriptions. If you're just starting, we’ll talk more about showcasing your educational background and relevant skills to balance your lack of professional experience.

Examples of How To Quantify Your Experience

• Exceeded annual grant targets by securing over $2.5M in competitive funding, increasing organizational budget by 30% in one fiscal year.
• Streamlined grant application processes, reducing submission time by 40%, which increased successful applications by 25% annually.
• Managed a portfolio of 50+ grants totaling $15M, ensuring 98% compliance with funding agency requirements and reducing risk of debarment.
• Led cross-functional teams to develop 20 high-impact grant proposals, securing a 70% award rate and bringing in $4.5M in new funding.
• Implemented a grant tracking system that improved reporting accuracy by 95%, facilitating better decision-making and financial oversight.
• Developed and delivered grant writing training for 80 staff members, resulting in improved proposal quality and a 20% increase in successful grants.
• Negotiated with funding agencies to secure $600K in additional funding for project expansions, enhancing program reach by 50%.
• Reduced grant processing time by 30% through the integration of an automated grant management software, increasing efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborated with program directors to align grant objectives with organizational goals, leading to a 15% increase in grant-funded initiatives.
• Secured emergency funding of $1.2M for disaster response projects, aiding over 10,000 community members during a critical period.
• Enhanced community engagement by organizing 12 stakeholder meetings, resulting in $800K in community-driven grant allocations.
• Spearheaded a donor relationship program that increased repeat grant funding by 40%, ensuring sustainable financial support for key programs.
• Directed grant-funded research projects worth over $5M, achieving a 100% completion rate on time and within budget constraints.
• Monitored and evaluated 25 grant-funded programs, leading to a 20% improvement in performance metrics and funder satisfaction scores.
• Routinely conducted grant audits, identifying and correcting compliance issues, thus reducing potential financial penalties by 85%.

Job Description Bullet Points on Grants Manager Resumes:

• Develop and manage grant proposals, ensuring they align with the organization's strategic objectives and funding priorities.
• Oversee the preparation and timely submission of high-quality grant applications, including narrative sections, budgets, and all required documentation.
• Collaborate with program staff to identify funding opportunities and gather relevant data and information needed for proposals.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to track application deadlines, reporting schedules, and key milestones for grant-funded projects.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including financial reporting, progress reports, and adherence to funder guidelines.
• Manage relationships with current and potential funders, ensuring regular communication and stewardship to strengthen partnerships.
• Coordinate the preparation of detailed financial reports and budgets to be submitted with grant applications and periodic reports to funders.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for grant management, ensuring transparency and accountability across all activities.
• Supervise a team of grant writers and support staff, assigning tasks, providing feedback, and ensuring the quality of all grant-related work.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new funding opportunities, including foundations, federal and state agencies, and corporate sponsors.
• Facilitate grant agreement negotiations and ensure proper execution of contracts, agreements, and amendments with donor agencies and partners.
• Provide training and support to program staff on grant writing techniques, proposal development, and compliance requirements.
• Analyze grant performance metrics to assess the success of funding strategies and improve future grant applications and fundraising efforts.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management and board members on the status of grant activities and funding outcomes.
• Ensure proper financial management of grant funds, including tracking expenses, ensuring allowable costs, and securing financial audits as necessary.

How to Tailor Your Grants Manager Resume To the Job Description:

• Showcase your grant writing expertise by discussing past successful proposals you've written and the funds raised, and emphasize how your experience can help meet their specific revenue targets. Share concrete numbers and details to highlight your impact. Highlight your direct involvement in the process.
• Highlight your experience in managing complex budgets for grants. Specify the size and types of budgets you're familiar with and detail any financial oversight roles you’ve had. Mention the software tools and systems you have used for budget management.
• Discuss your ability to collaborate effectively with team members and other departments. Focus on your leadership in driving grant strategy sessions and managing grant compliance. Make sure to link these experiences to the desired skills listed in their job posting.
• Reflect any experience you have in monitoring and evaluating grant-funded programs. Explain the methodologies you've used and the impact of these evaluations on future grants. Reference specific projects in which you've significantly improved outcomes or processes.
• Illustrate your success in forming and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, such as grantors or community partners. Mention specific instances where your relationship-building contributed directly to obtaining grants. Ensure that your experiences echo the networking skills they want.
• Show your problem-solving skills with examples of challenges you've faced in the grant process and how you overcame them. Describe your role and the strategies you applied to resolve issues quickly. Align your experience with the qualifications they are seeking.

How to Write Your Resume Summary/Objective Section

If you are applying for a Grants Manager position, crafting a compelling resume summary can be a difference-maker. Your summary is a snapshot of your professional journey, highlighting key achievements and areas of expertise. It's an opportunity to present your career in a condensed format, capturing the interest of potential employers quickly. You want it to stand out and convey your capability to efficiently manage grants and secure funding.

There is a distinction between a resume summary and an objective. A resume summary focuses on your past experience and accomplishments, while an objective states your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role. For a Grants Manager, a resume summary is often more effective, as it showcases your proven track record in securing and managing grants. It's an immediate testament of your suitability for the position.

• Highlight pertinent experience in managing grants and securing funding. Mention specific grants you have managed and the total amount of funding you have helped secure. This will provide concrete evidence of your abilities.
• Showcase your skills in research and proposal writing. These are crucial for a Grants Manager role and will underline your capability to produce winning proposals. Mention any training or certification that boosts your proficiency.
• Include any relevant industry knowledge. Specialize this point to reflect your understanding of the sector your potential employer operates in, whether it's nonprofit, education, healthcare, or government. Tailoring this will resonate more deeply.
• Demonstrate your project management skills. Grants Management often involves juggling multiple projects simultaneously, so illustrate your organizational and leadership skills. Mention any tools or methodologies you are proficient in.
• Illustrate your collaborative skills. As a Grants Manager, you will often need to work with various departments, so showcase experience in teamwork and collaboration. Highlight any cross-functional projects you have been a part of.
• Emphasize your achievements with quantifiable results. Numbers speak louder than words; mention how much you improved funding or reduced costs. This clear evidence of success can significantly bolster your application.

Let's move on to specific examples of how these tips can be applied in a resume summary.

Resume’s personal statement examples:

• Seasoned Grants Manager with over 10 years of comprehensive experience in grant writing, reporting, and compliance management, known for securing substantial funding through meticulous research and compelling proposals.
• Experienced in managing multi-million dollar grants portfolios for non-profit organizations, including government, corporate, and private foundation grants. Proven track record of optimizing the grant application process to enhance funding success rates.
• Dedicated Grants Manager with a background in financial management and auditing, adept in developing robust grant systems and procedures to ensure alignment with organizational financial strategies and compliance requirements.
• Results-oriented professional with expertise in end-to-end grant administration, from identifying funding opportunities to post-award management. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to secure and manage grants effectively.
• Aspiring Grants Management Intern with academic training in public administration and nonprofit management, aiming to leverage research skills and enthusiasm for development to assist in the preparation and submission of grant proposals.
• Detail-oriented Grants Management Assistant with a strong foundation in administrative support and financial tracking. Eager to contribute to the success of grant projects through meticulous documentation and compliance monitoring.

Top Resume Skills for Grants Manager

The top skills, expertise, and competencies for a Grants Manager are essential for success in managing funding opportunities. These individuals need to be strong in project management and financial oversight, ensuring funds are allocated and utilized correctly. Excellent communication and writing skills are crucial for drafting winning grant proposals. Analytical abilities play a significant role in evaluating grant opportunities and measuring the impact of funded projects.

• Highlight your project management skills to show your ability to handle multiple grants simultaneously while keeping all deadlines intact. Specifically mention any tools or software you've used for project tracking. This can make a huge difference in suggesting how organized and detail-oriented you are.
• Include your financial oversight abilities, touching on budget preparation and financial reporting. Detail how these skills have helped you ensure compliance with all funding requirements. Provide examples of successful audits or reviews you've been part of.
• Describe your strong communication skills, underlining your ability to interact effectively with team members, stakeholders, and funders. Mention specific instances where your persuasive communication led to successful grant awards. This gives evidence of your ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Emphasize your proficiency in writing grant proposals, including any software or tools you use for this purpose. Mention your success rate or any particularly high-impact grants you’ve secured. Highlighting this can show your contribution to securing vital funding for projects.
• List your analytical skills, such as the ability to assess grant opportunities and evaluate the success of funded projects. Provide concrete examples of data-driven decisions you’ve made. This portrays you as someone insightful and capable of making informed decisions.
• Discuss your knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements concerning grant management. Your understanding of audits, funder guidelines, and federal regulations can be crucial here. Demonstrating your expertise in this area underscores your reliability and thoroughness.

Those were the practical tips for enhancing your resume’s skills section. Now, let’s explore a comprehensive list of skills every Grants Manager should consider highlighting:

• Project Management
• Financial Oversight
• Communication Skills
• Grant Proposal Writing
• Analytical Abilities
• Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge

Top Hard Skills for Grants Manager Resumes

• Grant Writing
• Budget Management
• Financial Reporting
• Data Analysis
• Global Funding Regulations
• Prospect Research
• Proposal Development
• Contract Negotiation
• Program Evaluation
• Donor Database Management
• Fundraising
• Microsoft Excel
• Risk Management

Top Soft Skills for Grants Manager Resumes

• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Organizational
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving
• Flexibility
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Adaptability
• Decision-Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Collaborative
• Strategic Planning

Include a Grants Manager Cover Letter for a Stand-Out Application

Cover Letter Writing Tips for Grants Manager Applicants

Writing a compelling cover letter as a Grants Manager is a critical step in making a strong impression on potential employers. This document can significantly impact your chance at securing an interview. It's not just a formality; it's a platform to showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the job. Your ability to communicate effectively starts with how well you write your cover letter.

• Highlight your grant writing experience confidently. Share specific examples of grants you have successfully managed. Mention any significant amounts of funding you have secured.
• Showcase your organizational skills. Talk about your ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines simultaneously. Emphasize how you keep track of all necessary documents and reports.
• Explain your understanding of compliance and regulations. Discuss how you stay informed about rules that govern grant funding. Include any training or certifications you have obtained.
• Personalize the cover letter for the specific organization. Mention why you are excited about this particular job. Reference the company's mission and how it aligns with your own goals.
• Demonstrate your technical skills. Can you use specific software for grant management? Talk about your proficiency and how it has helped in your previous roles.
• Share your success stories. Mention any major projects or grants where your role was essential to success. Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Detail your communication abilities. This is key in coordinating between various stakeholders. Write about instances where your communication skills resolved issues or facilitated better understanding.
• Discuss your teamwork experience. Collaborative skills are essential in any organizational role. Talk about how you have worked with different teams or departments to secure funding.
• Mention your problem-solving skills. Share examples of challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Employers will appreciate practical insights into your problem-solving abilities.
• Include a call to action. Invite the reader to discuss your application further. Be polite and enthusiastic about the possibility of an interview.

Now, let's go over how you can align your cover letter seamlessly with your resume to create a complete picture of your qualifications and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should my grants manager resume be one page or longer.

If you are a Grants Manager with extensive experience, it's acceptable for your resume to be longer than one page. This allows you to fully detail your extensive background, significant accomplishments, and the variety of roles you have undertaken. However, make sure the information is relevant and concise to avoid overwhelming the reader. For those with less experience, a one-page resume can be particularly effective by focusing on key achievements and skills.

What is the best format for a Grants Manager resume?

For a Grants Manager, the combination format is often the best choice. This format allows you to highlight your skills and achievements up front while also providing a detailed work history. This can be especially beneficial if you have a strong track record in managing grants but also possess specific skills that are crucial to the role. The combination format merges the advantages of both reverse-chronological and functional formats, giving a balanced view of your career progression and abilities.

What should I highlight on my Grants Manager resume to stand out?

To make your Grants Manager resume stand out, emphasize your success rates with securing grants, the amounts you have managed, and your ability to maintain strong relationships with funders. Additionally, showcase your organizational skills, your proficiency with grant management software, and any unique strategies you have developed to ensure compliance and reporting excellence. Highlighting these aspects will demonstrate your expertise and effectiveness in the role.

What are some action verbs I should use on my Grants Manager resume?

Using strong action verbs can make your resume more dynamic and impactful. Consider using verbs such as 'secured,' 'managed,' 'coordinated,' 'developed,' 'facilitated,' 'monitored,' and 'implemented.' These words convey your proactive role in securing and managing grants, as well as your ability to coordinate and execute key tasks effectively. Action verbs help in painting a clear picture of your accomplishments and responsibilities.

For more inspiration, why not check out our free resource of job-focused resume examples?

Legal Analyst

When it comes to creating a resume for a legal analyst position in 2024, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. First, consider the length of your resume. Aim to keep it concise, ideally no longer than one or two pages. Recruiters and hiring managers appreciate brevity and want to quickly assess your qualifications. Next, design plays a crucial role in making your resume visually appealing. While a simple and clean design is often preferred, adding a touch of creativity can help your resume stand out. Just be sure to strike a balance and maintain a professional appearance. Lastly, pay attention to the format of your resume. Use clear headings and subheadings to organize your information. Utilize bullet points to highlight key accomplishments and skills. A well-structured resume makes it easier for hiring managers to skim through and find relevant details. When crafting your legal analyst resume, it is essential to include the right sections to showcase your qualifications effectively. Here are several popular sections to consider: Summary/Objective: Begin your resume with a brief overview of your skills, experience, and career goals. Education: Include information about your degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. Experience: Detail your previous roles and responsibilities, focusing on achievements and skills acquired. Skills: Highlight your areas of expertise, including legal research, analysis, and proficiency in software or tools specific to legal analysis. Certifications: If you possess any specialized certifications or training, showcase them in this section. Professional affiliations: Mention any memberships or affiliations with legal organizations to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. While these sections are popular, don't be afraid to include optional sections that can still have an impact on your resume. For example, you might consider including a Publications section if you have authored or contributed to legal articles or research papers. Alternatively, a Languages section could be beneficial if you are multilingual. A powerful way to showcase your experience effectively is by using the Context-Action-Result (CAR) framework. This framework allows you to highlight your achievements in a structured manner. Here are some examples of bullet points using the CAR framework: Context: Researched and analyzed complex legal cases relating to intellectual property rights. Action: Developed comprehensive legal strategies to protect clients' intellectual property rights and prevent infringement. Result: Successfully defended clients in multiple high-profile litigation cases, resulting in substantial financial compensation and precedents set in favor of intellectual property holders. Context: Conducted extensive legal research in various areas of corporate law. Action: Assisted partners in drafting and reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Result: Played an instrumental role in completing mergers and acquisitions worth millions of dollars, safeguarding clients' interests and facilitating smooth business transactions. By utilizing the CAR framework, you can provide concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments, making a strong impression on potential employers. 1. Format your legal analyst resume – keep it concise, focus on a clean design, and utilize clear headings and bullet points. 2. Include essential sections such as a summary/objective, education, experience, skills, and certifications. Consider optional sections like publications or languages if relevant. 3. Utilize the Context-Action-Result framework to highlight your achievements and demonstrate the value you bring to an organization. Now armed with these tips, you can create a standout legal analyst resume that will grab the attention of hiring managers and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Aerobics Instructor

When it comes to creating a resume for an aerobics instructor job in 2024, there are several important factors to consider. Paying attention to the length, design, and format of your resume can make all the difference in getting noticed by potential employers. Length: Keep your resume concise, ideally one page in length. Hiring managers are often overwhelmed with applications, so it's important to make a strong impact in a short amount of time. Design: While a creative design can help you stand out, it's important to strike a balance. Keep your resume visually appealing, but make sure it remains professional and easy to read. Choose a clean, modern font and use bold or italic formatting sparingly to emphasize important information. Format: Opt for a chronological format, listing your most recent experience first. This allows employers to see your progression and relevant skills at a glance. When crafting your aerobics instructor resume, there are several sections that should be included to showcase your qualifications and expertise. 1. Contact Information: Be sure to list your full name, phone number, email address, and a professional LinkedIn profile if applicable. 2. Summary or Objective Statement: A brief summary or objective statement can provide a snapshot of your relevant qualifications and goals. 3. Certifications: Include any certifications you hold, such as group fitness instructor or CPR/AED. 4. Education: List your educational background, including relevant degrees or coursework. 5. Experience: This is where you can highlight your work history as an aerobics instructor. Use the Context-Action-Result framework to effectively communicate your accomplishments and impact. 6. Skills: Include a list of skills that are relevant to the role, such as knowledge of different aerobic exercises, ability to create engaging routines, and excellent communication skills. 7. References: While not always required, having references available upon request can be beneficial. The Context-Action-Result (CAR) framework is a powerful tool to effectively communicate your experience as an aerobics instructor. Here are a few examples of bullet points using this framework: Context: Developed and implemented high-energy aerobic routines for a diverse group of participants. Action: Created engaging choreography that incorporated different dance styles, resulting in increased class attendance and positive feedback. Result: Improved participant satisfaction and retention, leading to a 20% increase in class enrollment over a six-month period. Context: Led group fitness classes of up to 30 participants, focusing on cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Action: Provided personalized modifications and adaptations for participants with varying fitness levels and abilities. Result: Fostered a supportive and inclusive environment, resulting in high participant engagement and a 95% retention rate. Format your resume to be concise, visually appealing, and easy to read. Include sections such as contact information, a summary or objective statement, certifications, education, experience, skills, and references. Utilize the Context-Action-Result framework to showcase your accomplishments and the impact you've made as an aerobics instructor. By following these guidelines, you can create a standout aerobics instructor resume that highlights your qualifications and lands you the job you desire.

Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence professionals are the unsung heroes of our data-driven world. They turn scattered data into actionable insights, helping businesses make smarter decisions. Their work often means the difference between a company thriving or just surviving. To excel, these individuals need sharp analytical skills, a keen understanding of data patterns, and proficiency in various BI tools. They'll be valued for their ability to interpret complex data, create compelling reports, and offer strategic recommendations in their job applications. When crafting your Business Intelligence resume, highlight these strengths to show you're ready to make a substantial impact.