How To Improve Your Application for a Federal Grant

Are you ready to increase your employability and start something new? A federal grant can provide the funds to launch you into a new and lucrative career path. Learn all about workforce grants and how to master your application below.

What Is a Federal Grant?

A grant is a way the government can help pay for projects, institutions, communities and more.

One type of federal grant is specifically geared toward job training. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) sets aside money for this very purpose. Today, several other kinds of federal workforce grants are available as well.

How Workforce Grants Can Help Get You Where You Want To Be

With the support of a federal grant, people who couldn't otherwise afford career training are given the chance to pursue this life-changing path.

The first step in the process is to fill out an application. Submitting a high-quality application increases your chances of success. The more thought and care you put into it, the more likely you are to get approved and be on your way to a job training program.

6 Federal Grant Application Tips

Applying for a federal grant can be a daunting and exhausting process. Here are some simple ways you can make it easier on yourself:

Include Additional Sections

Answering the required prompts is the bare minimum. If you really want to stand out, add the following sections to your document:

• A cover letter

• A table of contents

• An introduction that includes a summary of your proposal

Provide Both Long- and Short-Term Objectives

The people who review federal grant applications want to know what you plan on doing with the awarded money. In your application, be sure to address each of the following questions:

• What do you wish to achieve through this job training program?

• How does this specific training work toward your future goals?

Be Precise

This isn't the time for ambiguity. Improve your application by giving specific reasons for why this grant is needed. Identify the personal or societal problems and then discuss the precise way this grant would help address them.

‌Follow All Submittal Requirements

The submittal requirements vary for each grant, so it's important to read all guidelines carefully. For example, some grants need to be reviewed locally under Executive Order 12372, under which the federal government consults with local and state governments in the process of reviewing applications.

Be Complete and Timely

If your application is missing any required sections or is submitted beyond the due date, it won't continue on to the merit review panel. That said, if you notice an error prior to the deadline, you're welcome to resubmit your application.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Applications that include misspellings or grammatical errors make it hard for the reviewers to understand what's being said. Once you've looked over your application several times, it's a good idea to send it to someone you trust so they can spot any errors you may have overlooked. Here are some logistical tips:

• Make sure your pages are numbered.

• Stay within the page limits.

• Limit your use of acronyms and abbreviations. When they're used, define each one when you first mention it and then periodically throughout your application.

The Takeaway

Hopefully, these tips and tricks prove helpful. Whether you choose to follow just one or incorporate the whole bunch, your federal grant application will be stronger for it.