Grant requests or proposals are composed in order to solicit funding from a state, federal, or private source. Writing an effective grant proposal can be painstaking, time-consuming work. However, if you can successfully craft a persuasive and compelling grant request, you may be eligible for thousands of dollars that you can use to support artistic endeavors, educational growth, or many other needs.

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     Research available sources of grant money. Money is available from numerous organizations that are privately owned or operated by state or federal agencies. You may be able to turn up a small number of grants using an Internet search, and then turn up additional grant programs in specific publications. For example, grants for writers might be listed in publications for writers such as "Poets & Writers" Magazine.

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     Develop a timeline. For every grant program you plan to apply to, mark the deadline on your calendar. You should also mark the halfway point between today's date and the deadline, which can help you to manage your time. About three weeks before the final deadline, you should set your own deadline for completing a first draft of your application. This ensures that you have plenty of time to rework the grant proposal and get it mailed in on time.

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     Carefully review all guidelines for the grant program, and make sure to gather all supporting documents and materials for your application. These might include references, personal statements, or a portfolio of your past work. If you fail to provide all materials requested by the granting organization, your chances of winning the grant will be greatly diminished.

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     Get specific. Brainstorm ideas for what makes your project special or uniquely suited for the grant program. Review the granting organization's history to better understand their mission. For example, the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund was founded by a feminist to support women in writing and the arts, so if your grant request is for a proposed project with a feminist agenda, you are more likely to be considered.

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     Hit your local library. If you have never written a grant proposal before, your local librarian can suggest some excellent resources that outline grant writing tactics and strategies that can help your proposal stand out. You may also want to consult a professional grant writer in your area for advice. Grant writers in your area can be found by consulting the directory of the American Grant Writers' Association.