Securing grant funding can be a game-changer, taking your goals to the next level and expanding your business potential. But—like any competitive sport—success doesn’t come from luck. It comes from preparation, strategy, and sharp execution.
To help you enter the grant arena ready to win, we’ve pulled together our playbook for writing grant applications that stand out and score big.
Warm up: identify your grant funding goals
Every game plan starts with a clear objective. Begin by identifying your specific funding goals. Consider the project or goal you want to achieve and articulate your mission, vision and the impact your success will have.
Dig down into your objectives and really build them out. Find your differentiators and what you expect to achieve with your funding. To structure your application effectively, you need to cover the following:
- What will go into the project – think resources
- How it will work – the processes and procedures in place to make it successful
- Why it is worthy of funding – who will benefit and how.
Having a well-defined goal will help you stay focused and effectively communicate your purpose to potential funders. If you have multiple team members working on your application, this will also create consistency in your approach.
Assemble your dream team
Just as a team is essential for any sport, a strong network and collaboration are vital in securing grant funding. Start by identifying funders that align with your goals—government programs, industry grants, philanthropic organisations, or corporate sponsors. Then, look outward:
- Who are your project partners?
- Who can validate your track record?
- Who’s in your corner to help bring the project to life?
Engage with people who’ve successfully secured funding before. Their insight can help shape your application—and expand your network of potential supporters.
Develop a winning grant strategy
A successful game plan requires a winning strategy. To write an application that will stand out and create genuine connection, you need to tailor your grant application to align with the priorities and criteria of the funding opportunity.
That means:
- Demonstrating that you understand their objectives
- Clearly showing how your project helps meet them
- Balancing logic and inspiration—data with drive.
This is where you set yourself apart. Be deliberate with your tone. Be strategic with your message. And make sure the ‘why us?’ shines loud and clear.
Train hard: gather supporting evidence
Just like athletes train rigorously, your grant application should be backed by solid evidence. Collect relevant data that supports your project’s feasibility and potential for success.
Include:
- Qualitative and quantitative data, testimonials, feasibility studies, and proof of past performance.
- Budget estimates, delivery timelines, and resourcing plans.
Show funders that you have conducted thorough research and have a well developed plan to execute your project effectively. Still not sure? The Australian Government offers some excellent advice on what constitutes strong evidence.
Remember that funding is not usually an ongoing source of income, so your financials are a crucial component of the application. Funders don’t want to take a punt on a risky investment, they need to be confident that you have what it takes to see the project through to completion and beyond.
Get a grant health check
If your applications aren’t landing the results you want, it’s time for a reality check. A grant health check is your opportunity to step back, benchmark your current approach, and identify where you can gain a competitive edge.
At Aurora Marketing, our grant specialists review your application and provide tailored, actionable advice to sharpen your strategy, strengthen your messaging, and maximise your chances of success.
It’s like having a personal coach—focused entirely on helping you win.
Lace up. Lock in. Let’s go!
Writing a grant application is not for the faint-hearted. But with a clear plan, the right team, and a strategy-first mindset, you can give yourself the best possible shot.
Need help getting your next grant submission over the line? We’d love to be in your corner. Contact us today to learn more about our grant services—and let’s transform your next opportunity into a game-winning result.
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