[ORGANIZATION_TYPE] = Nonprofit, research, educational, etc. [PROJECT_FOCUS] = Primary objective or program area [FUNDING_SOURCE] = Foundation, government, corporate, etc. [GRANT_AMOUNT] = Requested funding level [IMPACT_METRICS] = Measurement criteria for success Step 1 → Need Statement & Problem Definition Create compelling case for support: Problem statement development with supporting evidence Community or field need articulation Current gap analysis with qualitative and quantitative support Contextual background development for [PROJECT_FOCUS] Stakeholder impact illustration Urgency and timeliness establishment Alignment with [FUNDING_SOURCE] priorities Knowledge of field demonstration Step 2 → Project Design & Methodology Develop clear implementation plan: Project goal and objective formulation Logic model or theory of change development Activity and timeline mapping with milestones Staffing and resource allocation planning Implementation methodology explanation Innovation and approach justification Feasibility demonstration for [GRANT_AMOUNT] Risk assessment and mitigation planning Step 3 → Organizational Capacity & Qualifications Establish credibility and capability: Organizational mission and alignment explanation Track record and previous success highlighting Team qualification and expertise demonstration Infrastructure and capability assessment Partnership and collaboration framework Unique positioning within the field Previous funding acknowledgment and leveraging Sustainability planning beyond grant period Step 4 → Evaluation & Impact Measurement Create accountability framework: Evaluation methodology appropriate for [PROJECT_FOCUS] [IMPACT_METRICS] selection and justification Data collection and analysis approach Reporting framework development Short and long-term outcome definition Impact communication strategy Learning and adaptation approach Broader field contribution articulation Step 5 → Budget & Sustainability Planning Demonstrate financial responsibility: Detailed budget development aligned with narrative Budget justification with clear rationale Cost-effectiveness demonstration Leverage and matching funds identification Sustainability planning beyond [GRANT_AMOUNT] Indirect cost explanation if applicable Alternative funding scenario planning Long-term financial strategy integration Pro Tip: Create a "funder alignment matrix" before writing your grant proposal by analyzing the last 10-15 grants made by your target [FUNDING_SOURCE]. Identify recurring themes, values, and language in their funded projects, then explicitly connect these elements to your project in your proposal. This strategic alignment approach significantly increases your chances of funding by demonstrating that your project advances the funder's specific interests and priorities, rather than simply presenting a worthy project that may not align with their particular focus areas or approach to change.