grant writing techniques

Impact Words that Win Grants

 
 

The difference between "We help people" and "We serve 300 families annually" isn't just word choice—it's the difference between getting funded and getting overlooked.

Impact language is about precision, not complexity. Sharper, not longer. But exceptional grant writing goes beyond clarity—it transforms how you present both your work and the people you serve.

The Foundation: Action Verbs

Action verbs create immediacy and energy in your writing. Instead of passive phrases like "assistance is provided" or "services are offered," use active language: "we deliver," "we connect," "participants achieve." Action verbs make your work sound immediate and results-focused.

Compare these examples:

  • Passive: "Support is given to families"

  • Active: "We support families"

  • Action-focused: "Families build financial stability"

Notice how the progression moves from vague to specific to empowered.

The Next Level: Empowering Language

Empowering language positions program participants as the heroes of their own stories, not passive recipients of services. This approach recognizes people's inherent strengths, agency, and capacity for growth. Instead of describing what your organization does TO people, describe what people accomplish WITH your support.

Person-first language puts the person before their circumstances or characteristics. This means saying "adults experiencing homelessness" rather than "the homeless," or "young people ages 14-18" instead of "at-risk youth." Person-first language recognizes that circumstances don't define people—they're individuals with goals, dreams, and capabilities who happen to be navigating challenges.

Compare these approaches:

  • Service-centered: "We provide financial literacy classes to low-income families"

  • Person-centered: "Parents increase their savings and reduce debt through our financial coaching program"

The second version puts people first, uses empowering language about what they accomplish, and positions your organization as the supportive resource rather than the primary actor. This shift matters because funders increasingly want to see that organizations respect and recognize participants' agency and potential.

Here are 15 phrase upgrades that incorporate these principles and will make your next proposal more compelling and credible.

Problem Identification

1. Replace general populations with person-first, specific demographics

  • Weak: "Many seniors struggle with isolation"

  • Impact: "Over 2,000 adults ages 65+ in our county experience chronic isolation"

  • Why it works: Person-first language with specific numbers and demographics

2. Replace "struggle with" with empowering, action-oriented language

  • Weak: "Families struggle with food insecurity"

  • Impact: "Families work to overcome irregular meals and nutritional gaps"

  • Why it works: Acknowledges effort and resilience rather than depicting people as victims

3. Replace vague statistics with local, person-centered ratios

  • Weak: "Homelessness is a growing problem"

  • Impact: "1 in 8 students in our district seeks stable housing solutions"

  • Why it works: Shows agency while making the issue immediate and local

4. Replace "there is a need" with community-voiced evidence

  • Weak: "There is a need for mental health services"

  • Impact: "Community members report a 6-month wait for counseling services"

  • Why it works: Centers community voice rather than organizational assumption

Solution Positioning

5. Replace organization-centered language with participant achievements

  • Weak: "We provide job training"

  • Impact: "Participants achieve welding certification and connect to employers through our resources"

  • Why it works: Participants are the heroes; your organization provides support

6. Replace "program" with participant-focused descriptions

  • Weak: "Our youth program serves at-risk teens"

  • Impact: "Young people ages 14-18 build leadership skills through mentorship partnerships"

  • Why it works: Person-first language that focuses on growth, not deficits

7. Replace "we offer services" with what participants accomplish

  • Weak: "We offer comprehensive support"

  • Impact: "Participants navigate housing options, access benefits, and secure employment"

  • Why it works: Shows people taking active steps toward their goals

8. Replace "we will implement" with participant-centered outcomes

  • Weak: "We will implement evidence-based practices"

  • Impact: "Participants benefit from the nationally recognized Housing First approach"

  • Why it works: Centers the people who benefit rather than organizational actions

Outcome Description

9. Replace "will help" with measurable changes

  • Weak: "The program will help participants succeed"

  • Impact: "Participants increase their income by an average of 40%"

  • Why it works: Reviewers see concrete return on investment

10. Replace "better outcomes" with quantified improvements

  • Weak: "Students achieve better academic outcomes"

  • Impact: "Students improve reading levels by 1.5 grades in 6 months"

  • Why it works: Specific metrics demonstrate real progress

11. Replace future promises with past performance

  • Weak: "We expect to reduce recidivism"

  • Impact: "Our graduates show 15% lower re-arrest rates than county average"

  • Why it works: Track record beats promises every time

12. Replace "positive impact" with specific participant transformations

  • Weak: "Our work creates positive impact in the community"

  • Impact: "Families transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing within 90 days"

  • Why it works: Shows the human transformation and participant agency in achieving goals

Organizational Credibility

13. Replace "we believe" with "our experience shows"

  • Weak: "We believe in community-centered approaches"

  • Impact: "Our 15-year track record demonstrates that resident-led initiatives succeed"

  • Why it works: Experience carries more weight than philosophy

14. Replace "we are committed to" with "we have successfully"

  • Weak: "We are committed to serving diverse populations"

  • Impact: "We have successfully served clients speaking 12 different languages"

  • Why it works: Actions speak louder than intentions

15. Replace "we plan to" with current capacity

  • Weak: "We plan to leverage community partnerships"

  • Impact: "We currently collaborate with 15 local organizations"

  • Why it works: Shows existing infrastructure rather than future hopes

Character Count Reality Check

You'll notice that many of the improved examples are slightly longer than the originals. That's okay—and often necessary. The goal isn't fewer words; it's more impactful words.

Person-first language and specific details naturally require more characters, but they're worth every keystroke. "Adults ages 55+ earn welding certifications" uses more characters than "seniors get job training," but it's infinitely more compelling to funders.

The real test: Does each additional word work hard? If you're adding empty phrases like "innovative and comprehensive" or "cutting-edge approach," cut them. But if you're adding specifics, demographics, or empowering language that shows participant agency, those extra characters earn their place.

Put It Into Practice

Ready to transform your next proposal? Pick 3 phrases from your current draft and upgrade them using the principles above. Focus on replacing weak verbs with action verbs, and vague statements with specific, measurable language.

For grant writers who want to go deeper, our Action Words for Grant Writing e-book provides 200+ carefully selected verbs organized by program type—from direct service to advocacy to capacity building. It's designed specifically for nonprofit professionals who want to transform their proposal language from ordinary to outstanding.

The difference between a funded proposal and a rejection often comes down to these small but crucial word choices. Start with these 15 phrases, and watch your proposals become more compelling, more credible, and more successful.

What is the Best Way to Learn Grant Writing?

 
 

What is the Best Way to Learn Grant Writing?

Becoming a grant writer is an exhilarating journey. Imagine the moment of elation when you receive the notification that your grant proposal has been accepted—there’s truly nothing like it. Picture people around you jumping up in joy, dancing around the room as they realize their hard work has paid off. That’s the kind of impact successful grant writing can have, and it's a scene that many grant writers know well.

Grant writing is not just about securing funding; it's a pathway to making significant contributions to causes and communities that matter deeply to us. It's a profession that allows you to be a part of something larger than yourself, supporting initiatives that can transform communities and change lives. Moreover, the financial aspect of being a grant writer is appealing as well. On average, grant writers can earn a substantial salary, making it a rewarding career both personally and professionally.

So, how exactly does one become skilled in the art of grant writing? Here’s a comprehensive list of effective ways to learn grant writing, crafted to guide you through your learning journey.

  1. Formal Classes The very best way to learn grant writing is to enroll in a formal class that gives you a structured learning experience. These classes are typically designed to cover everything from the fundamentals to the more complex aspects of grant writing. Our Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes [insert link] offer a comprehensive curriculum that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field. Be sure to look for courses like ours that provide feedback on your writing rather than only watching videos. I firmly believe that you cannot learn grant writing without practicing hands-on and getting feedback.

  2. Blog Articles Reading blog articles is an excellent start. Blogs can offer many insights and step-by-step guides that are easy to digest. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grasp the basics or an experienced professional seeking advanced tips, there's always a blog post that can cater to your needs.

    • Spark the Fire's own blog features articles ranging from beginner tips to in-depth analysis of grant writing trends.

    • Instrumentl’s library of nonprofit blog posts is a comprehensive resource for the beginning grant writer.

    • A Village for Good features blogs that deliver practical, actionable advice for beginning grant writers.

    • Candid.org Insights is a blog with grant writing tips combining innovative approaches and proven strategies.

    • Millionaire Grant Lady has a blog that lets you a peek into the life of a successful grant writer and serves as an aspirational journey for the beginner.

  3. Webinars Participating in webinars is another fantastic way to learn. Webinars allow you to hear directly from experienced grant writers and often include a Q&A session where you can ask specific questions. These can be particularly valuable for understanding the nuances of grant writing in real time. Check out our upcoming webinars [insert link] that cover a variety of topics related to grant writing.

    • Spark the Fire offers monthly webinars taught by Allison Jones, M.Ed., covering a wide range of topics tailored for grant writers and consultants. These sessions provide deep insights into both the strategic and practical aspects of grant writing.

    • Foundant Technologies hosts informative webinars focusing on streamlining the grant application and management process. Their sessions are ideal for grant professionals looking to enhance their technical skills and grant management efficiencies.

    • Instrumentl conducts practical webinars that delve into strategies for finding and securing grants, making it a great resource for both beginners and experienced grant writers seeking to expand their funding sources.

  4. Professional Associations and State Nonprofit Associations Joining professional associations can provide networking opportunities, resources, and professional development activities that are crucial for a budding grant writer. Associations often offer workshops, annual conferences, and certifications that can enhance your skills and credibility. We belong to the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) because of their high standards of excellence for the grant profession. Find your State Nonprofit Association through the National Council of Nonprofits. The Montana Nonprofit Association, for example, has high-quality offerings, including a fantastic annual conference.

  5. Conferences Attending conferences allows you to immerse yourself in the grant writing community. These events typically feature workshops, keynote speeches, and panels that discuss best practices, innovation in grant writing, and more. My favorites are:

  6. Books Reading books on grant writing can provide a thorough understanding of the field, from foundational skills to advanced techniques. Books often offer comprehensive knowledge, case studies, and examples that are crucial for deepening your understanding. Look for titles by renowned authors in the field or those recommended by professional associations to ensure you're getting expert advice. Check out our list of Must-Read Books for Grant Writers and Writing Style Mastery.

  7. Journals Subscribing to journals focused on grant writing and nonprofit management can keep you updated with the latest research, case studies, and best practices in the industry. Journals like Blue Avocado, Chronicleof Philanthropy, and the GPA Journal offer articles written by experts that delve into complex grant writing and management aspects.

  8. Podcasts Podcasts are a great way to learn on the go. They can offer tips, interviews, and success stories from grant writers who share their journeys and experiences. Listening to a podcast episode can be a great way to stay informed and inspired. I haven't found a podcast I have fallen in love with yet, but here are the most popular.

As you can see, learning to be a grant writer is an exciting and meaningful journey. Remember, each grant proposal you write could be the key to unlocking essential funding for a nonprofit, a research initiative, or a community project. The satisfaction of knowing you played a part in making these projects possible is immensely gratifying.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! What inspired you to start learning about grant writing? Join the conversation in the comments section and let us know your story. Are there other ways to learn grant writing that you’ve found helpful? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

 This blog is just the beginning. For those looking to excel further in grant writing, check out our article, Understanding Different Certifications for Grant Writers, which delves deeper into advanced strategies and tips for seasoned grant writers. Happy writing!