Grant Writing Tips

OVW tips and suggestions for a strong grant application

Before you start: 

1. Read the entire notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) before you start the application. 
   • Make sure you understand the program's eligibility guidelines, statutory purpose areas, unallowable activities, and application content requirements. Program requirements and criteria may change from year to year.
2. Note the application deadlines. Complete registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and Grants.gov at least 30 days before the first application deadline.  
3. Choose partner organizations very carefully. 
   • Applicants must show that partnerships meet the minimum requirements outlined in the NOFO. 
   • Write and/or collect Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda of Exemption, Letters of Support, and/or Letters of Commitment, if required. For more information, visit OVW's Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda of Exemption, Letters of Support, and Letters of Commitment webpage.
4. Call or email OVW with any questions.
   • OVW staff cannot help you write your application but can answer questions about the NOFO and its requirements, including those regarding appropriate partnerships and allowable activities.
   • Contact information for each program can be found under the respective program accordion on OVW's Funding Opportunities webpage. 

Application writing tips: 

1. Follow the application formatting guidelines and page limit outlined in the NOFO.
2. Use OVW-provided templates and other program resources. 
   • Program-specific resources can be found under each program’s accordion on OVW’s Funding Opportunities webpage. 
   • There are also application resources, including for preparing an itemized budget, on the How to Apply for OVW Funding webpage. 
3. If your application includes activities that may disclose personally identifying information about victims, be sure to adequately describe safeguards or precautions that you will use to safeguard victim confidentiality. More information can be found in OVW’s Application Companion Guide.
4. Be sure to include a timeline that adequately describes how you will achieve your proposed goals and objectives over the course of the program's award period. 

Before submitting your application: 

1. Make sure that your application is complete and includes all required documents before you submit it in JustGrants. 
2. Carefully review your SF-424 and Summary Data Sheet before submitting your application. Be sure that you provide complete contact information for both the Point of Contact and the Authorized Representative. 
   • Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify two separate individuals to serve in these roles to ensure that OVW will not experience any unnecessary delay or difficulty in contacting someone with questions about your application.