Reading an RFP from a new funder can leave you wondering what exactly they are looking for and how they want the application to be structured. Because you have never applied for this particular grant before and have no idea what works and what doesn’t, completing the application can feel like a shot in the dark. An easy way to get a better idea of how to write your proposal is to read the successful grants of others.

How can you get a copy of a past proposal? Its easy – just ask! Federal and State agencies are required by law to make all funded proposals public information, so a simple phone call to the program officer should be enough to get ahold of a few proposals. If they resist, you may want to remind them they are legally obligated to share. If they resist further, you can file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which they will have to comply with.

Foundations may share successful past proposals with you but they are not obligated to. If you run into resistance, do not push the issue. No need to get on their bad side before you even send in an application. Instead, do some detective work and look on their website for who they have funded in the past. Then contact those grant recipients directly to request a copy of their proposal. In most of my experiences, grant writers are more than happy to help each other out. If they are feeling extremely generous, they may even offer feedback they got from the funder on their application or during the funding period.

Once you get a copy of the application, read it through not only for content but also for structure. Ask yourself the following questions: How did they order their application – using the given outline or one of their own? How did they address each review criteria? What format did they use for the budget? How much detail did they use in each section? If you get new ideas from the proposal that you want to use, be sure not to copy them, but to integrate them into your already existing program design.

Reading someone else’s successful proposal is a great way to gain insight on what works and what doesn’t in regards to a particular grant competition. Use what you learn wisely and be sure to pay it forward in the future if anyone approaches you with the same favor.