How long should a grant proposal be?

Length depends entirely on the funder's guidelines. Many foundations set specific page or word limits — follow them precisely. If no limit is specified, a focused, well-written proposal of 5–15 pages is typical for most project grants.

How do I find grants for my nonprofit?

Key resources include: Candid (formerly Foundation Center) at candid.org, Grants.gov for federal grants, your state's arts/humanities council, community foundations in your region, and corporate giving programs at local businesses. Building relationships with program officers at foundations is one of the most effective long-term strategies.

What makes a grant proposal competitive?

Strong proposals: (1) clearly align with the funder's priorities and language, (2) present compelling community need data, (3) describe a realistic and evidence-informed program model, (4) include measurable outcomes, (5) show organizational capacity and past results, and (6) have a realistic, justified budget.

Free Grant Proposal Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

Free — No Sign-Up RequiredPDF & WordUpdated April 18, 2026

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This template is attorney-reviewed and built to US legal standards. It does not substitute for professional legal advice. For complex situations, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.

Document Completeness0%

Organization Legal Name*

EIN (Employer Identification Number)*

Organization Address*

Executive Director / CEO Name*

Contact Email*

Contact Phone*

Grantor / Funder Name*

Amount Requested*

Project Title*

Project Summary / Executive Summary*

Problem Statement / Statement of Need*

Goals and Objectives*

Methodology / Program Description*

Evaluation Plan*

Budget Narrative*

Project Timeline*

Organizational History & Qualifications*

Organization Legal Name*

EIN (Employer Identification Number)*

Organization Address*

Executive Director / CEO Name*

Contact Email*

Contact Phone*

Grantor / Funder Name*

Amount Requested*

Project Title*

Project Summary / Executive Summary*

Problem Statement / Statement of Need*

Goals and Objectives*

Methodology / Program Description*

Evaluation Plan*

Budget Narrative*

Project Timeline*

Organizational History & Qualifications*

Organization Legal Name*

EIN (Employer Identification Number)*

Organization Address*

Executive Director / CEO Name*

Contact Email*

Contact Phone*

Grantor / Funder Name*

Amount Requested*

Project Title*

Project Summary / Executive Summary*

Problem Statement / Statement of Need*

Goals and Objectives*

Methodology / Program Description*

Evaluation Plan*

Budget Narrative*

Project Timeline*

Organizational History & Qualifications*

Live Preview

100%

GRANT PROPOSAL

SUBMITTED BY

Organization: [Organization Legal Name]

EIN: [EIN (Employer Identification Number)]

Address: [Organization Address]

Executive Director: [Executive Director / CEO Name]

Email: [Contact Email] | Phone: [Contact Phone]

SUBMITTED TO

[Grantor / Funder Name]

AMOUNT REQUESTED: $[Amount Requested]

PROJECT TITLE: [Project Title]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

[Project Summary / Executive Summary]

STATEMENT OF NEED

[Problem Statement / Statement of Need]

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

[Goals and Objectives]

METHODOLOGY

[Methodology / Program Description]

EVALUATION PLAN

[Evaluation Plan]

BUDGET NARRATIVE

[Budget Narrative]

PROJECT TIMELINE

[Project Timeline]

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY & QUALIFICATIONS

[Organizational History & Qualifications]

CERTIFICATION

I certify that the information provided in this proposal is accurate and complete, and that the requested funds will be used solely for the purposes described herein.

Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________

[Executive Director / CEO Name], Executive Director

[Organization Legal Name]

Document Completeness0%

Organization Legal Name*

EIN (Employer Identification Number)*

Organization Address*

Executive Director / CEO Name*

Contact Email*

Contact Phone*

Grantor / Funder Name*

Amount Requested*

Project Title*

Project Summary / Executive Summary*

Problem Statement / Statement of Need*

Goals and Objectives*

Methodology / Program Description*

Evaluation Plan*

Budget Narrative*

Project Timeline*

Organizational History & Qualifications*

Organization Legal Name*

EIN (Employer Identification Number)*

Organization Address*

Executive Director / CEO Name*

Contact Email*

Contact Phone*

Grantor / Funder Name*

Amount Requested*

Project Title*

Project Summary / Executive Summary*

Problem Statement / Statement of Need*

Goals and Objectives*

Methodology / Program Description*

Evaluation Plan*

Budget Narrative*

Project Timeline*

Organizational History & Qualifications*

Organization Legal Name*

EIN (Employer Identification Number)*

Organization Address*

Executive Director / CEO Name*

Contact Email*

Contact Phone*

Grantor / Funder Name*

Amount Requested*

Project Title*

Project Summary / Executive Summary*

Problem Statement / Statement of Need*

Goals and Objectives*

Methodology / Program Description*

Evaluation Plan*

Budget Narrative*

Project Timeline*

Organizational History & Qualifications*

What Is a Grant Proposal?

A grant proposal is a formal written request to a foundation, government agency, corporation, or other funding organization asking them to invest in your organization's work. Effective grant proposals are not just applications — they are compelling narratives that demonstrate a clear problem, a proven or promising solution, an organizationally capable team, a realistic budget, and a way to measure success. This free grant proposal template covers all of the standard sections required by most private foundations and government funders: executive summary, problem statement, goals and objectives, methodology, evaluation plan, budget, timeline, and organizational background.

When Do You Need It?

You need a grant proposal when your nonprofit organization is applying to a foundation, government agency, corporate giving program, or community fund for project or general operating support. Most funders have their own online application portals, but a well-developed proposal document helps you prepare your narrative, ensures consistency across applications, and can be adapted for each funder's specific priorities and requirements..

What's Included in This Template

Organization name and EIN
Executive Director contact information
Grantor name and requested grant amount
Project title
Project summary / executive summary
Problem statement
Goals and objectives
Methodology / program description
Evaluation plan
Detailed budget narrative
Project timeline
Organizational history and qualifications

How to Fill It Out

Complete organization and project identification — Enter your organization's legal name, EIN, address, executive director's name, and contact information. Then enter the grantor's name, the amount you are requesting, and your project title. These basic facts should match exactly what you enter in the funder's application portal.

Write your project summary and problem statement — The project summary (2–3 sentences) should describe what you will do, who will benefit, and what the expected outcome is. The problem statement should present compelling data and qualitative evidence of the need you are addressing in your community. Cite local data where possible.

Describe your goals, methods, and evaluation — In the goals section, list specific, measurable objectives. In methodology, describe exactly how you will implement the project — who will do what, with whom, where, and when. In the evaluation plan, describe how you will measure whether you achieved your goals (data you will collect, tools you will use).

Complete budget, timeline, and organizational history — In the budget section, list all projected costs by category (personnel, supplies, contracts, indirect costs). Explain why each cost is necessary. Provide a month-by-month or quarter-by-quarter timeline. Describe your organization's history, key programs, track record, and why you are qualified to implement this project.

Legal Requirements & Notes

Grant proposals submitted to the IRS or government agencies must comply with all applicable regulations. Funds received from grants must be used exclusively for the stated purposes described in the proposal. Nonprofit organizations receiving grants must maintain accurate financial records, submit required reports, and be prepared for audits. Misuse of grant funds may result in repayment obligations and loss of tax-exempt status. Always review the grantor's specific terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A letter of inquiry (LOI) is a brief (1–3 page) overview of your project submitted to determine whether a funder is interested before you invest time in a full proposal. Many foundations require an LOI as the first step. A full grant proposal is submitted only if the funder invites one after reviewing your LOI.

Free Grant Proposal Template — Fill Out & Download Instantly

GRANT PROPOSAL

SUBMITTED BY

SUBMITTED TO

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

STATEMENT OF NEED

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

METHODOLOGY

EVALUATION PLAN

BUDGET NARRATIVE

PROJECT TIMELINE

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY & QUALIFICATIONS

CERTIFICATION

What Is a Grant Proposal?

When Do You Need It?

What's Included in This Template

How to Fill It Out

Legal Requirements & Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Templates

Donation Form

Nonprofit Budget Template

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)