The first question you may find yourself asking is "what is a grant application?" Quite simply put, a grant application is akin to a job application. It is an attempt to present yourself to someone with the potential to offer you money in a positive manner.

One very helpful option that has been opened to grant writers is the "Common Grant Application." What is this? It's exactly what it sounds like - a grant application that's common to a group of grant makers. Usually it's available for download online, and used for applying to several grantors within a small group. A very frequently used Common Grant Application is an application that each state uses when applying for their funding.

These applications come with a page or two of instructions, which can be absolutely wonderful for someone new to the grant writing world. If you're able to read the directions and follow them to the letter you'll find it's very easy to write out an application for a grant.

Common Grant Application Layout:
1. Cover Letter
2. Common Grant Application cover sheet
3. Summary
4. Narrative
5. Multiple extra attachments

To someone familiar to the application process, the Common application isn't much different from the usual layout. For someone unfamiliar, it gives you exact guidelines, which is very helpful when you aren't sure if you're doing everything correctly.

There is a guideline for each section of the application and it is crucial that you follow these guidelines and include everything required, as it may mean whether or not you win the grant.

As many common grant applications will be for non-profit organizations, you will need to attach a copy of your 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption, and usually a copy of your 990 to show you've been doing charitable work. It's also not uncommon to need to list how your organization is set up - who do you have employed? What are race, gender, and age demographics? Who is directing and organizing this? Some may even request resumes of your workers. The financial information request will be the same for everyone - whatever your budget? How much do you have now? How much are you asking for? It is also to your favor to include some letters of recommendation if they're requested, and additional information about what your organization does such as your business plan.

A special note: don't send information that they didn't ask for. Most grant committees don't have the time to sit down and watch a video or look through anything else you've felt the need to include, and it might irritate them. If they want to know more, often they will ask for it.