Over the past few years, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropies have put a greater emphasis on inclusivity. Many grants offered by these groups now require applicants to discuss how their project will benefit a multicultural society – and how they will measure impact.
Grant writing, in and of itself, can be a daunting task. When you add in new guidelines about multiculturalism and diversity, it is all too easy to overlook important data that will help strengthen your application. And if you haven’t necessarily done multicultural research before, you may miss out on opportunities to demonstrate why your grant deserves funding. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for multicultural grant writing.
Do read the guidelines carefully. In many cases, the agency or organization in question will specifically outline the prerequisites for diversity, equity, and inclusion – and even highlight how they expect grantees to measure potential impact. Following those guidelines – and being clear about how your project can help further the organization’s needs and goals – will make it more likely that your grant is funded.
Don’t speak in generalizations or buzzwords. Be sure to define your terms clearly. Address, in detail, how your project will approach multicultural questions, participants, and experimental conditions. Make sure grant evaluators understand what you are trying to do – and why it’s a worthwhile project. Explain the potential impact of your data and how it can be applied to further inclusivity.
Do explain why you are the person or group to undertake this project. Make sure to list your bona fides – and highlight why you may be in a unique position to reach certain groups or collect important data that may have been overlooked in other projects. By discussing your unique understanding and approach to the question at hand, you can demonstrate why you should receive the funding.
Don’t feel like you have to go it alone. Before submitting your grant, it can be helpful to have individuals who are familiar with multicultural research practices and workflows review your document and supplemental materials. They can help you identify potential gaps – and provide feedback that can help you strengthen your proposal and increase your likelihood of getting funded.
For more insights on multicultural grant writing, contact the team members at Ebony Marketing Systems. We are experts at conducting research that reaches people in a new way. For more information, call us at (718)742-0006 or send us a message today.
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