Some grants require you to write a project narrative. If you don’t want to do this work yourself, you can search online for grant writing assistance. Here’s how.
Narrative-based grant applications require extensive paperwork and thoughtful, detailed proposals. Programs like the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), or Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) all have extensive narrative-based portions of their applications. As an applicant, you are usually asked for the following:
The nature of your project
Your qualifications and experience
Budget proposals
Relevant market research
Any details that convey why you deserve funding for your farm business
At this time, FarmRaise staff does not have the capacity to assist in writing these applications, but we recommend hiring a grant writer! If you’re applying for a large project, the additional fees of a grant writer may be well worth the competitive edge you’ll have with professional, experienced support.
We have a few grant writers that are experienced in many of the USDA programs we’ve already discussed. Feel free to email support@farmraise.com to get connected! Our network is limited, and you may find an option better suited for you, in qualifications or cost, by searching for grant writers yourself!
OpenGrants and UpWork are two websites that pair grant writers with grant applicants looking for some help. You may want to hire someone to complete your entire application, or simply review certain portions you’ve written. You can find either option with these sites!
There is little difference between the sites, and we recommend using both to maximize the quantity and quality of possible grant writers. You’ll want to begin the search process months before the deadline, you can never start too early. We’ve provided both written and video walkthroughs below on how to get started!