Kitchen Steward at Golden Tulip Hotel Asaba, Delta State
Psycho-Social Support Worker-Available Positions in Katsina and Zamfara-PUI Nigeria
Protection Officer -Available Positions in Katsina and Zamfara – PUI Nigeria
Femi Akindele
Oluwatosin Oguntunde- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 43 views
How To Write A Winning Grant Application?
Are you just starting your non-profit organization and you need funding support? Do you have a creative idea of how something can be improved or advanced? Or do you want to hop on valuable research and you think applying for a grant is a good idea? Well, Yes, it is. Being awarded a grant is a great feeling of accomplishment but the process of writing an application letter can be a lot of challenge especially if it’s your first time doing it. So while grants are important to most organizations, you shouldn’t ruin your chances by not writing the perfect proposal. In this article, we’ll discuss how to write a winning grant application. What Is A Grant? A grant is a monetary award provided to support nonprofits, organizations, projects, initiatives, or individuals by government agencies, or foundations. Unlike a loan, grants do not require repayment( not meant to be paid back). Grants are often awarded to people based on specific standards, such as the nature of the project or the qualifications of the individual or organization among many others. They can be allocated for various purposes, including education, research, community development, and charitable activities. What Is A Grant Application Letter? A grant application letter is a formally written request to a grantor or funding organization, seeking financial support. The letter is a crucial component of the grant application process because it serves as a persuasive document that aims to convince and persuade the grantor that the proposed project is worthy of funding. The letter should be clear and concise. How To Write A Winning Grant Application To craft a winning grant application, follow these key steps: Start With Your Executive Summary The executive summary also called the proposal summary is the first section that your finders will read to decide whether to read through your whole proposal or not. This section usually provides a brief overview or summary of your entire proposal. This section should be given the scope of ‘elevator pitch’ because you are expected to describe the most important aspects and features of your proposal in just a few sentences(maybe a paragraph or two). Anyone should be able to read your executive summary and immediately grasp and understand the concept behind your entire proposal. Your executive summary provides an image of how your overall proposal should look like Detailed Organizational Information This section should answer the question ‘What does your organization do and why’. You should provide as much information about your organization without leaving out important details. This is where you disciple your mission, a detailed organizational history, and past and present projects, you can further highlight your nonprofit’s(if you have a non-profit) achievements over the years. It’s also important that you include in this section a unique mission to persuade the finder that your organization is capable and can solve problems when awarded the grant. Statement Of Need The statement of need or the problem statement is the section where you outline and provide in-depth information about the problems you aim to solve through your project. You can create a sense of urgency and peak your funder’s interest by providing a data-driven solution, statistics, and stories that make your need worth funding. Your new employee should be able to answer this question: If your project is funded, how will it improve things for people, and why should the funder be interested? Finders want to make sure their money goes to a worthy cause so this section can either be a primary motivation for finders or not- depending on you. Project Description Your project description Should dive deeper into how each activity and project would be carried out. This section should include an outline that explains how, when, and by whom the project will be carried out and also any collaborations and partnerships between your organization and other organizations working together in- this would help you boost your credibility. Project Goals And Objectives: If you want your application to be successful and effective, you must carefully analyze your organization’s clear goals and objectives. Firstly, there’s a difference between goals and objectives: In defining project goals, identify the broad approach of your initiative. These are the significant, long-term outcomes you intend to achieve. Objectives, on the other hand, are specific, measurable steps that lead to your goals. They provide clear milestones, guiding your project’s progress. For instance, if your goal is to improve literacy rates by 20% in your community, an objective could be implementing a reading program in local schools. Each objective contributes to the broader goal. Project Budget This section is the reason for this grant-where you propose the money you need to solve your problem. You’ll provide a detailed list of all anticipated expenses and income to ensure financial viability. Start by listing all project costs, including materials, labor, and overhead. Allocate funds for unforeseen expenses or emergencies. Use budgeting tools or templates to organize and calculate each line item. Be transparent and realistic, ensuring your budget aligns with the project’s scope and goals. Regularly monitor and adjust the budget as needed during the project to maintain financial control. Finally, present the budget in a clear, understandable format when submitting your grant application. Conclude By Signing The Document This is the last stage of your application process and you should wrap it up by signing and printing your name. You should use essential details about you and your organization. This section adds a personal touch and provides a point of contact for any inquiries. Lastly, specify the intended date of sending the grant to potential grantees. This final step ensures clarity and professionalism, making it easier for the grantor to reach out or respond promptly to your application. In conclusion, writing a top-notch grant is like telling a captivating story about your project. It’s important because it can turn your ideas into reality. To get better at it, keep learning more tips and always do your research before writing. Researching helps you understand what the grant provider wants. So, think of each grant application as a chance to share your project’s potential impact and make your story shine. It’s not just about asking for money – it’s about creating a connection that makes your project irresistible.
- Oluwatosin Oguntunde
- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 49 views
How To Secure Funding For Your Startup?
You have a brilliant startup idea, but each time you try to figure out where and how to get funds for it always feels like you’re solving a Rubik’s cube. Before you begin to execute the main part your ideas, it’s important to figure out the right funding sources that’ll help your startup succeed. In this article, we’ll share helpful tips on how to go about securing funds for your startup. Write A Business Plan Creating a business plan is an important aspect of securing funding for your startup. A business plan speaks volumes for your startup because it entails your startup’s goals, strategies, and vision for the future. This plan should be comprehensive enough to show your potential investors, lenders, and grant providers how you plan to achieve your goals and objectives. It also helps by showing how your idea will make money in the long run. A solid business plan should include the following information Crafting the best business plan takes effort because your potential investors expect it to provide a clear, accurate, and concise overview of your business and its potential for success. If need be, you may hire a professional business plan writer to write it for you because having a plan not only helps you secure funds but also serves as a clear map to keep you on track as you work towards your goals. Build A Strong Network Networking is a powerful tool in the startup world but Identifying and connecting with potential investors is a strategic move. Attend industry conferences, networking events, and angel investor meetups where you can present your startup and engage with investors personally. Establishing a direct connection provides a platform for them to learn more about your startup beyond what they just read on paper or online. Seek individuals with expertise in your industry or who have successfully navigated the challenges of startup funding. Their guidance not only adds credibility to your startup but also provides invaluable insights into the process of securing funding. Remember, building a network is an ongoing and never-ending process. Nurture the relationships, express genuine interest in others, and be receptive to feedback. A strong network not only provides potential funding sources but also provides your journey with diverse perspectives and collaborative opportunities. Craft A Compelling Pitch A pitch is a brief and concise piece of information about your startup that highlights the business idea, value proposition, the problem your startup solves,the benefits of your product or service and lastly, mention why your startup has the tendency to succeed in your target market amongst competition. Your pitch should focus on key aspects that would be compelling enough to capture interest and attention. Your pitch is also important because if it’s well-structured enough to convince your potential investors, you can have your chances of securing your funding. A pitch in some cases can be a one-time opportunity, so it’s important to be well prepared and practice repeatedly in front of friends and business partners to sound fluent and confident and also to get feedback and criticisms to be able to perfect your presentation. Having a compelling pitch can never be overstated in securing funding for your startup. Choose Your Startup Funding Options. Securing money for your startup comes in various options. Some ways are classic, like loans from banks, while others are more modern, like crowdfunding or getting help from venture capitalists. But before choosing whichever one you want, let’s take a look at the different types of funding options. However, asking your close relatives for funding also involves your professionalism and transparency. Be transparent and honest by telling them the rewards and potential risks of investing in your startup. Lastly, you must approach them officially, highlighting your startup plan, your vision, and goals. This would give them the idea of engaging in a formal business transaction and agreeing to sign an agreement or a contract to avoid any future conflicts and misunderstandings. In conclusion, the journey to secure funding for your startup is usually a mix of strategy and relationship-building. From crafting a compelling business plan to choosing your preferred funding options, and perfecting your pitch. Remember, building a strong network is your secret weapon. Whether it’s angel investors, venture capitalists, or grants, each avenue opens doors to turning your startup dreams into reality. References:
- Oluwatosin Oguntunde
- Blog
- January 15, 2024
- 44 views
How To Write An Effective Resume For A Successful Job Application?
When applying for a job and you’re asked to show proof that you’re the best man for the job, how do you go about it? When applying for a job, the importance of a well-crafted resume cannot be overemphasized- when you’re not physically present, your resume fills in the gaps and speaks on your behalf. What Is A Resume? A resume, derived from a Latin word meaning summarize, is a document created by a person for the main purpose of representing their identity which includes skills, background, and experience. Resumes can be used for different reasons but they’re mostly used to obtain employment. When applying for a job, it’s important to understand that there are other qualified and professional applicants like you. Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds reviewing each applicant’s resume, which means if you want to stand out and make your recruiter captivated and curious about your application, your resume has to be unique. In this article, we’ll go through 7 steps you need to take to create a perfect resume. Choose Your Preferred Resume Format. In case you don’t know, there are three standard formats for writing a resume. What makes them different? Each format maintains the original resume sections but arranges them differently, and it’s best to pick the format that aligns with your work experience level and your professional goals. Add Contact And Personal Information. What’s the essence of having a perfectly crafted resume without having (correct) information about yourself on i? The best place to place your contact information and personal details(email and address) is at the top of your resume, this saves potential employers the stress of having to read through every single word on your resume before getting your information. Here’s a list of the information to put on your contact information section: Write Your Resume Summary Or Objective. Do you think you have the best skills, and qualities for that job? Here’s where you can convince your potential employers and recruiters that you’re fit, skilled, and capable for the role. Consider this section as your ‘elevation pitch’ moment when you sell yourself in less than 4-5 sentence lines. A resume summary: is a concise and comprehensive description of about 2-3 lines that highlights an applicant’s skills, qualifications, and career goals. If you have experience and have been in an industry long enough. A resume objective: if you’re a first-time job seeker, returning to work after a long period, changing jobs, or applying for a new role in the same company then a resume objective is what you need to show your recruiter what you can help them achieve with your skill set. The objective will cover a short statement that stresses what positive impact and skills you’ll add to the company. List Relevant Work Experience And Key Accomplishments One thing recruiters are mostly interested in is your work experience. What was your role in your previous job? How well were you able to deliver? What major achievements did you make with your skills? And lastly, what do I gain by employing you? As your recruiter reads through your resume, these are the questions that your work experience section should answer. The scope of creating a perfect work experience section is by adding your real accomplishments in every role and job. For each job, include at least 4 to 6 accomplishments and elaborate on them if needed. The recommended format to build your work experience section is to arrange it in a reverse chronological order Education Reference Your education section is also an opportunity to show forth your knowledge in your industry. Properly filling your education section with accurate information can help prove your worth and give you a massive edge over other applicants. Here’s how to arrange your education section orderly: Relevant Skills For The Job Description Creating a section for your skills is as important as the resume itself. These skills make your resume relevant to the position you’re applying for. It’s important to write at least 5 to 8 of your top skills. There are two types of skills you can include in this section: Add Additional Resume Section A typical resume would include all the above sections but what would make yours personalized and a little different? Extra information about yourself. Your resume could also include sections like this; Proofread And Edit You’re already 95% ready at this stage but typos and grammatical errors can ruin your resume and all you need is to proofread and edit. If you think it’s too overwhelming you can always ask a proofreader or a family member to help you to reread it and make sure there are no mistakes and errors. Aside from typos and grammatical errors, formatting errors can also be a problem, but you can keep these steps in mind as you edit your resume: Writing the perfect resume that I’ll land you that dream job is possible if you follow closely the steps discussed above. You should not also limit yourself, aside from the above steps, there are other key things you should incorporate in your resume like including keywords from the job description throughout your resume. Also, you might want to consider including a cover letter with your job application References: