How to Make Your Grant Application Stand Out: Insights from Casey Fox from The Grant Blueprint Make Learn Grow.
If you’ve ever stared down a grant application and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Early this month, the Maker City was lucky enough to hear expert advice from Casey Fox from the Arts and Culture Alliance for a Make Learn Grow event. Attendees walked away with a roadmap to make their grant proposals more impactful, more strategic, and more aligned with funder expectations.
Even if you missed the Make Learn Grow, we want you to have the resources you need to help you with your grant goals. You can find the slides that Casey shared with our group HERE.
Here are the key takeaways that Casey taught us that will level up your next grant application:
Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals
First things first—cut the vague stuff. Funders need clarity, not fluff. That means enunciating your goals clearly and defining exactly what you’re hoping to achieve. Don’t create a project just because there’s funding available—create something that matters and can be measured. Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to show you’re serious and strategic.
Pro Tip: Always align your goals with the funder’s mission. Use their language, highlight shared values, and demonstrate how your outcomes support their impact areas.
Tell a Compelling Story
Your narrative is where you set the stage. Why does your project matter? What’s the gap you’re trying to fill?
In your Statement of Need, explain the problem using data and real-world context—especially if it’s location-specific. Highlight the community or industry you’re supporting and make it personal and evidence-based.
Metrics Matter
Your application should show how you’ll track success. Include outputs (what you do), outcomes (the change you expect), and indicators (how you’ll measure that change).
You’ll need these metrics anyway when reporting back—make them count from the start.
Budget Is Part of the Story
Your budget isn’t just a spreadsheet—it’s a reflection of your priorities. Make sure expenses mentioned in your narrative show up in your budget. Be clear and reasonable.
Funders want to see:
How the money will be used
Whether they’re your only source of funding
That you’re building diverse income streams (e.g., other grants, earned revenue, or ticket sales)
Break things down! Don’t just say “$2,000 for marketing”—explain what that covers.
Show the Plan
Include a month-by-month timeline of your project. Show that you’ve thought about logistics, scheduling, and execution.
The more concrete your plan, the more confidence a funder will have in your ability to follow through.
Supporting Materials Seal the Deal
Don’t skip the optional uploads—they can set you apart. Add videos, letters of support, testimonials, press clips—anything that shows you’re already trusted, impactful, and ready to scale.
Final Thought
Grants aren’t just about money—they’re about mission alignment and impact. The more clearly you can articulate your why, your how, and your what now, the more likely you are to get that “yes.”
What’s Next:
