Read the Request for Proposals (RFP), and check for:
Eligibility
Timeline for projects, funding availability
Amount of awards
Allowable costs
Selection criteria
Submission methods, deadlines
If the grant guidelines/RFP is unclear, ask program officer for clarification!
Do some homework:
Read sponsor’s mission—mesh your project goals with that, but don’t lose sight of the heart of your project.
Review the funding agency’s funding history.
Talk to a program officer.
Request samples of funded proposals.