How to Write a Winning Organization Description for Grant Applications

When you’re applying for a grant, the organization description is your chance to introduce your nonprofit to the grantmaker. But it’s not just about listing your mission and programs; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with the funder and clearly aligns with their priorities. In this post, I’m sharing three essential tips for writing an organization description that will set your grant application apart.

1. Highlight Your Mission and Vision

Your mission and vision are the foundation of your organization. In your organization description, start by clearly stating these. Your mission explains what your organization does, while your vision outlines the change you’re striving to create. When these are clearly articulated, they help the Grantmaker understand what drives your organization and why your work is important.

2. Showcase Your Impact with Specific Examples

Grantmakers don’t just want to know what you do—they want to see the impact of your work. Use specific examples, data, and stories to illustrate how your organization is making a difference. For instance, instead of simply stating, "We help children in need," you could say, "In the past year, we’ve provided over 10,000 meals to children in need, ensuring they have the nutrition required to excel in school." This makes your impact feel real and measurable.

3. Align Your Description with the Grantmaker’s Priorities

Every Grantmaker has specific priorities they want to support. Before you write your organization description, research the Grantmaker and understand what they care about. Then, tailor your description to reflect how your mission and impact align with their goals. This alignment shows that you’ve done your homework and that your organization is a perfect match for their funding.

Remember, your organization description isn’t just about providing information—it’s about making a connection with the funder and showing them why your organization is the best choice for their support.

If you’re ready to refine your organization description even further, be sure to grab the free download available at the end of this post. It includes seven additional tips that will help you take your grant application to the next level.

Crafting a compelling organization description takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. By highlighting your mission and vision, showcasing your impact with specific examples, and aligning your description with the grantmaker’s priorities, you can create a description that stands out and resonates with funders. Don’t forget to download the free guide linked below for even more tips to refine your organization description.