After more than a decade of reviewing applications for the LA2050 Grants Challenge, our LA2050 team and external evaluators have identified some common themes in the most successful applications. We’ve compiled 10 of these tips and tricks below, to help you craft the most compelling application for funding.

Out with the old, in with the new.

LA2050 is always looking for new ideas with potential to spark transformation in Los Angeles, and we believe that solving our region’s biggest challenges will require innovation. The most successful applications either pitch a new idea or present an existing program, project, or initiative that departs from business-as-usual – something that makes people say: “Wow! That’s a great idea!”

Use the space provided.

While brevity is appreciated, we recommend using as much detail as possible to give evaluators a clear picture of your work. Our winners often take advantage of the entire space, or close to the entire space, to answer the questions.

Write for an unfamiliar audience.

You want to write it so that someone who has never encountered your organization or the work that you do could read it and then explain it to someone else. Sometimes, applicants make the mistake of assuming that evaluators have prior knowledge or using jargon specific to their work. Make sure to present the full A to Z, don’t start at K.

Create a cohesive narrative that flows through the application.

The most successful applications read as one narrative, with smooth transitions from one question to another. We recommend that you identify one main theme, and craft responses that build on one another to reinforce that theme. Be sure to pay close attention to Questions 6, 7, and 8, which form the heart of the application.

Tell stories, instead of writing lists.

It is often more impactful to share one or two stories rather than listing out all of the various functions of your organization. Some applicants prioritize showing the breadth of their work over the depth, leaving the evaluator without a clear sense of your impact. While lists might seem impressive, we recommend zooming in on a few tangible examples of your work.

Don’t underestimate the timeline (Question 11)!

Be specific about your activities when you write the timeline. If you find yourself running out of characters on Question 6, Question 11 is the perfect chance to provide details for your program, project, or initiative and how it will unfold over the grant period. This helps evaluators to understand exactly what you will do, and how you will do it.

Present a clear solution that connects your problem.

The best applications provide an in-depth explanation of the problem that is being addressed through the organization’s work. Be sure to describe the problem as it exists in our region, outside of you (Question 6). Then, once you provide that background, present the program, project, or initiative you are requesting funding for (Question 7) and highlight how it is the right solution.

Look to the future.

With the name LA2050, it is no surprise that we are always thinking about the future of Los Angeles. It is crucial that you explain how your program, project, or initiative will create thriving in Los Angeles not just during the one-year grant period, but five, 10, and 20 years into the future.

Answer the question: “Why YOU?”

Another thing that grant winners have in common: making a strong case for why their particular organization is in the best position to address their identified issue. Don’t be shy! Highlight what is unique about your organization, share your qualifications, and show off your successes to prove that you are the best candidate for funding.

Be sure to explain: Why NOW?

Do not assume that evaluators have an intuitive sense of the importance or urgency of your work. Make sure to communicate why your program, project, or initiative needs to be funded now. This can be integrated throughout the application, starting with how you present the problem (Question 6)

We hope that these tips and tricks are helpful to you as you complete your application.

If you have further questions, you can join us for our last information session on Monday, June 17th at 1:00 pm (PT) or connect with our team for office hours, Tuesdays at 1:00 pm PT and Fridays at 10:30 am PT.