Optimus Template

The final area of a grant narrative that tends to take on a life of its own is the description of project activities. Often, applicant agencies are serving the community through so many different activities that it can be tempting to share every single one in a grant narrative. However, sharing lots of activities with many details can become very confusing for a reader. It is your job as the grant writer to organize the required details about project activities into a reader-friendly format.

I can liken writing this section the right way to packing for a trip.

When I am packing for a trip, I do not take out my entire dresser drawer and dump all of its contents into my suitcase. Instead, I take the time to select the items that I will use on my trip, I fold them all nicely, and I pack them in an organized fashion. This should be your strategy for detailing your program activities in a grant narrative.

If I am going on a trip to the beach, I make sure I pack the appropriate items (shorts, flip flops, sunscreen) and avoid packing the inappropriate items (mittens, parka, rain boots). A funding agency has a specific focus, and it wants its money to serve specific needs. Only discuss those activities that serve those needs. While your organization may have many activities that serve the community, you only need to share in the grant those that are relevant and appropriate for this funding agency. Do not include extras.

Once you have identified appropriate items, you need to organize them. As tempting as it is to save time by throwing all of my clothes into my suitcase without folding them, I regret it later when I get to my destination and have to try to find my specific outfits.

In grant writing, if you just throw in all of the activities your organization does into your activities section without regard to prioritization and organization, you’ve put the burden of deciphering the information on the grant reader. Things can get confusing very quickly—and a confused grant reader is a frustrated grant reader. Activities should be neatly described using reader-friendly strategies, including bullet points and bold type. The only details mentioned should be those most relevant to meeting the goals and objectives.

The selected activity descriptions, like all other parts of the grant narrative, should be the appropriate breadth and depth for the requirement of this grant.  Any other details are just taking up room in your suitcase.

So, what did you think of our week’s theme, “Going Overboard?” If it was helpful, let me know in the comments—I’m considering other themes for the future. Also, continue to ask questions via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I’m loving the questions I’m receiving, and will be answering many of them very soon! Thanks!