COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY GRANTS SERVICES: Expert Approaches for Winning More Using Strength-Based Solutioning®

Writing a winning grant proposal requires a strategic approach that highlights your organization’s strengths and aligns them with the grantor’s goals. Strength-Based Solutioning^®—which involves using strength statements (Feature-Benefit-Proof), understanding the client’s problem, the process you will use to develop your solution, and a summarization, can significantly enhance your proposal’s effectiveness.

1. Understanding Strength-Based Solutioning^® 

Strength-Based Solutioning^® focuses on leveraging your organization’s strengths to address the grantor’s needs:

• Feature-Benefit-Proof: Clearly articulate the features of your project, the benefits they provide, and proof of their effectiveness.
• Client’s Problem: Demonstrate a deep understanding of the problem the grantor aims to solve.
• Solution Development Process: Outline the process you will use to develop and implement your solution.
• Summarization: Provide a concise summary that ties everything together and reinforces your proposal’s value.

2. Crafting Strength Statements (Feature-Benefit-Proof)

Effective strength statements are crucial to highlight your organization’s capabilities:

• Feature: Describe the key features of your project or solution.
  • Example: “Our project includes a comprehensive training program for community health workers.”
• Benefit: Explain the benefits these features will provide.
  • Example: “This training will enhance the skills of health workers, leading to improved healthcare delivery.”
• Proof: Provide evidence or data to support your claims.
  • Example: “In a pilot program, trained health workers increased patient satisfaction by 30%.”

3. Understanding the Client’s Problem

Show that you understand the grantor’s mission and the problem they aim to address:

• Research: Conduct thorough research on the grantor’s goals and priorities.
• Needs Assessment: Include a needs assessment that identifies the specific problem your project will address.
• Alignment: Clearly align your project objectives with the grantor’s mission.

4. Solution Development Process

Outline a clear and detailed process for developing and implementing your solution:

• Planning: Describe the planning phase, including stakeholder engagement and resource allocation.
• Implementation: Detail the steps you will take to implement the project, including timelines and milestones.
• Evaluation: Explain how you will monitor and evaluate the project’s progress and impact.

5. Summarization

Summarize your proposal to reinforce its value and leave a lasting impression:

• Concise Recap: Provide a concise recap of your project’s key points.
• Impact Statement: Highlight the anticipated impact of your project.
• Call to Action: Encourage the grantor to support your proposal.

6. Additional Tips for a Winning Proposal

Incorporate these additional tips to enhance your proposal’s chances of success:

• Clarity and Precision: Ensure your proposal is clear, concise, and free of jargon.
• Visual Aids: Use charts, graphs, and images to support your narrative and make your proposal visually appealing.
• Proofreading: Thoroughly proofread your proposal to eliminate errors and ensure professionalism.
• Feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues or experts to refine your proposal.

Ready to Elevate Your Grant Proposals?

Writing a winning grant proposal using Strength-Based Solutioning^® can significantly enhance your chances of success. Our grant support service is here to guide you through the process, from crafting compelling strength statements to developing a robust solution. Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure the funding your organization needs.

By Dana Katalinas, Vice President, APMP Member

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).