• The project fits the guidelines of what the funder wishes to fund.
• The proposal is written clearly so that someone outside of the field can understand what you are proposing to do.
• The program or project meets the needs of those you are trying to reach, and you can demonstrate that from your research.
• The problem you are trying to solve is carefully researched, and your solution is innovative.
• The goals and objectives are reasonable, can be accomplished, and you have demonstrated that your organization has the capacity to carry out your goals and objectives.
• You have engaged in a planning period with the individuals and organizations involved, and their commitment is evident.
• You have a good plan for precisely how you will carry out the grant.
• The budget is reasonable for what you are trying to accomplish, doesn’t request anything that they don’t fund, and has an adequate match if one is required.
• You have a reasonable evaluation plan.
• You have the backing of your board of trustees, advisory board, or other governing body, and there is a plan for institutionalizing the program when the grant funds run out.

• You show a track record of successfully carrying out other grants.
• There are partners involved including multiple funders.

Most grants are geared to solving important problems with innovative solutions. These solutions should be models that can be used by others in similar circumstances. Therefore, the more important and more common the problem, the more innovative the solution, the more readily this innovative solution can be used by others, the more likely you will get funded.

There are exceptions, for example, in the arts. Also, when a funder asks you to provide a specific service, your application must demonstrate your expertise and experience in carrying out what they want done. These do not have to be innovative.