Douglas Hagedorn has secured several innovation grants from Alberta Innovates Tech Futures, TECTERRA, and others to help finance his tech company, Tactalis. Tactalis develops tablet computers with tactile feedback, empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to explore, create, and share interactive digital media.
A few weeks ago, Douglas shared his grant writing experience with the local tech community, so they could also learn how to access non-dilutive funding.
Before diving into grant writing, let’s quickly clarify the difference between grants and tax credits. Tax credits help companies recover costs already spent on R&D projects. Grants, on the other hand, are proactive—they’re not exactly ‘free money,’ but they can range from $5,000 to $150,000 or more, and are designed to help you achieve a specific goal. (Check out our Innovation Funding overview for a side-by-side comparison of programs.)
Here are the top 10 tips Douglas shared during his candid discussion on grant writing:
1. Be concise and consistent
Answer the question directly. Use as few words as possible to get your point across.
Stick to the same terminology when describing your technology—don’t introduce new terms or synonyms throughout your application. The clearer and more concise your application, the easier it is for reviewers to understand and assess.
2. Be calendar sensitive
Many programs accept applications year-round. Be aware of slower periods, like Stampede or Christmas—funders are people too.
If there’s a deadline, mark it in your calendar. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the program directly.
3. Collaborate with your community
If you’ve partnered with students or local organizations to access the expertise you need, mention it. Showing you can work with others—and have done so successfully—makes your application stronger.
4. Highlight valuable credentials
Don’t just list your team members’ names and degrees (like PhD or MBA). Credentials only matter if you explain how they add value to your company. Show why their expertise justifies the investment in their salary.
5. Don’t just copy and paste
It’s tempting to copy and paste when writing multiple applications, but the more you practice, the better you’ll get at describing your company. Each application is unique and deserves tailored answers.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Click here to learn about 20+ Grant Programs in this Ultimate Guide to Innovation Funding.
6. Connect with past recipients
Many grant programs list previous recipients on their websites. Reach out to them to learn about their projects, the funding they received, and how they positioned their applications.
7. Circulate your application
It’s much better for someone else to catch your typos and grammar mistakes than the funder. Ask someone—ideally someone less familiar with your company—to review your application with fresh eyes.
8. Leave some cash on the table
You’re more likely to get funded if you show you understand the real costs needed to reach your goals.
For example, instead of simply asking for $100,000 to hire a software developer, request $88,000 and explain that this matches the average salary according to the Alberta Wage Survey. Sometimes, leaving a bit of money on the table shows you’ve done your homework.
9. Understand the cost
There’s no such thing as free money. Sometimes, your company will need to contribute a portion of the total project cost to secure funding. Many businesses don’t budget for extra GST or interest payments that may be required.
Some programs are structured as loans that only need to be repaid if you’re successful. Read the program details carefully and plan accordingly.
10. Be cautious
Grants can give your company a short-term boost, but they shouldn’t be relied on for long-term growth. Remember, short-term hires, interns, or contractors may not become permanent team members.
When using grants to hire someone, keep in mind that after you’ve invested time in training them, there’s no guarantee they’ll stay once the funding ends. This can catch some companies off guard, so choose your grant hires carefully.
In conclusion
Grant writing isn’t the same as pitching. With grants, it’s about showing you have the experience, skills, and team to deliver on the funder’s objectives. Your job is to help funders justify their decision to support you. Focus on the outcomes your company can deliver that align with their goals.
And one last thing—a thank you goes a long way. Be sure to let your funders know how much you appreciate their support!
