Always review the guidelines or RFP closely before you begin writing the first draft. Learn as much as you can about your audience — are they foundation trustees and staff or volunteers who may be your peers? Read between the lines of the RFP or guidelines to help you determine what they need and want to know about your organization and its programs. Focus on their interests rather than on what you need or want to tell them, and you're on your way to writing a successful grant proposal.