by Jo Ann Warner
Nov. 2, 2026
While there are many grant resources at our disposal, including AI to help us craft a winning grant application, it’s become more important than ever to be vigilant in the grant making process.
This article is meant to help applicants address some of the most common pitfalls that can result in losing a competitive edge.
First, no matter which category you are making application to (Education, Underutilization of Crop Insurance or Exploratory), realize that the Producer Outcomes you identify will be the single most important component. The panel of reviewers who evaluate your application will be diligent in reviewing each outcome, its relevance to the risk area being addressed, the anticipated change in practice or behavior and if it can be accurately and reasonably measured within the time frame of the project.
Next, test your assumptions about your target audience (Producer Demand/Audience). What is the likelihood of their participation in your proposed project, and what indicators will support their active engagement in it? Review panels are experienced in evaluating project scopes, and inflated metrics are a common reason proposals lose credibility.
With the outcomes in mind and a firm foundation of assumptions, carry your effort forward to writing a strong Project Outcomes Narrative. The narrative is your opportunity to expressly state how the outcomes will help producers mitigate their risks through your project activities, the perceived gaps it will fill in risk management for your target audience, and why the project is significant to agricultural viability in your community, state or locale.
View the Project Steps section of the application as a mechanism for creating a timeline for your plan of work. Include enough steps to demonstrate an accurate and realistic progression of your intended program delivery, including a timeline for evaluating producer outcomes.
Do not overlook the importance of your having a strong Project Team. Your team’s capacity will be rigorously evaluated to ensure that there is ample expertise to deliver the proposed project.
The remaining sections of the application should amplify the overall application. It is easy to make assumptions that a review panel should understand or know what you are talking about, so be articulate and leave no stone unturned. Spell out acronyms and make sure to make hidden information explicit with clear, upfront statements so reviewers do not have to guess about any aspect of the project.
Finally, create a short and succinct project title that is descriptive, but not overly wordy.
The ERME program is dedicated to programs that can demonstrate tangible impacts for farmers, ranchers and foresters and with applications that can articulate the benefits accrued to producers through improved risk management strategies.
Towards that end we have developed several excellent resource materials to help you – whether a first time or seasoned applicant. Do take advantage of these resources to help fine tune your application and ensure your competitive edge.
Developing ERME Project Outcomes
