Martin Tietel, author of The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Winning Foundation Grants, offers a formula that should at least nudge you in the right direction for landing your next big grant. 

Most people don’t think of data as “spicy,” or of adding any real interest. But actual data, sprinkled sparingly in appropriate places, can be extremely effective in driving home an important point. Backing up your assertions of need with carefully selected facts demonstrates to the funder that you’ve done your homework. Read four best practices for sprinkling the spice of data into your foundation proposal recipes.

Even the best grant proposal in the world isn't a direct link to grant funding. Before investing precious resources in a grants consultant, make sure you've taken these steps to shore up your development operation and strategy, strengthen relationships, and improve your chance of winning grants.