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Grants: some important instructions
Some very Important INSTRUCTIONS
- Do your research and do it well. Grant providers are usually looking for very specific recipients. Don’t waste time applying for grants that you never qualified for in the first place.
- Find out what is getting funded. Some grantors provide lists of past grant recipients on their websites or upon request. You can gain valuable information on how to model and market your idea from studying successful recipients. Also, these lists will help you recognize funders who are interested in projects similar to yours.
- Keep an open mind. Many people begin the grant process expecting instant, free money. These people will undoubtedly be disappointed. There are many sources for funding, including State and Local Economic Development Programs, Small Business Administration loans, educational grants, and funding for rural businesses, housing, and farms. It is up to you to find them!
- Keep records. As you conduct your research, you may come across some excellent grant options that aren’t a good fit for your current idea. Record these in a secure place, so that they are easily accessible in the future. Grant research can be tedious, so save yourself some of the trouble the next time around!
- Narrow your focus. Once you’ve identified a handful of potential sources for funding, you’ll need to narrow them down to give yourself the highest odds for success. The competition for grants is intense, and even a stellar idea won’t always get the money. Increase your chances by submitting to the top three or four funders you have identified through your research.
Cultivation
Take the time to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the funder(s) you have chosen. You will notice significant differences in their individual application and awarding processes, and it is essential that you can confidently meet all of their requirements. Also, it is important for you to begin cultivating relationships with these funders, which will give you the highest odds of receiving a grant. This could include a phone call or letter to ask for advice on your proposal, compliment them on their successes, or to clarify their expectations. These communications will help to ensure that you meet their expectations, while also allowing you to introduce them to your ideas and unique capabilities.
It is also wise to advertise your successes. If you have received grants in the past, send out a press release. In the course of communicating with a funder, cite your positive grant-related experiences. Confidence is key, and if you can sell them on your capabilities, you will begin to elevate your proposal to the top of the pile.
Cultivating these relationships is an ongoing process. Each time you submit paperwork promptly and correctly, you are sending a clear message to the funder. Conversely, a missed deadline or sloppy submission makes just as strong of an impression. Prove to the funder that you can be trusted by meeting and exceeding their expectations.
Getting Started
Prepare for the application process by writing down your goals and establishing a clear picture of who you are and what you propose to do. Funders are looking for people who IDENTIFY A NEED and offer a way to help fix it. You must go beyond an abstract idea and offer a tangible solution. Put together a PROJECT MAP. Begin by writing down your core purpose. This is often in the form of a written mission statement. By the way, from here on out, you will want to write down all information and ideas pertaining to your project. Not only will it help you sharpen your focus as you prepare to apply, but it will ensure that you have all of this information available when you write your proposal. Save time later by recording all of this information now!
After writing down your core purpose, quantify it by identifying what the results will be. How will you meet the aforementioned need? What are your specific project needs? How will you keep track of your results? This information is essential to your success!
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