How can you find the best grant administration professional development and innovation?

1 Join professional networks and associations

One of the best ways to find the best grant administration professional development and innovation is to join professional networks and associations that cater to your specific interests, needs, and goals. These organizations can offer you access to webinars, workshops, conferences, mentoring programs, publications, and online communities that can help you learn from experts, share your experiences, and discover new opportunities. Some examples of grant administration professional networks and associations are the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), and the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI).

2 Subscribe to newsletters and blogs

Another way to find the best grant administration professional development and innovation is to subscribe to newsletters and blogs that provide relevant and timely information, insights, and tips on grant-related topics. These sources can help you stay updated on the latest news, trends, policies, and best practices in grant administration, as well as offer you practical advice, case studies, and success stories. Some examples of newsletters and blogs that you can follow are the Grantsmanship Center Blog, the Grant Professionals Foundation Newsletter, and the GrantStation Insider.

3 Enroll in online courses and certifications

A third way to find the best grant administration professional development and innovation is to enroll in online courses and certifications that can help you enhance your knowledge, skills, and credentials in grant administration. These courses and certifications can cover various aspects of grant administration, such as grant writing, grant management, grant compliance, grant evaluation, and grant reporting. They can also help you demonstrate your competence, professionalism, and commitment to your field. Some examples of online courses and certifications that you can take are the Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) program, the Grant Writing Certificate program, and the Grant Management Essentials course.

4 Participate in challenges and competitions

A fourth way to find the best grant administration professional development and innovation is to participate in challenges and competitions that can help you showcase your creativity, problem-solving, and innovation skills in grant administration. These challenges and competitions can offer you the chance to work on real-world projects, collaborate with other grant professionals, and receive feedback and recognition from experts, funders, and peers. They can also help you discover new funding sources, partners, and ideas for your grant projects. Some examples of challenges and competitions that you can join are the HHS Grant Innovation Challenge, the Global Innovation Exchange, and the OpenIDEO Challenges.

5 Seek feedback and mentorship

A fifth way to find the best grant administration professional development and innovation is to seek feedback and mentorship from other grant professionals who can help you improve your performance, overcome your challenges, and achieve your goals. Feedback and mentorship can help you learn from the experiences, insights, and perspectives of others who have been in your shoes, or who have expertise in areas that you want to develop. They can also help you expand your network, gain confidence, and find new opportunities. Some examples of ways to seek feedback and mentorship are to join a peer review group, find a mentor or coach, or ask for feedback from your supervisor, colleagues, or clients.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?