What do you do if you're a fundraiser facing complex grant applications?

You need to understand the rationale of donors and grant providers. Those are bodies that generally seek impact, rather than financial return, in exchange for the money they provide. You need to be able to promise relevant impact in the grant application and showcase ability to deliver on such promise. You also need to understand if you’re eligible to the criteria for such grant. For instance, you cannot apply for a grant that seeks to promote gender equality while your workforce is entirely male based. You cannot also promise them to meet their gender diversity requirements unless you’re able to achieve them in a predefined period of time. Bottom line, don’t think that grants are free money. They demand promises that you must achieve.

To navigate the complexities of grants effectively, start by thoroughly reading the guidelines and eligibility criteria. This step helps you assess compatibility with your organization and project. Aligning your proposal with the funder's mission and priorities enhances your chances of success. If any aspect is unclear, seek clarification from the grantmaker, as they are invested in your success.

By leveraging technology effectively, the complexity of applications of the grants can be easily done away with, therefore enhancing your chances at securing the funds. Consider grant management software in place that would help track deadlines, manage documents, and ensure compliance to the laid-down requirements for a grant. Additionally, the use of the data analytics tool can help you better understand funding trends and, in turn, provide better application of what has been doing well in winning grants. We have also increasingly engaged directly with grantors and the community on their social media and digital communication platforms that help elevate the visibility of your cause and bring stronger applications to your organization.

Prepare all essential information and supporting documents before starting the application process. Gather your organization's financial statements, project budgets, program descriptions, and other pertinent data. This preparation streamlines the writing process and provides factual support for your proposal. Additionally, create a checklist of required materials to prevent any oversights.

Write the application using clear, straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon. Your objective is to clearly convey your organization's objectives, needs, and the potential impact of funding. Aim to engage the grantmaker by presenting a compelling narrative that emphasizes the value of your project. Provide specific details about your goals and how you intend to measure success, akin to storytelling to captivate the reader's attention.

Once you've drafted your application, conduct a comprehensive review to ensure clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness. This goes beyond simple proofreading for grammar and spelling errors. Consider asking someone unfamiliar with the project to review it for clarity and coherence. Fresh perspectives can provide valuable insights and help refine your message, making your proposal more compelling to the grantmaker.

Grantmakers often have specific submission processes, ranging from online portals to email or mail submissions. It's crucial to follow their guidelines meticulously, as any deviations could lead to disqualification. Additionally, be vigilant about deadlines, submitting well before the cutoff to avoid missing out on opportunities.

Following up after submission is vital. Respond promptly and thoroughly to any feedback or requests for additional information from the grantmaker. Even if your application is unsuccessful, seek feedback as it can provide valuable insights for future submissions. Establishing a relationship with the grantmaker may also prove advantageous in the long run.

Be sure to evaluate the time that it takes to complete the complex grant application, the likelihood of receiving the grant and the impact that the potential funding can have. Not all grant applications are worth completing and it's important to evaluate this regularly. Don't make employees or you suffer by trying to complete a complex grant that you probably won't receive or that the value of the grant doesn't equal the staff time effort spent. It's okay to decide a grant no longer works for your organization.

The understanding of the broader ecosystem within which grants are considered in this complex world of grant applications is, therefore, very crucial. This will include the ability to appreciate the competition in the granting space and also the potential collaborations that could be entered into to further strengthen an application. In other words, other organizations may take part not only in proving the validity of the application but sharing the efforts required during the application process. To think of grant writing as yet one more special opportunity to tell a vivid story, it is more than the figures with which you need to paint a compelling picture of the difference and necessity your work is making.