Here's how you can develop assertiveness in grant writing and reporting.

As a grant administrator, it is important to recognize with state and federal grants you are going to be considered primary point of contact which comes with intense performance expectations. Especially with federal grants, it is expected and you need to be fully conversant in the performance stipulations contained in the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the grant agreement you have executed. You will find that it will be from the outset of administering the grant an expectation by the federal or state agency that you will be aggressive in assuring both timely performance in reporting and carrying out project activities. This level of expectation will also hold true in communicating with the agency.

To develop assertiveness in grant writing and reporting, clarity and conciseness are paramount. Begin by mastering the art of crafting clear and focused narratives that articulate your organization's mission, goals, and impact. Use precise language to convey objectives and outcomes, ensuring every word contributes directly to your message. In reporting, be meticulous in presenting data and results, emphasizing the significance of your achievements. Practice brevity without sacrificing detail, keeping your audience engaged and informed. Assertiveness in grant administration stems from the ability to communicate with clarity and precision, showcasing your organization's credibility and commitment to its mission.

Federal and state grants all come with a detailed grant agreement which will clearly set forth an expectation that the grant administrator will provide performance and financial reports which are supported by accurate, verifiable, reliable, and defendable data and information. It certainly can be found that your role when it comes especially to federal grants is naturally associated with being assertive since all updates and information you provide to the federal agency will be thoroughly digested and often challenged for clarity. Also, keep in mind that the same level of assertiveness will be expected of you when it comes to generating reports to and from participating stakeholders.

One thing I always do is put myself in the funder’s shoes. I think about what I’d want to know if I were investing in the project, including its long-term sustainability and how we plan to measure its impact. Gathering input from stakeholders and team members beforehand is also helpful in identifying potential gaps or concerns, strengthening the proposal, and showcasing a well-rounded and deeply considered project plan.