How do you motivate your grant staff?

1 Recognize their achievements

One of the simplest and most effective ways to motivate your grant staff is to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and accomplishments. Whether it is a thank-you note, a shout-out in a meeting, a certificate, or a reward, recognition can boost their morale and confidence. Recognition can also be formal or informal, individual or team-based, public or private, depending on the preferences and personalities of your staff. The key is to be sincere, specific, and timely in your praise.

2 Provide feedback and support

Another way to motivate your grant staff is to give them constructive and regular feedback on their performance and progress. Feedback can help them identify their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as align their goals and expectations with yours. Feedback can also be a two-way communication, where you solicit their opinions and suggestions on how to improve the grant process and outcomes. Moreover, feedback should be accompanied by support, such as coaching, mentoring, training, or resources, to help them overcome challenges and grow professionally.

3 Empower them with autonomy and flexibility

A third way to motivate your grant staff is to empower them with autonomy and flexibility in their work. Autonomy means giving them the freedom and responsibility to make decisions and solve problems within their scope of work. Flexibility means allowing them to adjust their work schedules, locations, or methods to suit their preferences and needs. Autonomy and flexibility can enhance their sense of ownership, creativity, and satisfaction in their work. However, they also require clear expectations, guidelines, and accountability to ensure quality and consistency.

4 Encourage collaboration and learning

A fourth way to motivate your grant staff is to encourage collaboration and learning among them and with other colleagues. Collaboration means fostering a culture of teamwork, trust, and mutual support, where they can share ideas, information, and feedback. Learning means creating opportunities for them to acquire new skills, knowledge, or perspectives, such as through webinars, workshops, conferences, or online courses. Collaboration and learning can help them expand their network, improve their grant skills, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in grant administration.

5 Celebrate successes and failures

A fifth way to motivate your grant staff is to celebrate successes and failures with them. Successes mean celebrating the achievements and impacts of the grants they have secured or managed, such as through newsletters, stories, or events. Failures mean acknowledging the lessons and insights they have gained from the grants they have missed or struggled with, such as through debriefs, feedback, or support. Celebrating successes and failures can help them appreciate their contributions, learn from their experiences, and maintain a positive attitude.

6 Align their work with their values and passions

A sixth way to motivate your grant staff is to align their work with their values and passions. Values mean connecting their work to the mission, vision, and goals of your organization and the grantmakers. Passions mean tapping into their interests, motivations, and aspirations in their work. Aligning their work with their values and passions can help them find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in their work. It can also help them relate to the beneficiaries, stakeholders, and partners of the grants they work on.

7 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?