Loading...
Successful grant proposals include documentation to support the case for funding, and it’s usually the grants professional who burrows into research, evaluation reports, news stories, websites, and journals to unearth what’s needed. “Grants people are ad hoc researchers,” said Barbara Floersch. “When someone has worked on numerous proposals in one issue area they often have more up-do-date knowledge of recent research and data than the organization’s program staff.”
“When solid, recent data support the major sections of the proposal, you’re much more likely to win an award,” said Floersch. Documenting the magnitude, significance, and causes of the problem you’re addressing grabs the funder’s attention. Proving the proposed program can improve that situation builds commitment. Demonstrating your organization’s service reach and track record of impact generates confidence you can deliver what you promise.
Program staff members are the subject matter experts and are essential in planning. They can suggest data sources to explore, but can seldom provide the detailed, targeted information the proposal requires. To position yourself to develop the most competitive proposals, be proactive. Don’t wait until you’re desperate for documentation. Educate yourself about the best sources related to your field and dive in now.
Grants professionals need the time and resources to collect topic-related data and keep it up to date. “When they’re well versed in the field, grants pros can ask the right questions, spot digressions that put the program plan in conflict with recent research, and avoid the pitfalls of well-intentioned naivete,” said Floersch. “They’ll be more savvy contributors and contenders.”
As we celebrate our 36th year, NPT remains dedicated to supplying breaking news, in-depth reporting, and special issue coverage to help nonprofit executives run their organizations more effectively.