Grants help the local government take new initiatives and projects. But most people do not know how to go about applying for grants. Seek more knowledge from people who have worked with grant funding. These are the local government grants and the private sector to understand how to go about the grant application to the grant submission. Once you know how to be successful in grants matters, it is easy to follow the procedure. Below are five tips to help you secure funding from your next government grant application.
Make a plan and choose the right partners
First, you need to know where you want to go to follow the proper steps there. Thus, you require a clear project plan, monitoring mechanism, deliverables, and reporting protocol. Such a plan helps you to save time when you start writing the grant applications. Funding organizations are not the same, and not all will be the right fit for your project or program. Others may not fund local governments at all. For this reason, before you start writing your application, ensure the program you have in mind aligns with your project goals. In this way, you do not waste time applying for a program with no chances of success.
Create a detailed budget
Having a detailed budget is a must-have for you need more than writing skills in the application process. A solid budget is one way to show you have a clear idea of using the grant funds you receive. Many people can write a compelling story in their application, but you need to be accurate as possible with your budget to show the funder where the investment is going. Also, when you create a thorough budget, you can adjust any gaps you identify before you submit your application.
Know your funders goals
Funders offer a grant for a reason, and they have a specific goal. Therefore, ask yourself whether your project solves that problem or meets their goal and tailor your application accordingly. If your project is not in line with your funder’s needs and goals, seek other funding sources whose goals align with yours. Also, call the funder by communicating online for a few minutes. Through this, you can ask questions you understand better how your goals and the funders overlap. Plus, you build a rapport with the funder when they see your application.
Review funders resources and history
Look at the type of projects the funder awarded in the past. In this way, you can check to see if they align with your project. Plus, many grant-making organizations provide details of the review process and how to apply. You do not want your grant disqualified because of a technicality after spending a lot of time writing it. Throughout the application process, ensure you review this information. Also, contact funded peers who have received funds from the same organization you are targeting. In this way, you understand what the funder is like, and you know what to avoid and emphasize through your application process. Also, you might find opportunities for collaboration down the road.
Read the fine print
Does the grant you are applying for require matching funds? Letters of support? Other resources? Consider how much effort you need to satisfy the requirements to how much you receive from the funder. For instance, you may decide whether the amount offered is worth your time and energy. Knowing the value of your time and the requirements will help you know what to offer in the writing process.
To sum up, once you have put all the hard work into writing the grant application. Followed the above steps to write an effective one for your local government. Share your success with your constituents to know how the new funding will make their lives better. Additionally, you can utilize media campaigns and other tools of communication to tell the stories of the work the funded projects do. Notably, ensure the local government is on the list of the projects you share. In this way, you make connections with the added publicity and build your capacity more.
