Grants that Make the Cut
Grantmakers are flooded with so many requests that there is no time to carefully review them all. So they often start by throwing out all the applications that don’t follow the correct instructions. It makes their job easier. (And there’s a bit of common sense to it, too; they want to work with competent applicants.)
But rather than gritting your teeth and cursing the unfairness of their picky standards, embrace them. Follow the guidelines to a “T” (being certain to make the “T” the correct font size, of course), and your proposal will make it through the hurdles, while the proposals of less conscientious grant writers will be eliminated.
Everything must be written exactly according to the sponsor guidelines. For example, don’t skip answering a question by stating, “see next page” or “see attached,” unless you’re directed to do so. Instead, answer the question where they want it answered. Adhere faithfully to space, format, and style guidelines. If they say “No smaller than 10-point font,” they mean it. If they want your proposal printed double-sided on recycled paper, do it.
What techniques can you use to ensure that you follow grantmaker instructions so your grant makes that first cut?
(Technorati: MX49X6YNRE6N)
We’ve said before that the language used in the nonprofit world is full of coded words and meanings unique to the genre. A team approach to reviewing the instruction language could be helpful to make sure that everybody’s getting the same meanings from the instructions. One person’s interpretation could be a little off, or could skip over an important point, but if at least one more set of eyes takes a look, you’ll be less likely to sail past a key directive.