How can you manage deadlines for grant applications?

Na minha experiência e ponto de vista sobre a filantropia no terreno, deveremos nos ater sempre a Valores altos, como a dignidade Humana, o respeito mútuo, a entreajuda. A dignidade Humana será um guia para se saber onde vamos, onde cada qual se sentirá preenchido interiormente. O respeito mútuo, que se espalhará de forma automática no ambiente de trabalho, pois somos gente de respeito, sobretudo com quem nos quer bem. A entreajuda é o que nos fará estar em sintonia, uns com os outros, podendo trabalhar de forma satisfatória, sendo leais e verdadeiros. Seremos verdadeiros amigos ou como irmãos.

Consider implementing a project management approach to grant writing. Ensure all stakeholders (grant writer, program members that will execute the project, finance team, CEO/ President for approval, etc.) are aware of the entire timeline; determine when their input/data is required; set milestones for them; and allow extra time before the deadline for revisions, just to name a few steps.

I've always considered the actual due date a last resort. I try to submit a day or two in advance in case of any technical difficulties. When setting milestones, I work backwards from my submission date. Then you need to learn how long any other stakeholders need. How long does your CEO/Supervisor need to review? How long does program staff need to assist with program design? Learning your team is as important as the writing itself. It's a process but a vital one.

Different funders have vastly different requirements for applications. For example, federal grant applications are very different from foundation applications. So, you have to dedicate a lot of time/even creating a checklist can be helpful-regarding the requirements for the particular funding source you're applying for. Also, both foundations and the federal government, often have dedicated Program Officers for various grants. Get in touch with your program officer right away! Establish a relationship. Call or email any time you have specific questions about requirements - which are not always clear. Don't guess! That person is your resource. But do create a checklist to use prior to submission, with all of the relevant requirements listed

Funding deadlines and tracking them can be tricky, even with the best CRM software. The most critical question for each grant we write is: it’s due date. Tight deadlines dictate the order of which grant proposal to tackle first. You wouldn’t spend the next 2 days slamming a grant proposal that isn’t due for 6 months, because that’s simply a waste of valuable time. The submission dates on grants should be your guiding star when it comes to which grant to work on first. Naturally there will be grants that request detailed financial information or other factual data to include in your proposal. Some grants can take extended periods of time to complete, so plan your time accordingly.

I have a strategy that helped me achieve steps 1-5 to a 66% success rate which I found to be simple, comical, and highly motivating. From the initial stages of planning, studying the grant application, and brainstorming notes, I name the doc Brad's Kicka$$ (XYZ) Grant! This filename becomes the title when the doc is open that only I can see, and it stands out in my list of current docs being worked on when my drive is open. I crack up a little bit every time I see it - while simultaneously thinking, 'Whoa. That better be good. Check it again. Mind the timeline. Make it your best.' You are welcome to give this a try. It may build a bit of confidence, force a smile when work is hectic, or motivate you to bring your A game.