From project to funding

#3 in series of 3 (others are (1) how do you fund your dream and (2) from dream to project)

We are finally at the phase of the project too many people begin with. Writing a successful proposal requires taking those first four steps before the actual proposal writing begins. It’s possible, of course, to sketch out a proposal around an idea and go back to collect data and plan the details of the project. We can also create a draft proposal and then go to the grantseeking platform or use our networks to find available grants and funders that fit with what we have done.

My experience tells me – and the experts agree – that completing the first four steps before beginning the first draft will save time and result in less confusion about what the project is and what will be needed and how all of that aligns with specific funders and grants.

Step 5: Create a draft proposal and gain approval from key leaders.

            A successful grant proposal requires a first draft that key decision-makers in the organization review and approve, with opportunity to suggest changes. In fact, once people read through the whole draft describing this project, they may recommend significant changes in various elements – objectives, responsibilities, timeline, budget.

            In creating this initial draft of the proposal, the writer often finds that important data is missing, that more information will be needed, that the proposal itself requires more work on the specifics of what will be accomplished. This step cannot be missed without jeopardizing a successful final proposal.

Step 6: Edit the proposal for each funder, aligning it with their mission.

            Once people making the decisions and who will be responsible for implementing and completing the project have made their suggestions, and once all the incomplete information has been gathered, a second draft will be written. And reviewed and evaluated again to give everyone confidence that the completed proposal will reflect everyone’s commitment to the project once funded.

            One more step remains before final proposals can be submitted. Every proposal submitted to a funder must clearly align with their specific objectives, purposes, and requirements. One proposal can be submitted to several potential funders, but each version will be slightly different for the “audience” of each funder.

Step 7: Submit completed proposals with final approval from key leaders.

            As a grant writer working from outside the organization, I want complete confidence that the proposal I’m preparing to submit is what the decision-makers have approved. A final review of each specific proposal and the process for submitting it with at least one designated person in the organization would give that assurance.

The completed proposals have been submitted. That concludes the grant writing process with all its steps. What now? Every funder requires its own evaluation and reporting process be followed. That may mean one simple report at the end of a one-year grant. It may mean six-month and annual reports for a multi-year process. That work would normally be handled by organization staff, but a grant writer’s agreement can be negotiated to include tracking the progress, working with staff on evaluations, and writing those reports. That’s beyond the scope of grant writing itself.