Tip #1: Funding Opportunities Are Not About YOU!
We often lose sight of the fact that grant funds are awarded to fulfill an objective of a particular Federal agency. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what WE want to do with the money. If you want be seen in a favorable light by a Federal agency, first make sure you relate to the mission of the funding agency.>Align your narrative and application with the objectives of the funding opportunity
>Include performance measurements that assess the things that your funding agency cares about-not things that YOU want them to measure.
>Be prepared to show how your grant management systems make life easier for the Federal agency-not harder
Step up to be the right solution for their needs.Tip #2: Step Into The Light!
Did you remember the story of Cinderella? She longed to be “discovered” by her Prince Charming. But it wasn’t until she went to the ball that her circumstances actually changed. Being seen by funding agencies is just like that. You need to step into the light.>Get active in your community.
Note-this isn’t always a geographic community. It may be a community of similar researchers, state agencies, local governments, institutions, or housing agencies. Figure out where you can meet funding agency representatives.>What conferences or meetings are being held where you could meet and greet them?
>Could you volunteer to serve on panels, like peer review panels or other committees where you would be seen as a resource?
Tip #3: Choose The Path MORE Traveled
When it comes to getting Federal funds, being unique or “quirky” are generally NOT attributes that fill Federal agencies with confidence. Think back to the three key elements of grant management success:>Be Seen
>Be Safe
>Be Relevant
Now imagine you are a Federal agency are looking to make the “safe” choice, NOT the unproven and risky one. You can be seen as the right solution by connecting with people who have been through this before.>They can be invaluable in showing you the ropes Best Choice For Grant Funding.
Find The Right Guide
Each Federal agency can be a little different in how they look at things, so cultivate relationships with colleagues and organizations that have already been down the path with the agency you are looking to for grants.>Don’t be afraid to ask for help Best Choice For Grant Funding.
You may be pleasantly surprised! And don’t forget to model success.>Look at who is winning the awards and see what they’re doing that you are not.
Being seen as the “safe” solution is going to be more important than ever!Ready to Improve Your Grant Management?
How about you?
Would you like to be a better grant manager?
We have another grant management training seminar coming soon.
Click here to get all the details!
Hope to see you there!
Author:
Lucy Morgan CPA, MBA
CEO, Compliance Warrior
Author of “Decoding Grant Management-The Ultimate Success Guide to the Federal Grant Regulations in 2 CFR Part 200” The 2nd Edition is now available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle versions.
