Effective Follow-Up Practices After Submitting Your Grant Proposal
Navigating the Post-Submission Terrain: Best Practices for Following Up on Your Grant Proposal
Submitting a grant proposal is a monumental achievement that often requires significant research, effort, and time. However, after the submission, many grantees make the mistake of adopting a passive stance, merely waiting for the funder's decision.
To improve the chances of your proposal being accepted, it's essential to engage in effective follow-up practices.
1. Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up
Post-submission, the follow-up is crucial for several reasons:
Communication: It establishes an open line of communication with the funder.
Feedback: Even if your proposal isn’t accepted, you can gain valuable feedback to improve future applications.
Relationship Building: Regular interaction can help in building a rapport with the funder.
2. Wait the Appropriate Amount of Time
Avoid following up immediately after submission. Funders usually provide a timeline for when decisions will be made. If they don't, give it at least 2-3 weeks before initiating a follow-up. This shows respect for the funder's process.
Example: If you submitted a proposal for a community health project, and the funder mentioned a review period of 60 days, mark your calendar for a follow-up around the 45-day mark.
3. Use the Right Communication Channels
When you do decide to follow-up, ensure that you're using the appropriate channel:
Email: Most funders prefer this method. It provides a written record and allows the funder time to respond.
Example: A simple email like:
Subject: Follow-Up on Grant Proposal for Community Health Project
Dear [Funder's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to check in regarding our grant proposal submitted on [Date]. If there's any additional information required from our side, please let us know.
Regards, [Your Name]
Phone Call: If the funder has shown openness to phone communication, ensure you call during appropriate hours.
4. Be Concise and Respectful
Your follow-up communication should be clear and respectful. Avoid being too pushy or sounding desperate.
Example: Instead of saying, "We urgently need to know the status of our proposal," say, "We'd appreciate any updates or feedback you can provide on our proposal."
5. Prepare for Feedback
Whether positive or negative, be prepared to accept feedback gracefully. If your proposal isn’t accepted, consider this an opportunity to learn and refine your approach.
Example: If a funder says your proposal lacked sufficient data, thank them for their feedback and ask if they can suggest resources or methods to improve data collection in the future.
6. Leverage Interpersonal Connections
Sometimes, having a mutual connection with someone at the funding organization can help. They might provide insights into the decision-making process or the status of your proposal.
Example: If a colleague previously received funding from the same organization, ask them about their experience and if they'd be comfortable introducing you to a contact there.
7. Stay Updated with the Funder’s Activities
Keeping abreast of the funder's recent activities, announcements, or changes can provide talking points and demonstrate your continued interest.
Example: If the funder recently announced a new initiative on their website or social media, you can mention this in your follow-up: "I noticed your recent initiative on XYZ, and it aligns with our project's objectives. We're excited about the potential synergies."
8. Reiterate Your Appreciation
Regardless of the outcome, always express gratitude. Thank them for their time and consideration.
Example: "Thank you for considering our proposal. We truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with your esteemed organization."
9. Stay Organized
Keep track of all your grant applications, submission dates, follow-up dates, and the responses received.
Example: Use a spreadsheet or a grant management tool to log in all the details, including key contacts, dates, feedback, and next steps.
10. Continuous Engagement
Don’t limit interactions to the proposal alone. Engage with potential funders consistently, even when not actively seeking funds. This could be through sharing updates, attending their events, or collaborating on minor projects.
Example: After a proposal for an educational program is submitted, you could invite the funder to an open day at your institution, allowing them to see your work firsthand.
Conclusion:
Following up on a grant proposal is as vital as the initial submission. It requires a blend of patience, professionalism, and genuine interest in partnering with the funder. By staying proactive, respectful, and engaged, you increase your chances of success and lay the foundation for a long-lasting relationship with the funder. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow, ensuring better outcomes for future proposals.
Invitation: Exclusive Live Workshop on Grant Writing in Abuja
We are excited to extend an exclusive invitation to you for our upcoming Live Workshop on Grant Writing, scheduled to be held in the heart of Abuja by the end of November. This is a golden opportunity for individuals and organizations aiming to sharpen their grant-writing skills, gain in-depth insights into the world of grant-making, and increase their chances of securing essential funding.
Virtual Participation: Zoom Into Mastery
Can’t be there in person? No worries. Even if you can’t make it to Abuja physically, you don’t have to miss out on this transformative experience.
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Event Details:
Date: 27th November, 2023 – 1st December, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: Abuja, Nigeria
Why Attend?
Expert-Led Sessions: Our panel consists of renowned grant-writing professionals with a track record of securing millions in funds for diverse projects.
Hands-On Training: Dive deep into real-world grant applications, understand the do's and don'ts, and refine your approach with practical exercises.
Networking Opportunities: Rub shoulders with fellow grant writers, and potential collaborators.
Comprehensive Material: Every participant will receive a curated grant-writing toolkit, complete with templates, sample applications, and a list of potential grantors.
Workshop Highlights:
Foundation of Grant Writing: Learn the fundamental principles that set apart winning proposals from the rest.
Narrative Crafting: Uncover the art of storytelling in grant applications, ensuring your project stands out and resonates with funders.
Budgeting & Financial Projections: Understand how to create a robust and transparent financial plan that instills confidence in potential grantors.
Tailoring Applications: Every funder is unique. Gain insights into tailoring your applications to resonate with specific grantors' missions and values.
Feedback & Reviews: Get your past or draft applications reviewed by experts, garner constructive feedback, and learn ways to enhance them.
Registration Details:
Early Bird Fee: N350,000 (Includes workshop materials, lunch, and a certificate of participation.)
Early Bird Offer: Register by November 10th and avail a 10% discount!
How to Make Payment : Click here to make your payment and register or call us at +2348111442950 or email at grantwritingacademy@gmail.com.
Late Registration Fee: N500,000
Note: Seats are limited, and registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. So, hurry and secure your spot today!
Join Us & Transform Your Grant Writing Journey!
The world of grant-making is competitive, but with the right skills and approach, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you're a beginner stepping into the realm of grant writing or a seasoned professional looking for advanced strategies, this workshop promises value at every level.
Abuja, with its vibrant community of NGOs, startups, and institutions, is the perfect backdrop for this transformative event.
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We eagerly look forward to welcoming you and embarking on this enriching journey together.
Essential Reads for Grant Writing Excellence
Grants can unlock vast potentials, but securing them? That's an art and a science. Whether you're new to the field or looking to enhance your skills, these hand-picked titles will elevate your grant-writing game:
Go Beyond Basics: Dive into strategies and techniques that make proposals irresistible. With insights into a reviewer's mindset, stand out and shine even in fierce competition.
Be Grant-Ready: Ensure your organization isn't just applying but is truly ready to manage and utilize grants. Streamline, assess, and position yourself for success from the get-go.
From Novice to Pro: Covering the entire spectrum of grant writing, this guide offers invaluable tips, examples, etc.. It's your blueprint to mastering the craft.
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Business-Specific Brilliance: Designed for small businesses, navigate the unique challenges you face. Find, apply, and win grants tailored just for you.
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Why These Titles?
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