Nurturing a 'Grant Baby' Requires Care, Commitment

Nurturing a grant – especially if it's from a new funding source – may not require nighttime feedings or rocking chairs, but a "parent" must take the time to create an idea and nurture its growth from idea to application.
Successfully getting to the "birth" (approval) of a new grant takes a lot more than filling out a form. Assistance from an experienced grant professional can be invaluable in navigating the early developmental process. A professional can work with a nonprofit board of directors and its leadership to prepare in advance for creation of solid ideas that are grant worthy.
The Grant Idea
Part of conceiving an idea is researching potential funders and grant opportunities. Leaders then must consider whether the idea aligns with their organization's mission, research potential funders, and develop a preliminary plan. Just as parents-to-be prepare for the birth of a child, organizations must take stock of their ability to prepare for the grant.
The Early Stages
During the first trimester of pregnancy, things start slowly – and sometimes uncomfortably. Similarly, the early stages of the grant process requires defining the specific scope of a project, gathering supporting documents and information, and outlining a realistic budget. Addressing details in the first stages will make the process flow more smoothly later in the process.
The Middle 'Months'
During the "second trimester," grant parents get into the actual writing of a proposal – editing and refining as needed to make sure the proposal meets the funder's requirements and outlines the project effectively. Several people often are involved in this part of the process, and a professional can provide the service of keeping all the partners organized and working toward the goal of submitting a compelling proposal.
The 'Third Trimester'
When the information has been collected and the proposal written, the finishing touches are added. The "grant baby" is fully developed. The proposal should be re-read to make sure it meets the funder's requirements and nothing has been overlooked. The final phase before submission – "labor" – can be exhausting as the deadline nears, but it's also a time of excitement.
And then the waiting begins.
Birth and Delivery
Eventually, the waiting ends and the funder makes a decision on the proposal. The birth of the project is a new beginning. It's time for the grant team to move ahead. A grant professional can help to monitor how funds are used, can organize the submission of progress reports and stay in communication with the funder. Just as parents learn and adjust to the unexpected needs of their baby, grant managers adapt to project challenges and opportunities as they arise.
Nurturing the 'Child'
Whether it's nurturing a child or guiding a grant from idea to completion, the journey can be challenging. But as a project progresses, organization leaders can feel a deep sense of reward as their vision becomes reality. Watching your project grow and make its impact on the world is much like watching a child crawl, and then walk, and eventually run.
Both processes take patience, resilience, and adaptability. Just as parents take pride in the milestones of their children, organizations can take pride in the success of their grant-funded project and the lasting difference it makes.
'Grant grand-babies'
As a child, or new project, is nurtured and grows into "adulthood," it can be the jumping-off point for new grant-babies. The original work can be the beginning a whole family of projects, or "grant grand-babies." Each one builds on the last through partnerships and networking.
As each new project is conceived, the new "baby" is nurtured with love, excitement and dedication that can grow as an organization takes it in new directions.
I've been writing grant applications – and parenting "grant babies" – for more than 20 years. As an experienced professional, I would like to offer my expertise to your organization. Please feel free to contact me at AnnKeefe@123GrantWriter.com, call 419-619-4436 or visit www.123GranyWriter.com.
Moving forward together,
Ann Keefe
Owner
123 Grant Writer LLC
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