Grant Strategy – Five Tips You Should Cautiously Apply

In the world of grant writing, everyone has a grant strategy. With every strategy comes a number of tips which unfortunately can be over exaggerated or even taken to the extreme by many eager grant writers. Here are some favorite tips that should be applied cautiously otherwise the grant applicant risks a negative backlash from the grantmaker.
1. Follow Up – Call Constantly
What it Means
For many, this tip means that they not only follow up occasionally with the potential grantmaker – but do so every single day.
Why you shouldn’t do it
It’s good to follow-up with the committee. It’s a fantastic idea to call every now and then for a status update; even better follow their guidelines on communication. However, calling excessively begins to cut into the working of the company, and they don’t tend to appreciate that. Placing call after call can eventually leave your grantmakers irritable and the chances of your grant application being approved will be reduced. This is a very bad grant strategy when taken to the extreme.
2. Use the Same Application with Minor Changes for Everyone
What it Means
The idea is that you should be able to apply to dozens upon dozens of grants by simply copying and pasting. Ideally you’d be able to change a few pertinent details and call it perfect. The grant strategy is the idea that you can eventually catch the eye of the right grant makers.
Why you shouldn’t do it
The grant committees are observant and would immediately spot this. They will look at the application and know that it is a generic grant application. If you aren’t going to do the work required to turn in a grant request, how can they expect you to do the work required to make sure their grant does what it’s supposed to? These are questions and observations that may tip the scale against your application. It is better to work on a few excellent proposals than numerous mediocre ones.
3. Better to Apply At the Last Minute than Not To Apply – Rush
What it Means
The idea is that you can still pull together a great grant proposal no matter how late you wait to begin. Grant applications should not be rushed, it must be given adequate time and effort. This will only allow for mistakes that you won’t have the time to catch and correct.
Why you shouldn’t do it
As stated above, rushing does nothing but hurt your application. You will end up making application-destroying mistakes that will only reduce your chances of securing the grant.
4. Be Creative
What it Means
There are many interpretations for this tip. On one hand – creativity is great! Your application will stand out, show personality and catch the attention of the reader if it’s done correctly. Grant writing is highly technical and you should be cautious with where and how you display humor.
Why you shouldn’t do it
When not done properly, creativity can mean laziness. It can mean that you didn’t bother to read the application directions? It can mean you lost the figures you need, or simply haven’t put them together? There’s a fine line between being creative, and being careless. You never want to have a careless attitude toward your application.