Grant myths are many, and they discourage people from seeking grants for their organization. These misconceptions and misunderstandings about state, federal, corporate, and foundation funding linger on the internet and from person to person. Thus, grant seekers because of such views, do not know what to expect as they spend their time writing their grants. Understanding what the myths are will help you understand how to go about smart grant seeking. Many myths are out here, but the list below is a starting point to set the record straight on myths about writing grants and receiving grant funding.
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Grant money is free money
Applying for a grant is not an easy option to receive extra money for a project, as some people believe. More so, when there are crowdfunding sites making it appear easy to wait for quick monetary donation after setting up a project. However, writing a grant should be taken seriously, for it takes time, thought, and dedication to go through requirements and compile all the necessary data and information. And extensive thinking about how to write your application content for it to be appealing to the funders.
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Grants come without strings
This is a myth as grant money comes with restrictions and guidelines. Once you get awarded a grant, your organization needs to manage a promise to use the money in a specific way. Also, your organization should demonstrate programmatic progress and following reporting procedures. If you do not follow these promises, you can lose the money and future funding opportunities from the funder. Thus, once you land a grant, you need to run the project and still thrive more after the award money finishes. The funders want you to ensure the study, community, or the individuals the grant serves receive what your program offers with support from the funder.
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It is easy to get small grants than large ones
This is untrue. The idea is that it is a good strategy to start applying to small grants, but it does not mean large grants are hard to get. The best idea to follow is to start applying for funding opportunities closer to you and their interest in supporting the community around you. For instance, the funders may be more inclined to give to a local school than distant schools outside your area. But, you landing a grant depends on the proposal you write and your ability to sway and convince the funder.
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My organization can quickly put together the application
Although you can put together an application quickly, it might not be effective. Consider the time involved of the other team players. Also, grant work varies depending on the project and program, and it can take weeks to complete. Not only is it about drafting the application, but team collaboration. Such as assigning roles, gathering and reviewing, planning meetings, and others to ensure everyone is involved who is on board for writing to submitting the grant proposal.
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One size fits all
All grant opportunities cannot fit in one grant application. Every grant maker is different from the others. Therefore, your application should reflect the specificities the funder is looking to get. The argument you create for your grant should appeal to the funders’ view and mission and every funder as their own. Although you can recycle some passages and phrases, for instance, those of objective and data sections of the application, every application should be unique and tailored to the foundation it is going to. For this reason, take your time with each grant you want to apply for from different funders.
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We won! So next year is the same!
Winning one year does not mean you will still bag it the following year. Grant funding every year is different, and funders are different as well. Plus, your one-time luck should not confuse you to believe you will land a grant every time. Future grant funds still depend on politics and organizational performance. Therefore, even if they renew the contract for additional periods, it is contingent upon the availability of funds. Also, if your performance is satisfactory during the previous contract period.
