Starting your first grant development process can feel like being thrown into the deep end. You’ve got this massive 70 or 150-page solicitation document. It’s full of details, requirements, and a mountain of tasks ahead. Where do you even begin? Let’s break it down together and make this whole process a bit less daunting.

Step 1: Take a Breath

First things first, relax. You’re about to dive into a document that looks like a beast. But you can tackle it one bite at a time. It’s packed with information, links, and regulations, and yes, it’s a lot. But remember, it’s not about reading it all at once. It’s about managing it step by step. So, take a deep breath, and let’s go for it!

Step 2: Check the Deadline

Before you start reading the document or even determine if you’re eligible, find the submission deadline. This date is crucial because it determines how much time you have to prepare your application. Most federal grants provide a 6-8-week window, however, sometimes you might only find out about a grant with just 2-4 weeks to prepare. If it’s a federal grant, look for it on grants.gov and check the Version History or Related Documents for any updated deadlines. For state, county, or private foundation grants, they’ll typically have a website where updates and deadlines are posted. Knowing your deadline helps you plan your resources and commitments better. It could be a go or no-go decision right when you see the deadline.

Step 3. Assess Eligibility

Another immediate step is to determine if your organization or client is eligible to apply. Read the eligibility criteria carefully to make sure you qualify. You now have another go/no-go decision in front of you without having yet read the entire solicitation. Now, do you have the time, resources, and commitment needed to prepare the application?

Step 4: Understand the Funding Amount

Next, figure out how much funding is available and over what period. A $1 million grant sounds amazing, but if it’s spread over three years, that’s about $333K per year. Is that enough for your project? Maybe so or at least you’ll know what can or cannot be included. Also, check how many awards will be given. For example, a grant may indicate that $100 million in total funding is available and 75 organizations will be selected. That sounds good, but $1 million for just one grantee means stiff competition. Is your program that intriguing to warrant the time to prepare?

Another important aspect is whether the grant requires matching funds. Some grants require you to contribute your own funds, i.e., a match. This is a percentage of the budget you prepare. This means you need to have additional internal resources lined up, whether it’s cash or in-kind. This could be very crucial in deciding whether to proceed.

Step 5: Register Your Organization

This is something you need to check right away. For federal grants, register your organization in SAM.gov and grants.gov. It’s a must. SAM.gov registration takes 4-6 weeks, so start immediately if not yet registered. This could be another go/no-go decision step at least for the first time.

Grants.gov registration is quicker but requires you to designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). This is the person who will submit applications on your behalf. For state and county grants, check if they have their own registration systems. Ensure you’re set up there too.

So, What’s Next?

By following these steps, you’ll find that the process becomes much more manageable. Breaking it down into bite-sized tasks helps to reduce the overwhelming feeling. It’ll help you stay focused on what needs to be done.

Now, it’s time to read the grant, assuming all the above checks and balances are good to go.

Reach out if we can guide how you use these initial steps to help you determine if to proceed and how to read the solicitation as well.