Government grants often yield substantial financial benefits when compared to other funding sources. One recent study found that the median largest award from Federal government grants reported by respondents was more than 10 times as much as the median largest non-government award ($423,435 vs. $40,000).
But as tempting as those large amounts are, applying for government funding shouldn’t be entered into lightly. Government grants typically involve a complex set of requirements, an extensive application, numerous attachments, and a highly competitive field of applicants.
8 Steps for Success
To improve your chances of securing government funding, a structured and thorough approach is essential:
- Inventory Essential Materials: Start by evaluating your existing resources. Assess whether your needs statements, program descriptions, goals, outcomes, evaluation measures, and budgets align with what is required for a competitive grant application.
- Understand the Funding Landscape: Keep abreast of the current governmental funding environment and identify trends and elements that could influence your grant applications.
- Align Projects with Funding Opportunities: Determine which of your programs or planned initiatives aligns best with available government funding opportunities.
- Register With Relevant Authorities: Ensure your organization is registered with necessary portals like grants.gov and SAM.gov, which are pivotal for submissions.
In a 2022 survey of a nationally representative group of nonprofits, 38% of respondents reported applying for federal grants, and 27% reported receiving federal grant funding.
- Conduct an Opportunity Assessment: Identify grant opportunities that resonate with your organization’s priorities and decide strategically whether to apply through a diligent “go/no-go” decision-making process.
- Compile Necessary Documentation: Organize key documents such as financial records, organizational history, structure, and qualifications of key staff members, ensuring they are ready for submission.
- Forge Government Relationships: Establish connections with government funders to gain insights into upcoming opportunities, receive guidance on application strategies, and avail yourself of any available technical assistance.
- Prepare for Reporting Requirements: Assess and enhance your infrastructure to meet the reporting demands that come with grant funding.
While the prospect of securing government grants is enticing due to the substantial financial rewards, it requires meticulous preparation and strategic action. By understanding and adapting to the rigor these grants demand, your organization can not only increase its chances of application success but also significantly advance its mission and impact. Embrace these steps to not just compete, but to thrive in the competitive arena of government funding.
We’re here to help
Grants Plus is highly skilled at partnering with organizations that are at the beginning of their government grant seeking journey. Our proven, holistic approach will increase your organization’s readiness to submit competitive government grant applications. Depending on your unique circumstances and history, we can assist with any or all of the key steps above, helping your organization build a strategic, sustainable, successful government grant seeking program.
Once you’re government grant ready, Grants Plus can guide you through your submission, providing expert project management; application development; and clear, compelling writing. And, for organizations that are already experienced government grant seekers, Grants Plus can partner with you to prepare and submit competitive applications that leverage your strengths.
