So, you’ve found a funding opportunity that your organization would like to apply for - now what? In this article, we’ll cover crucial project management practices that will set your application up for a successful submission.
Check Your Registration Status
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to ensure your organization is registered with the relevant funders and/or application portals. If your registration is up to date, keep your registration and login information easily accessible. If not, this should be the first task that is completed.
Check out our series on registrations for federal opportunities:
Registration - Part 1: How to Get Started with SAM.GOV
Registration - Part 2: Grants.gov and Other Registrations
Registration - Part 3: Managing Organization Roles in Grants.gov
Understand the Application Requirements
Take your time reading the application guidance. Double (and triple) check the eligibility of your organization, the project location, and the proposed activities to ensure that your application will be considered for funding. Make a comprehensive list of the required information for submission, along with any associated instructions.
Determine Key Personnel and Responsibilities
Building a strong team is crucial for a successful application. Assemble a collaborative team who have the necessary expertise and experience to execute your project. This can include colleagues from your own organization and partners from other organizations. Determine:
Who will manage the overall progress of the application?
Who will write each section of the project narrative?
Who is responsible for determining the budget?
Who must review the application prior to submission?
Who will submit the application?
Create a Timeline for Submission
Developing an application timeline is key to staying organized throughout the application process. Determine when to collect information, when drafts are due, when to review, and when to submit. Planning tools, like Gantt charts or task trackers, can help to establish progress milestones for your team.
Gather Relevant Information
Collecting the necessary information for your application in advance helps to create a smooth writing process. Compile all required documentation, such as organizational information, financial statements, and letters of support. Identify resources that can demonstrate the impacts of the proposed project in your narrative.
Reference Your Past Applications
If your project has previously been awarded funding, past successful applications can be a great resource for your current application. Referencing old project narratives can be a useful when writing on a time crunch or when you have writer's block. Furthermore, leveraging past applications can strengthen your project narrative by highlighting past achievements and showcasing your organization's commitment to continuous improvement.
Track the Progress of Each Requirement
By tracking the progress of each requirement, you can avoid a last-minute scramble to complete them. Stay informed of outstanding and completed requirements. Use shared files so that team members have access to the most up-to-date information and can collaborate effectively.
Ultimately, successful application management requires thorough organization and attention to detail. By following these practices, you can set your organization up for success to submit a strong and competitive application and significantly increase your chances of securing funding for your projects.
Need assistance with application management? Capitol Funding Solutions specializes in expert consulting and proposal writing for organizations seeking competitive funding. When you partner with CFS, you gain a team of professionals who invest themselves in your success.
Learn more about our services.
