Are you ready to leverage grant funding opportunities? Grants are highly competitive. However, if you apply a mission-forward strategy to your grant research, you will secure viable funding. For example, when you research your funder before you apply, you can add mission-themed data to help your application stand out. Above all, it is key to apply for grants frequently to secure funding. With a talented grant manager in place, you will see continued success for your cause.
What is Grant Cycle Management?
Grant cycle management is the practice of researching, applying for, and then receiving and tracking grant funds. A sustainable system in place helps grant-seekers avoid restrictions, penalties and ensures compliance with post-award management instructions. Failure to properly track and report grants can have dire consequences. For example, mismanagement puts an organization at risk of losing funding. Grant awards are subject to financial audits, and if the requirements of a grant are not adhered to, it may even leave you open to a lawsuit demanding that the funds be paid back to the funder and damaging your organization’s reputation. For this reason, it will become difficult to secure future grants. Avoid these setbacks and use a grant cycle management system for all grants awarded to protect your organization.
Grant Cycle Management Tips for 2025
The grant cycle never ends. Grant funding should become a year-round project for your organization. Above all, create a grant cycle management system to cultivate a grant pipeline that is sustainable for your cause to gain a leg up on the competition. Grant-seekers can learn more grant-seeking tips with knowledgeable guests by visiting GrantTalk, a podcast hosted by Libby Hikind, the CEO of GrantWatch.
- Establish Your Grant Calendar – After grants of interest are located, the next step is to organize your calendar. Know when the grant opens, the deadline, review period, and expected award date. Set reminders so you never miss a deadline. Use the GrantWatch Calendar to organize your grant pipeline.
- Verify Eligibility – Ensure eligibility. Before you apply, read the full grant details and only apply to grants that you are eligible for. To illustrate, nonprofits should seek grants specific to their mission, as these opportunities are designed to specifically support that cause. For-profit businesses should search categories like workforce. However, In-Kind Support and Capital Funding support all types of seekers.
- Research Funder – Research grant-makers to ensure your mission is aligned with the grant opportunity. Use the Foundation Search tool to gain insight into a grant-maker’s donation trends.
- Follow Guidelines – Create a checklist for everything you need. For example, many funders ask for a budget, letters of support, and attachments. Stick to page limits, formatting rules, and submission requirements. In truth, small mistakes can disqualify your application.
- Apply for Grants – In your application, convey your passion for your cause, provide a mission statement, and present a sustainable plan. Focus on the impact of your project. Use simple yet persuasive language.
- Track Outcomes & Learn from Mistakes – Collect data on what worked and what didn’t. Use feedback to improve future grant applications. In truth, many grant-makers often encourage you to reapply.
- Follow Up With Grant-Makers – Funders appreciate applicants who show progress, even between grant applications. Keep grant funders updated on your impact. Plus, it builds stronger relationships!
Need More Help? Hire a Grant Writer for Your Organization
Grants are a great resource to cultivate impact for a cause. However, some organizations need a little more support. Above all, a skilled grant writer will be able to join your team and help organize its grant cycle management system. To hire a grant writer, start by posting a classified ad with GrantWriterTeam. Then, interview and review references from professional grant writers to best decide which grant writer is best suited to help your group stand out and acquire grant funding support.
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that grants will be awarded as a result of this information.