How to Move Past Grants Overwhelm

Show Notes

We’re in an exceptionally busy grants season. There are still more than 90 grant programs closing in the last five to six days of March, and there are already over 160 grants closing in April across Australia…with that number rising daily.

At this time of year - renowned for being busy with grants - it’s so easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer number of grants to review, shortlist and submit applications for.

Here are five strategies I use to move through that feeling of overwhelm and make sure I’m submitting not just great applications, but that I’m prioritising the right funding programs to be investing my time into.

1. Five minutes of deep breathing

Deep breathing is a game-changer. I’ve only been doing it for about two years, but can’t recommend it enough.

My tip: Download the Smiling Mind app. It’s free, Australian made, run by a not-for-profit, and has a bunch of really helpful mindfulness programs, including some specifically for the workplace.

2. Write a plan

There are two parts to this. Firstly, brainstorm all of the possible resources you have on hand. It could include:

• Other team members

• Existing applications you can cut and paste from

• Your accountant for complex financial data

• A budget for an additional grant writer/consultant

Secondly, write a list of everything you can get rid of right now. Think of those lower priority projects, and talk to your boss about whether someone else can take them on, or whether they can be postponed for another time.

3. Prioritise

This is how I prioritise when facing competing funding deadlines:

1. Most likely to win

2. Most needed

3. Quick wins.

Make sure what you’re focussing on is aligned with your organisation/business priorities and strategic plan.

4. Focus on what you’ve done, not on what you haven’t

We can tend to be glass-half-full when it comes to grant writing. There will always be a grant we didn’t have time to submit an application for.

So, instead of being hard on yourself, celebrate what you have done. Give yourself a pat on the back, eat some chocolate, have a coffee/tea, and take the time to celebrate your success.

5. Get someone else to proof-read and double-check your application

A huge workload = higher chance of mistakes.

It’s as simple as that.

You can be the best grant writer in the world, but you are still more likely to make mistakes when you’re rushed and have competing deadlines. So get someone else to proof-read your application - ideally someone who isn’t familiar with the project. They will give you more objective feedback and you will know whether the project rationale makes sense. Can they see the need for a grant to be awarded? Great! If not, listen to their feedback and do another edit.

Also, get someone to double-check ALL of your numbers, especially the budget. Ironically, I find that budgets can be the most rushed area of a grant application when the pressure builds.

Remember, the work you’re doing is so important. So look after yourself, take some time to step back from your screen, and celebrate not just the grant wins, but every application you submit.

If you would like to get involved in this Grants Uncovered Podcast and join the conversation, I would love to hear from you.