Grant Writer – Grant Writing Myths

There are many myths around in the grant writing world. Many grant writers fail to consider these myths and as such then compromise the prospects of success. Myths seem to perpetuate like Big Foot or the Yeti but in general they are nonsense and can be suitably dismissed as nonsense. These are some of the myths and misconceptions that grant writers will hear regularly while they are in the grant writing world.

Funding bodies feel sorry for struggling organisations

This really is a total nonsense. Funding bodies whether they be Council, Government, Corporate or Philanthropic Trusts or Foundations entities really have little interest in whether an organisation is struggling or not and don’t care if they are almost ready to close their doors. Fund managers in general with very very few exceptions want to hear how an organisation will deliver a project or realize outcomes in line with the goals and objectives of the funding program and is the organisation offering value for money in delivering on these outcomes. That is their sole focus – not giving out money to “save” a struggling organisation. So if you can’t pitch a convincing proposal that demonstrates how your project and organisation aligns EXACTLY with the goals and requirements of the funding program then no amount of tugging at the heart strings will help you sorry to say.

Grant Writers are too expensive

This is another myth. Sure grant writers charge a reasonable fee for their services. However how do you judge the cost of a grant writer? Is the cost just what “expenditure” you have to outlay in engaging their services or should the organisation be looking more strategically at how much “income” a good grant writer can bring to the organisation? Certainly engaging a grant writer for one submission to fund one project can be challenging to “guarantee” a positive “return on investment”. However engaging an organisation like Red Tape Busters to undertake the grant writing task over say at least a 12 month engagement almost certainly will result in the organisation receiving more funding than the cost of the Grant writer. We certainly have never had a completed year long contract with a client where we did not return more to the organisation than what they paid us.

It is too difficult to search for potential funding opportunities

This is another myth. There are a number of databases and strategies that can be employed to identify potential funding opportunities. Some of the databases like Our Community are very cost effective – especially for a non profit organisation. They have great search facilities and make the task very simple. You can also contact your local Council, local Member of Parliament, look in your local and major newspapers, network with others and contact any peak bodies or associations to assist you in identifying potential grant opportunities.

The reporting requirements in acquitting grants are overly onerous

Again this is generally a myth. Sure some funding programs – normally federal government programs require extensive reporting requirements in order to acquit funding but generally the reporting process is robust but not complicated. Read the funding guidelines before making a submission and identify exactly what the reporting requirements are. If they seem overly difficult – especially when small amounts of funding are involved maybe steer clear and find another opportunity that meets your needs.

There are many other myths out there which we will discuss at another time. But grant writers need to be aware of the myths and implement strategies to address, miniseries or ignore them entirely.

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