Author: Harriett Carter
Quite some years ago, I worked for a leading graphic design studio as an account manager.
We would spend hours, sometimes days, proofing and re-proofing clients’ content – whether it was a one-page flyer, an annual report or a new icecream wrapper.
Do you know where we typically found the mistakes? Never fail, it was always the “obvious” information – the phone numbers, the address, the ABN and the dates.
Grant applications are no different.
When your work-of-art submission is all done and ready to go – make sure you double check the details! Or, better still, get someone else to run their eye over it.
Another tip: go back to the guidelines. Check and re-check the section about “how to submit your application”.
Does your CEO (and only your CEO) need to sign the application? Is there a special Subject Line to include in your email? How does the funder want to receive your submission?
Don’t stumble at the first gate just because you forgot to send five unbound copies by mail as well as an email version.
Yes, the devil is in the detail but the detail is so important. Potential funders want to be able to develop trust in your organisation’s competence and faith that you have the ability to invest their dollars wisely. Give them every reason to do this.