Grant Application Submission Process

Overview of Submission Steps

  • The electronic submission process for grant proposals consists of three key steps:

    • Step 1: Receipt Email

    • Confirmation email indicating that the application has been received.

    • Step 2: Validation or Rejection Email

    • Notification regarding whether the application was successfully submitted or rejected, accompanied by a description of any issues that led to rejection.

    • Step 3: Transmission to Agency

    • Confirmation that the application has been picked up by the agency.

Registration Process

  • It is crucial to register before submitting your application electronically.

  • The registration process involves three steps:

    • The registration can take anywhere from five business days to one month.

  • Planning Ahead Required: Given the variability in registration time, applicants should plan their timelines accordingly.

General Grant Application Timeline

  • Foundation Agency Timeline:

    • Up to three months to write and submit your proposal.

    • Funding may be awarded two to twelve months after submission.

  • Government Agency Timeline:

    • Up to six months or more to write and submit your proposal.

    • Funding may be awarded three to twelve months or more after submission.

Key Considerations for Proposal Writing

  • One effective strategy to minimize rejection risk is to create a checklist that includes:

    • All information relevant to the funder's priorities.

    • Specific proposal requirements.

  • Reviewing the Checklist:

    • Before writing the Letter of Intent (LOI) or full proposal, thoroughly review the checklist to ensure project alignment with all criteria.

    • After writing, use the checklist again to confirm that all required information is accurately and succinctly presented.

Understanding Funder’s Priorities

  • Stay informed about the funder's funding priorities:

    • Know what each agency desires to fund and its mission.

    • Ensure that the project contributes to the agency's mission, making the relationship clear in the application.

Time Management for Submission

  • Avoid waiting until the last minute to submit applications:

    • High traffic from many applicants close to deadlines can cause technical glitches, potentially delaying submission and resulting in disqualification.

  • Suggestion: Aim to submit documentation at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours, before the deadline.

  • Be mindful of time zone differences when considering submission deadlines.