stamina and patience not included…

For many, the potential for grant funding is seen as a blessing. For some, the chance of grant funding comes at a considerable emotional cost.

That is not to say that grant funding cannot benefit considerably a whole host of organisations, aspirations and heartfelt ambitions. Indeed it can, enriching the lives of many people along the way. But just how expensive can it be to secure a grant and is this value commensurate with the value of the final grant award?

Many grant regimes should carry a health warning. “Please be aware that the contents of this application form may damage your well-being. Stamina and patience are not included and may be purchased separately.”

The majority of grant regimes are as much tests of stamina, patience and willpower as they are of project expertise. How many potential applicants would be prepared to commit themselves for up to twelve months of negotiation, form filling, partnership building and fund finding? How many potential applicants will then commit to a further twelve months of contract obligations and up to five or ten years of asset liability?

Grant regimes do vary in complexity and duration but it is not unusual to face more than one application round. These can often be accompanied by varying levels of assessment, prior to your application being placed before a decision-making panel.

Do not be fooled into thinking that the documents that you submit will land on the boardroom table. Most are merely information gathering tools that will inform a succinct report by an external assessor. Do not underestimate the analytical mind of the assessor. These people are experienced in evaluation and will make you squirm – even if you have done your homework.

Many believe that composing grant applications is straightforward enough that it can be done alongside a full-time occupation. Others believe that success with an “Expression of Interest” indicates that they will receive substantial support from an advisor that will, in turn, lead to a successful full application.

Think again. While applications are supposed to be straight-forward, they often are highly demanding in terms of information and material evidence. This is not project management on the back of an envelope at the kitchen table, once the kids have gone to bed. Equally, it is not rocket science so you can work it through. It just might take you longer and involve more mental breakdowns than it would for a professional and you will still need to meet strict deadlines. Six months to submit a full application sounds forever, but when you are chasing letters of support at the last minute, only those with small children or a blackberry (or both) can hear you scream at two o’clock in the morning!

Capability aside, can you justify the time out of your current commitments. Running a business or initiative is already a full-time occupation. Dairy cows need milking, festivals need planning and team members need managing. Oh, and that advisor that you are promised, to support you with a full application, has allocated you two days worth of time. They will be great and worth their weight in gold, but two days is two days, and it feels of little consequence spread over six months.

There are many individuals out there who stated confidently that they would submit their applications sans support. There are probably a high percentage of grant regimes still waiting expectantly for them as they float, trapped in the ether, failing to secure the right levels of stamina and patience.

Let’s go back to commensurate value.

Most grant regimes do not provide any funding retrospectively. Neither do they allow a payment to a professional fund finder to come from any subsequent award. This often provides a number of organisations with a moral dilemma. For many, hiring the services of a trusted professional to decipher the forms, translate information into “grant-speak” and to play devil’s advocate would be money well-spent. However, a decision to follow this road often challenges a common mindset. Many forget that their own time has an intrinsic value. Self-submission will also incur a cost for the organisation.

Many organisations and entities that chase grant funding see an award as “charitable support”, which it can be. However, grant regimes will always seek to back winners. This means those with longevity and those who are likely to find the means to support themselves in the future. This can mean commercial success – even if it is within the structure of a not-for-profit.

Securing the services of a grant professional is simply an investment and often one with a good return. Forget day rates, think return on investment.