What does the grant seeker need to do before a grant is written?
Often it is essential for nonprofits and governmental entities to be organized and ready to write a grant proposal as soon as (or before) it is advertised. Grant funding agencies usually have specific deadlines and by the time a new grant is advertised, there is often not enough time to come up to speed and still write the grant. Ideally, grant seekers should have their own house in order mission, vision, matching funding, strategic plan and partners identified beforehand. Matching funds usually take the form of cash or in-kind support (non-monetary contributions made by the grantee representing such items as equipment, supplies, services or technical expertise, or volunteer hours).
