This past weekend I had the opportunity to sit on a grant review panel.  It was a wonderful opportunity and an eye-opening experience.  I was blown away by the amazing and the lack luster presentations, as such I feel the need to share some tips.

Next time your organization presents for a grant committee; be one of those that are awarded.

• BE ON TIME- This one should go without saying, but make sure you complete and submit ALL of the information requested on time.  I am amazed by the sheer number of organizations that get disqualified for this simple reason.
• BE PREPARED- Bring people who can effectively tell your story and answer questions about your financials.  Nothing is worse than not knowing the answer to a question about your organization.  If the committee asked you to work on a program in prior year’s bring the person that knows about that program.
• BE CLEAR- State why you are there at the beginning of the presentation.  State what you want.
• BE EFFICIENT- If you have 10 minutes to speak, use 9 and use them effectively to tell your story.
• BE PRACTICED- Perfect practice does make perfect.  When you get to a grant panel, it should not be the first time you have told your story.
• BE RESULTS ORIENTED- When you write a resume, you start with what you have done, do the same for your grant and for the panel.
• BE PASSIONATE- Show the committee your passion.  Why does this grant matter to you and your organization?

Take-away: Be ready next time you apply for a grant.  Grants require an incredible amount of time to prepare, don’t throw away all of your work in the committee review.