It takes a team of hardworking players to keep any organization running well, especially for nonprofits. When you need to maximize funds, it often means that you need to be even more strategic with the types of responsibilities your team members are taking on. Of course, the same is true for municipal agencies too! Everyone needs to be working in sync to serve your community effectively. With a good collaboration, you can make your agency stronger than ever by securing new grant funding. Every good application starts with building the right team.
Developing Your Team Roster for New Grant Funding
If you’re looking to bolster your agency’s budget by winning a new public safety grant, then your application needs to outline the fact that you have a knowledgeable team ready to handle that new funding. In the iRecord Grant Best Practices Guidebook, we outline the seven key roles that every grant application needs to have filled. Here’s the recap!
1. Project Manager
The first person that should be assigned to your grant application process will be the Project Manager. You need a leader to take charge of coordinating the rest of the team members. This person will help everyone adhere to a timeline and the critical due date for submission.
2. Authorized Official Representative (AOR)
It’s also important to identify the person with the legal authority for your entity early on. Your organization’s AOR is the one who has the authority to legally approve your grant applications and enter contracts with other parties. Without these details squared away, it’s all too easy for your project manager to run into problems later on.
3. Grant Writer
Next, your team will need a point person to handle the actual content creation for your application. Some organizations already have someone on staff to write their grant applications, while other groups will need to outsource. Once you find a relevant grant that you want to apply for, you’ll need to make sure your grant writer can help you meet the deadline. Connect with them as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.
4. Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Your grant application may require your team to consult with some external subject matter experts. This can be a great way to present hard data and testimonials for why your organization is the best choice for receiving the funds. Make a list of potential SME candidates, and then call down that sheet to see who is available and interested in helping your cause.
5. Budget Analyst
Another aspect of consulting the data relates to how your agency handles its existing funds—as well as how you would direct the new funding after winning the grant. Your budget analyst should be able to work in close contact with your grant writer to make sure these logistics are clearly expressed. You’ll be in a better position to win the grant when your application outlines your finances and how you can make the most of every dollar.
6. Solutions Provider
Where exactly will those new funds be directed? Your application will likely need to introduce the solutions provider you’d like to partner with in the future. Occasionally this role can double as another SME. If you’re looking to invest in new technology, for example, then sharing success stories about the provider and talking about the particular products your agency would like to use can help create a more compelling application.
7. Content Reviewer(s)
Finally, you’ll need to fill a separate position to proofread and fact-check your application. It’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes on the content after the grant writer does their own rounds of edits. You can tap other people in your organization to read through the latest version of the document, or contact individuals outside your agency. Fresh feedback should always be considered before you submit the final forms.
Learn More with the Grant Best Practices Guidebook!
Pulling together your grant application team is just the first phase of creating a winning grant application. Now that you know the essential roles to consider, you can start looking at the next steps. Our downloadable guidebook “How to Win Grant Funding: 5 Best Practices” can help walk you through each stage. Click the link to learn more!