Information Overload

When you're trying to keep on top of your email inbox, blogs, news, and other information streams, does it make sense to add grant sites to your list of bookmarks when you're not sure when and if you'll ever find the time to think about putting together a funding proposal?

Web-based information about grants is plentiful. Grants.gov is a treasure-chest of federal opportunities. A few simple Google searches can land you information on finding grants, writing grants, and finding grant writers. As with launching into any project, taking the time to reflect and plan may calm the initial urge to spend countless hours in front of a computer "researching" how to get a grant.

Think about the following questions before launching your search:

1. Do I have time to devote to planning a successful proposal?
   
   
2. Are there people I can connect with to help plan, write, or implement the proposal?
   
   
3. Am I familiar with the funders that might support my project interests?

Proposal development takes time and having a network of colleagues willing to toss ideas around, read drafts, and critique your plans is essential. Finding funders can be difficult, but one tactic is to take notice who is funding people with similar goals. Do these funders have similar competitions each year? How about planning to submit a proposal for the next round of competition? Being able to answer "YES" to the three questions above will help kickoff a successful proposal...and remember, GrantMonkey is a resource available for you!