Navigating the world of grantseeking can feel daunting, especially when you're a team of one or have limited staff. But success is entirely possible with strategic planning, resource optimization, and the right tools. Here are some effective strategies and insights to help your small team.
The first step in your grantseeking journey is understanding your organization’s capacity and aligning it with your goals. Factors like your budget, mission focus, and available resources should guide your efforts.
Efficiency is key when working with limited resources. Streamlining the proposal writing process involves such things as developing a common attachment file, using templates, and planning and connecting the parts of your projects together before you sit down to write your proposals.
Time is a limited resource, so use a decision matrix to evaluate which opportunities to pursue. By weighing criteria — such as alignment with your mission, likelihood of success, or required effort — you can prioritize grants with the highest potential impact. A weighted scoring system can help you determine whether an opportunity is worth pursuing.
Don’t go at it alone. Engage board members, volunteers, and interns to contribute their expertise. Tasks like research, editing, data visualization, and accounting can be effectively distributed across a diverse team. Understanding individual strengths and learning styles ensures that each team member contributes optimally.
Artificial intelligence tools can be a game-changer for solo grantseekers. Use AI-powered chatbots for drafting initial proposal versions, editing and summarizing narratives, brainstorming new ideas, and repurposing content for different grant applications. These tools save time and enhance productivity, allowing you to focus on strategic decision-making.
Collaboration can amplify your impact. Explore partnership models like coalitions, shared support functions, or joint programs. Partnerships not only pool resources but also strengthen your credibility with funders.
Alice Ruhnke is GrantStation’s President of Education and Outreach. As a former nonprofit leader and Founder of The Grant Advantage, she brings 20+ years of experience helping nonprofits build fundraising capacity. Alice has trained over 6,000 individuals on grant writing, community change models, and measuring outcomes, equipping them to drive meaningful impact.
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