Consider the family who wants to buy a hen house. The Chicken and Egg of Grant Applications.
Having chooks at home sounds great; they all love animals and the kids love the idea of fresh scrambled eggs.
That very day, the family spots hen houses for an excellent price at their local hardware. Bang, job done, they are now proud owners of one large white hen house. What a bargain!
Problem is – they hadn’t really thought through the project. How many hens will they need? What do hens cost? Who will feed the hens when they’re away and WHAT do you feed them?
And did anyone remember to consult with Buster the Blue Heeler?
Thinking through a grants project before you consider an application is much the same.
Ask yourself:
- Why are we doing this project? Is it relevant to our mission?
- What will the full project cost be?
- Who needs to be involved?
- What exactly will it take to get this project off the ground?
- How will we evaluate it?
Just like the family with the bargain hen house, beware the grant that looks too good to miss. If you can’t answer these questions, perhaps this opportunity isn’t for you.