Hello, and welcome back to our asynchronous workshop series, How to Design a Successful Innovation Grant.
The series began in September, and it ends this month, when Innovation Grant proposals are due to the Virginia Western Educational Foundation.
Let’s review some of our Lab Lessons so far, including:
#1: Grant proposals are not time wasted … even if you FAIL
#2: Know the rules of the game
#3: Focus on NEEDS first, solutions second
#5 Relationships are the secret sauce
#7: Assume success
So we’re here … March 2022, and applications are typically due the last Friday in March.
That brings us to our final Lab Lesson #8 … Respect the details!
The fine print is important, especially when it comes to grant applications.
You have come so far during this series — you have really thought about the big-picture goals, you understand the needs, created a budget, talked up your idea, and you’re expecting success.
Now we have to follow the specific directions in the application.
Re-read the first page of the application again, very closely.
Hopefully you noticed the signatures required on Page 1.
And there are EARLIER deadlines for your Supervisor (2 weeks prior to submittal), and the Vice President of your division (1 week before submission).
This may seem like more bureaucratic hoops, but these advance signatures are required for a reason: Your Supervisor and VP need adequate time to read and approve your proposal.
But since you’ve been working so far ahead — chatting up your idea with your supervisor all along — the signatures should really be a formality.
So what’s next?
You are submitting your proposal! Just be sure to:
- Re-read the directions
- Follow the directions
- Don’t miss the deadlines
- Thank everyone who helped you along the way
- Celebrate your success! This is an awesome accomplishment!
Here’s a fun tip: Whenever we were awarded a grant, I would ring the Virtual Gong, which you can easily share on LinkedIn and Twitter. You better tag me! 🙂 I’m @smogilvie and on LinkedIn.
Shelley Lyons is glad to be back on campus as she is a Virginia Western alum, and has served as the Administrative Officer for Grants Administration at Virginia Western since early 2022. Prior to VWCC, her career focus was within the Human Services and Arts fields. She wrote her first grant in 1996 on a whim and has continued to plan and learn since that time. She most enjoys  seeing a well-planned project come to fruition, where funder, project manager and beneficiaries can all feel success and see impact.