Let’s play a game….
Most people say to me when they hear that I work in the field of grants, “Ugh, I would never want that job!” Encouraging, right? Really, most people feel like the process is too detailed, too complicated; they would prefer to be granted funds to do their projects, without any strings attached. Ah, but as they say… there is no such thing as a free lunch. Lucky for me, (most days), I enjoy the grant writing process and have often joked that my inner gambler has been the driving force for my interest in and desire to work on grants. You dig in, create a plan and roll the dice with your submission….. when you receive an award, it’s like hitting a jackpot, it’s a win! Some personal satisfaction + the ability to help support the needs of your organization, THAT is what makes grant writing great! In the last Grantology blog, I discussed what a LOI is and the benefits there can be for applicant as well as funder. For this edition, let’s think of grant writing or specifically, completing an LOI, as a game… that sounds more like fun, right?
Remember The Game of Life?
The Game of Life takes you on an adventure throughout your life, working your way through college, career, marriage, and children, all while traveling along a game board. The experience of this game, offers the players opportunities, while also helping them understand the requirements of those elements of life. You choose to go to college, you may have to pay student loans. You buy a house and may also have to address unexpected repairs. It’s a little ride on the reality train. So…. let’s play The Game of Life, Innovation Grant Edition!
See below the (very simplified) board game edition of the Innovation Grant LOI process!
Step 1: Think up a Bright Idea…. what is that aspect of programming you wish would improve, or a unique way to connect with students that you wish you could accomplish if you only had x, y or z?
Step 2: Do your research – sketch out your idea, what do you need to make your idea happen? How much time will you need to complete the project? When can it be accomplished? (Reminder, Innovation Grants are generally awarded in June and are meant to be completed by the following May) What purchases may need to be made? Will this affect other departments at the college? What will you need to request in a budget? (Reminder, the max request for a Innovation Grant is $10,000)
Step 3: Make Your Pitch – Get others on board, share your idea with your department/supervisor and those you want to collaborate with, including Human Resources, Finance, outside organizations….
Step 4: This one is easy…. Meet with the Grants Office. Meet with me to talk through your idea and allow me to share more about the process, what aspects to make sure you think through and review Innovation Grant requirements.
Step 5: Use the keyboard – get your thoughts down on paper, use the simple LOI form (located @ Bright Ideas Innovation Grants – Educational Foundation – Virginia Western Community College) and launch your idea.
Step 6: Review and Revise – review your LOI form and have someone else read it as well to offer feedback. Often once you work on something long enough, you may not be able to anticipate what others may or may not find clear. I am happy to review drafts and offer feedback as well.
Step 7: SUBMIT! – Wahoo, finish line! Submit your Innovation Grant LOI by emailing the form to Carolyn Payne (cpayne@virginiawestern.edu) by November 1st. * No late LOI’s can be accepted.
LOI Complete!
Now that you have finished the first round of the Game of Life Innovation Grant Edition, you only have to wait for a few short weeks for the LOI review process. All LOI’s are reviewed within several weeks and those which are selected, are invited to complete a full application. The full application requires more detail regarding goals of the project, expected impact, a more detailed budget and the sign off from key stakeholders at the college to show their support of the project (this helps the Foundation know that everyone is on board if the project is selected for funding). Full applications will be due to the Foundation by March 3, 2025. This spring submission will give time to further develop your project beyond the LOI, often with feedback or suggestions from the Grants Office and the Foundation.
Roll the Dice!
So, put your ideas out there. Review the Educational Foundation’s LOI form, think your bright idea through, and start filling in the details on how it will work and create an impact on campus. These first steps will allow you to jump on the game board, and take you closer to finding the resources to make your idea come to life!
Looking forward to exploring opportunities together!
Shelley
Shelley Lyons
Administrative Officer for Grants Administration
Fishburn Hall, F204
540-857-6084
slyons@virigniawestern.edu
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.