After the exhilaration of receiving word that your organization has been awarded a grant, remember that your work is not done in the grants development process, but moving on to a stage through which you are in a strong position to build your relationship with that funder and affirm that the funder has made a wise and meaningful decision. Here are some tips for what to do after you’ve received the grant.
| | » | Send a thank you note for support. It may seem obvious, but people often forget. A funder has just invested in your organization and would like to know that you really appreciate the support and that it will make a difference. |
| » | Make sure that you provide appropriate and expected recognition for the support received. This might involve specific methods specified by the grantor or a more general request for public acknowledgement such as mention on your website, season or organizational brochure, programs, lobby donor lists, annual report, announcement from the stage, newsletter, etc. If you have received a large contribution, it is particularly important to work with your grant liaison to ensure that its recognition expectations are clear and met. |
| » | Complete required reporting according to the funder’s guidelines. Some funders require interim and final reports; others have specific forms to complete or information that they would like to see. Fulfill whatever reporting is required of your organization in a timely manner. Note what the reporting requirements are prior to implementing the project or using general operating funds to ensure that you collect and maintain the needed information. |
| » | Invite the grantor to the funded activity or other events that will give the funder an enhanced sense of what you do, how you do it, and who participates in what you do. |
| » | Carry out the activities as described in your proposal. However, even well thought-out proposals put to practice can run up against unexpected conditions. If you have received a grant that commits you to certain outcomes and you see that your project is falling short of deliverables or has had to take on a new set of objectives, advise your grantor of the changes as soon as possible. Depending on the scope of the changes, you may have to be prepared to renegotiate with the funder concerning the award. If you have applied for a grant, and prior to the grantor’s decision you have received further funding or other unexpected good news, notify the grant officer, as the change may advance your chances for funding. |