Congratulations! Your organization has received grant funding.
Now what?
It is time to deliver on what you proposed to the funder in your application.
When a nonprofit receives grant funding, data collection and analysis throughout the project is key. Organizations are most successful when they collect qualitative and quantitative data that can then be used to demonstrate how the funded project made a positive impact on the population being served.
Ask yourself these questions before you begin your grant-funded project:
Who will be in charge of monitoring the grant budget?
What tool(s) will be used to collect data during this project?
Where will grant information be stored digitally so it is accessible to all team members?
When does the funder want progress reports and who will compile these updates?
How will your organization publicly acknowledge the funder’s contribution?
Once you have a handle on the answers to each of these questions, you are ready to begin the project! Remember, the best way to grow and maintain a relationship with a funder is to be transparent throughout the funding period.
Are you providing your program officer with regular updates either by phone or email?
Are you collecting data during every stage of the project that can be shared with the funder?
Are you keeping all project information organized so that you can submit a final report that shows how successful you were in achieving the goals and objectives you outlined in your original proposal?
Hint: If your organization is unable to follow through on any part of the approved proposal, tell your program officer immediately. This way you can adjust the project plan and budget accordingly without damaging your reputation. Funders do talk to one another, so your organization must be an honest and gracious grant recipient.