008: Grant Writing Q&A: Why Are Grant Application Guidelines So Different?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href= "https://www.teresahuff.com/script" target="_blank" rel= "noopener"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/301007/Grant_Funder_Call_Script_-_Cover_Image.png" alt="Grant Funder Call Script" width="400" height= "223" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today I’m doing a quick Q&A episode for you on grant application guidelines. Next week’s episode is such a good interview with a grant funder, so be sure to come back for Episode 9 to catch that. In preparation for that episode,  I want to address a question I often hear:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Why do grant funder guidelines vary so much from one foundation to the next?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Short answer: Because it’s their money so they get to make the rules, that’s why.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I preach over and over how important it is to follow the guidelines when you’re applying for a grant. First, w</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">hat do I mean by that?</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Grant guidelines are:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The list of application instructions a grantmaker provides</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Includes things like the deadline, format, how to send it, questions they want you to answer, proposed budget, etc.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Why are they so different?</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each funder’s purpose and platform for offering grant funds is different. Their work in the community and their goals differ from one foundation to the next. They’re looking for an ROI (Return on Investment, or Impact), and what is going to give the greatest return. They develop their grant guidelines accordingly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-we