Quick Reference Guides-From Strategy to Submission: A Pre-Award and Compliance Guide

From Strategy to Submission: A Pre-Award and Compliance Guide

Pdf Summary

The grant process moves through seven connected phases, with mission alignment and compliance guiding each step:

1. <strong>Develop strategy:</strong> Identify funding needs, prioritize projects that support the organization’s mission and long-term goals, and plan for sustainability beyond the grant period.
2. <strong>Build the team:</strong> Assign leaders, identify expertise or staffing gaps, engage stakeholders early, clarify roles, and secure partner commitments.
3. <strong>Find opportunities:</strong> Use research and networks to locate funding, then review each funding announcement for fit with the organization’s mission and capacity.
4. <strong>Confirm eligibility:</strong> Check that the organization and project meet all requirements, document eligibility, and assess alignment with funder priorities.
5. <strong>Prepare the proposal:</strong> Define needs and objectives, develop the project narrative, budget, evaluation and sustainability plans, and gather supporting documents and partner letters.
6. <strong>Submit the application:</strong> Follow platform and formatting rules, verify accuracy and completeness, submit early, confirm receipt, and retain submission records.
7. <strong>Prepare to manage the grant:</strong> Conduct legal and financial reviews, obtain internal approvals, and establish monitoring and documentation practices for ongoing compliance and risk management.

Throughout the process, project goals should align with both the funder’s objectives and the organization’s mission. Integrating compliance from the outset helps reduce risk, establish eligibility, and support effective grant management.

Keywords

grant process

mission alignment

compliance

funding opportunities

proposal preparation

eligibility review

project sustainability

budget planning

grant management

risk management