Uncategorized

Should we, or shouldn’t we?
You’re probably familiar with the long shot, a highly competitive proposal that causes you to wonder, should we go for it? You have options.

Yes, we should
Long shots are risky. But there can be gains even if you don’t get the grant.

• An introduction. A proposal to a new funder could lead to an ongoing relationship, and perhaps even eventual funding.
• Leverage. Your current donors like to know that you pursue other funding opportunities for your programs. If the new funder is well known, they’ll be impressed and perhaps even more committed.
• A new narrative. High stakes funding is often for major new initiatives. Your proposal allows you to put your plans on paper and gain internal support so you’re ready for future opportunities.

No, we shouldn’t
There are good reasons not to apply for a long shot, for example:

• The alignment of your program and the funding priorities is not strong.
• You don’t have the capacity to prepare a competitive proposal.
• There is limited internal support for this submission.

When you lack the resources or sanction to get the project done, and done right, it’s ok to walk away from a grant opportunity.

We shouldn’t now, but we might later
This can be an excellent choice. You can trade a less competitive submission and a frazzled team for a stand-out document that will impress the funder the next time around. It can be worth the wait. Every proposal that leaves your office is a reflection of your entire organization.

Here’s an example
A health center team considered whether to apply for a complex federal grant—a true long shot—that was sure to be a taxing process. If funded, it would allow the center to better serve children at immediate risk of violence. The team decided to go for it, in part because it was a chance to create a reusable narrative for a new program. This story has a happy ending. The center got the grant and the services it initially funded continue 16 years later.

Risks and benefits
Take the time to make the best decision for your organization, programs, and staff. If you’re prepared for any outcome, and especially if there are other advantages to submitting a proposal, a calculated risk can be worth the investment.

On hearing of the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I read about her vast accomplishments with awe and gratitude. I wondered how we would go on without her.

I never dreamed, the morning after the awful news, that her lessons would be so helpful so soon, and in such a practical way. I read, in this 2016 opinion piece written by RBG and reprinted by the New York Times, about a lesson she learned:

At Cornell University, my professor of European literature, Vladimir Nabokov, changed the way I read and the way I write. Words could paint pictures, I learned from him. Choosing the right word, and the right word order, he illustrated, could make an enormous difference in conveying an image or an idea.

It’s a helpful tip for anyone who writes, including those of us who write for donors.

For today I’m keeping this short. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s message—and Nabokov’s advice—are more than enough for now.

Next month I’ll introduce you to my newly revised website that better describes who I am and what I do.

Take it seriously
I have to admit, this is one of my least favorite topics. But when it comes to writing, especially high stakes writing, proofreading can be consequential. When there is stiff competition for funding, reviewers look for reasons to narrow the field. A typo could be it. Furthermore, your proposal is a reflection of your entire organization; typos aren’t professional. And, let’s be frank: typos can be just plain embarrassing.

What I’ve learned
When I begin a writing project, I don’t think about proofing. I focus on the story, writing strategies that will help the reader, and perfecting the pitch. Once I complete my draft, I move on to editing the document to make sure it’s responsive to funder requirements. Proofreading is the last thing on my mind. Typos aren’t important – yet.

And then they are. Proofing is the final step before I send the draft to my client. Proofreading requires concentration. Once the hard work of drafting and editing your document is done, your mind may wander. Don’t let it. If you’re distracted, proof later. If you’re tired, take a break. If your desk is cluttered, clear it off to help you focus.

Here’s what else I’ve learned about proofreading:

• Build in the time you need to get it right. 
• When you’re ready, proof once, step away, get some coffee (or exercise or ice cream), and then proof again. You’ll be amazed by how much easier it is to see typos after a break.
• Make sure someone proofs after you do. Familiarity with a document risks mistakes. An objective review is indispensable.
• Proof everything. I’m talking about letters, memos, social media, and especially email.
• Don’t rely on spellcheck. What may appear to be correct, might not be.

Prevention is best
We all make mistakes. This article was inspired by one of my own. Recently, I thought I carefully proofed an important email to someone I had never met, but I didn’t catch my misspelling of her name. Besides my horror—and embarrassment—upon discovery of my mistake, it took me more time to decide how to make amends than it would have to be more careful in the first place.

I’ll be frank. Proofreading can give me a headache. However it’s a good headache to have. It means you’re near the finish line, but it’s still possible to make your document even better than it already is.

Back in the saddle
Writing my Short Tips series during the pandemic was a valuable experience. I learned to say what I want to say in fewer words, less time, and with greater focus. Such strategies are important in these times when we are bombarded by even more information than we ever were before.

Tell it like it is
As we return to writing “regular” proposals to donors, should we address the impact of COVID-19 on our organizations and programs, even when it’s not requested in the guidelines? My advice is definitely Yes. Here’s why.

As nonprofits determine what the continuing crisis means for your programs, donors are sorting out how it impacts their giving priorities and processes. They need facts to inform their decision-making. Nonprofits can provide that; you see what’s happening on the ground and can anticipate where things are headed. In your proposals, reflect your reality in program goals and outcomes to help donors understand what’s possible and when. They will recognize your preparation for what lies ahead and your ability to be nimble in applying resources where they’re needed most.

Nonprofit connections with donors have perhaps never been so symbiotic. Being on the same side—side by side—is a different way of thinking about how we relate. It could be a silver lining in a dark time.

More people are working from home nowadays. Telecommuting is handy, but staying productive and connected can be difficult. Time to set up shop.

Here are twelve things can help boost productivity:

• Establish a routine. The consistency helps me get and stay organized so that I know what I’m doing, and when.
• Create a work space. If you don’t have an office, make one. When I started my business, I claimed a table in the corner of the living room.
• Set goals for each day. The structure can help you focus.
• Stay on top of things. It’s easy to get distracted. Do whatever you can now; it could be even busier later.
• Do the hard stuff first. This isn’t specific to working at home, but it may be more important when you work at home.
• Turn off your email. Try doing this for hour-long periods to limit interruptions. An hour is long enough to make progress on your projects but short enough to remain accessible to others.
• Negotiate. Schedule time with others in your household for group stretches, games, stories, or meal prep. If you have kids, let them set the agenda. It could be fun!
• Be creative. I have a dedicated office, but I have to walk through it to get to other parts of my house. At the end of the day, I clear my desk and dim the lights to feel like I’ve left work behind.
• Experiment. This morning I felt bogged down by the news. I decided to wear something more professional than usual. It picked me up and I had a productive day.
• Exercise. Walking gets me going in the morning and re-charges me during the afternoon slump. It’s great for productivity, and sanity. Think gardening or even vacuuming. Our brains need breaks.

And finally, don’t work on the couch. It’s bad for your posture, you’ll get sore, and you might fall asleep.