Last updated on Sep 9, 2024

Your grant proposal faces last-minute revisions from a funder. How will you adapt and secure funding?

Navigating last-minute revisions to your grant proposal can feel like a high-stakes balancing act. Imagine you've meticulously crafted every detail, only to receive unexpected feedback from the funder requesting changes. This moment is crucial; your response can make the difference between securing the funding or not. It's a test of your adaptability and your commitment to the project's vision. You must quickly assess the requested revisions, determine their impact on your proposal, and implement them in a way that maintains the integrity of your original plan while satisfying the funder's concerns.

1 Stay Calm

When you're hit with last-minute revisions, it's essential to stay calm and collected. Panic can cloud your judgment and lead to mistakes. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that revisions are a normal part of the grant administration process. Funders often have insights that can actually enhance your project. Approach the situation with a positive mindset, seeing it as an opportunity to refine your proposal and demonstrate your flexibility and dedication to the project's success. Remember, your goal is to secure funding, and adapting to feedback is a strategic step towards that end.

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Dayan Eager

PROAID (Executive Director and Founder) -Empowering Not-for-Profit Organizations with expertise in International and Domestic Development, Grants & Project Management
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When faced with last-minute revisions, stay calm and composed. Instead of panicking, view the changes as an opportunity to improve your proposal and show your flexibility. Funders’ feedback can enhance your project, so approach revisions positively, keeping your focus on securing the funding.

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2 Assess Impact

The first step after receiving revisions is to thoroughly assess their impact on your proposal. You need to understand the scope of the changes and how they will affect your project's objectives, methods, budget, and timeline. It's important to identify which revisions are non-negotiable and which ones might have room for negotiation. This analysis will help you prioritize your actions and ensure that the core components of your proposal remain intact while making the necessary adjustments to satisfy the funder's requests.

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Everlyne Ngare

Fundraising/Strategic Partnerships/Resource Mobilization/Business Development/Grants
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To secure funding after last-minute revisions, I would assess the changes, clarify any uncertainties, and quickly realign the proposal with the funder’s new requirements. I'd coordinate with my team to implement the critical updates, maintain open communication with the funder, and ensure timely submission. Following up after submission would confirm receipt and reinforce our commitment to the project.

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Dayan Eager

PROAID (Executive Director and Founder) -Empowering Not-for-Profit Organizations with expertise in International and Domestic Development, Grants & Project Management
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The first step after receiving revisions is to assess their impact on your proposal, focusing on how they affect objectives, methods, budget, and timeline. Identify which changes are non-negotiable and prioritize adjustments to meet funder requests while preserving the core of your project.

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3 Communicate Quickly

Time is of the essence, so communicate quickly with your funder to clarify any points of confusion regarding the revisions. A prompt response shows that you are proactive and engaged in the process. Be open to dialogue and express your willingness to work with the funder to find solutions that align with both your project goals and their funding criteria. Clear communication can also help you advocate for your project and explain why certain aspects of your original proposal are critical to its success.

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Dayan Eager

PROAID (Executive Director and Founder) -Empowering Not-for-Profit Organizations with expertise in International and Domestic Development, Grants & Project Management
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Act quickly to clarify any confusion with your funder, demonstrating proactivity and engagement. Open dialogue allows you to find solutions that align both your project goals and their criteria, while clear communication helps you advocate for the essential elements of your original proposal.

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4 Revise Strategically

Once you've assessed the impact and communicated with the funder, it's time to revise strategically. Focus on incorporating the revisions in a way that strengthens your proposal without diluting its original intent. Be creative in finding compromises that satisfy the funder's concerns while preserving your project's key elements. This might involve reworking certain sections, adjusting the budget, or providing additional justification for your approach. Keep the big picture in mind and ensure that your revised proposal remains cohesive and compelling.

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Dayan Eager

PROAID (Executive Director and Founder) -Empowering Not-for-Profit Organizations with expertise in International and Domestic Development, Grants & Project Management
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After assessing the impact and discussing with the funder, revise your proposal strategically. Integrate changes that strengthen the proposal while preserving its core, finding creative compromises that address concerns without losing focus. Ensure your revised proposal remains cohesive, compelling, and aligned with the big picture.

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5 Seek Support

Don't hesitate to seek support from your team or peers during this process. Collaborating with colleagues can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the challenges posed by the revisions. They can also help you maintain the quality of your proposal under the time constraints. Whether it's brainstorming ideas or proofreading the revised sections, a collective effort can enhance the final product and increase your chances of securing the funding.

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John Zakian, CEcD

Federal Grant and Long Term Disaster Recovery Subject Matter Expert Focused on Economic, Housing and Infrastructure Strategic planning and Development
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Although last minute changes to the guidance and guidelines when it comes to federal and state grants is not the norm, should there be changes in the requirements you should not be reluctant to reach out to the agency to get insight into the reasoning. Also, as a precursor to any possible changes in federal or state grant Notices of Funding Opportunities, there is usually a fixed period of time where the agency is open to questions and providing answers. All such Q&A is posted on the agency website and often can provide you with insight to assure clarity on all requirements. Based on responses, it can also offer advanced warning of possible changes to the requirements.

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6 Final Review

Before resubmitting your proposal, conduct a final review to ensure that all revisions have been addressed thoroughly and that there are no errors or inconsistencies. This is also an opportunity to refine your language and presentation, ensuring that your proposal is as persuasive as possible. Pay close attention to how the changes have been integrated into the overall narrative of your project and make any necessary tweaks for clarity and impact. A meticulous final review can be the deciding factor in the success of your grant application.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your grant proposal faces last-minute revisions from a funder. How will you adapt and secure funding?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Assess Impact

3 Communicate Quickly

4 Revise Strategically

5 Seek Support

6 Final Review

7 Here’s what else to consider

Grant Administration

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Your grant proposal faces last-minute revisions from a funder. How will you adapt and secure funding?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Calm

2 Assess Impact

3 Communicate Quickly

4 Revise Strategically

5 Seek Support

6 Final Review

7 Here’s what else to consider

Grant Administration

Rate this article

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