Time-Saving Tools and Resources

by Cynthia M. Adams, CEO, GrantStation.com

We've already discussed how important it is to have the “big picture” in mind as you pursue grant awards. Now, let's move from the macro to the micro and discuss what tools and resources you may already have that can help you become more aggressive in your grantseeking.

Before you read much further, create a folder on your desktop that you name "Grant Support". You will be preparing numerous templates, keeping copies of updated information, etc., in this folder for easy access when you write a grant proposal.

Let's start by talking about what you might have on hand that can help save time.

• Excel spreadsheets can be used for multiple grant writing tasks – graphs, charts, budgets, and budget narratives. Excel will allow you to color code tabs, so you can easily identify information you may need (for example, keep all of your budget-related items on a green tab). It is easy to make changes on Excel, so you can continually update any budgets, graphs, and charts.

• In your Word documents, always use the same font (size and style) for every...