Researching for grants needs to be conducted in a strategic manner. There is no shortcut approach to guide you through this, but there are some key aspects you need to consider to make it strategic. Here are the key considerations to look for to help you with this process- let us call them the 4 Cs: Coherence, Capacities, Calendar, and Checkboxes for Eligibility.
To understand this in detail, coherence can be in the form of the same thematic areas or the cause they support, geography, or type and magnitude of support you seek and they offer. To understand the capacities of the donors, it would be helpful to look at the projects and organizations these donors have funded in the past and the ones they are funding currently to get an idea of the magnitude of the support.
Thirdly, in your donor map and research sheet, the calendared view of donor agency timelines will help you in prioritizing your approach. For example, if the timeline for this year’s grant of a particular donor agency A has gone last month, put it on a lower priority for now (color coding will come handy for this- or put comments) and you can re-look at this prospect next year as per the calendar.
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