13 Mar Grant Writing Post-Pandemic: Why It’s Gotten Harder and Tips to Overcome.
Grant writing, like most things in our world, has changed dramatically since the start of the pandemic, creating new challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. With growing competition and evolving priorities among funders, getting the grants you need for your organization has become more difficult. However, with strategic approaches and adaptability, nonprofits can continue to thrive. Let’s explore why grant writing has become more challenging post-pandemic and discover tips to help you navigate these changes effectively.
The pandemic upended the funding landscape, with many funders transferring resources to immediate crisis needs. Because of this, some nonprofit funding streams have become more competitive or even dried up altogether, leaving organizations scrambling to find financial support. Many funders’ priorities have also changed in response to the pandemic, to focus more on areas such as public health, economic recovery, and social justice. Nonprofits need to adapt their grant writing strategies to work around these evolving priorities and showcase how their programs address the current and pressing needs of society.
Master Virtual Communication
One of the key challenges facing nonprofits in the post-pandemic era is the need to use virtual grant writing methods. With in-person meetings and site visits turning into virtual opportunities that are open to a larger population, organizations are finding ways to catch funders attention and make their impact virtually. Virtual communication doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s a skill that each one of us needs to build, but it’s one of the most important tools at our disposal to create strong relationships with funders we might not have in-person access to. This takes time when you factor in thorough researching of potential funders, understanding what they’re passionate about, and reaching out to them personally to discuss funding opportunities. But maintaining genuine personal connections with funders is key to accessing support.
Tailor Grant Applications
Nonprofits should make sure grant applications are tailored to the specific requirements of each funder, showcasing the need for their programs and the potential community impact. Having a personalized approach by understanding the priorities of your potential funder can help you and your organization stand out in the crowd of applications. No two applications should look the same. Use keywords, write in an active voice, and do your research to get the grants you need to keep making a difference in your community.
Focus on Outcomes and Impact
Another strategy for grant writing post-pandemic, is to focus on outcomes and impact. Funders are increasingly looking for evidence-based programs that produce visible impacts. With this in mind, we need to invest our time in collecting usable data, tracking the outcomes of our programs, and evaluating these results. By giving funders concrete evidence of our impact, organizations can make a convincing case for support and stand out against other applicants.
There is no doubt that fundraising post-pandemic is more challenging, but by mastering virtual communication, focusing on tailored grant applications, and prioritizing positive impacts, nonprofits can grow and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
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