Lessons From My First Grant Reviewer Gig
Reviewing grants has made me a stronger grant writer.
A few months ago, I got to sit on the other side of the aisle as a grant reviewer. Seeing how funding decisions are made is invaluable, enough that I’m compiling a list of paid grant reviewer gigs for you, an exclusive benefit for our paid members. Here’s what I learned from that experience and how it’s making me a much better grant writer.
Reviewers have a stack of applications and no time to spare
The rumors are true: reviewers really do skim. They have a lot of grant applications to review, so get to the point. Directly answer the question asked.
Every sentence should give reviewers a reason to keep going. If it doesn’t add a new piece of information or move your case forward, it’s a distraction.
Strong proposals are forged by both what you say and what you scratch out.
I rooted for the creators who needed it most
As a reviewer, I wanted to advocate for the people this funding gap could really support. The applicants who clearly stated their need and exactly what the funding would allow them to do rose to the top.
And I noticed the opposite, too: some applicants read as too advanced for the opportunity, others as not quite ready yet. Knowing what you need helps you make that case convincingly.
Before working on your next grant application, get clear on what investments you would need to take your project or business to the next level. This is not something to figure out on the fly when an opportunity shows up. Know this well in advance.