By Shannon M. Day, Senior Grants Development Consultant
When browsing through Grants.gov, you find a grant perfectly aligned with what your organization is trying to accomplish. Say you work in a university's criminal justice program and want to research police practices. You find a seemingly perfect grant, but as you read the eligibility…" Only applicants that received an official invitation letter from NIJ are able and eligible to apply." This "invitation-only" status is a common frustration for grant seekers. So, how do you crack that elusive list and get your foot in the door?
First, let us break down some of the various types of invitations:
- Emergency Funding is provided for emergencies in which state and local resources are inadequate to protect the lives and property of citizens and/or to enforce criminal law. These funds help offset the costs of an adequate response to an uncommon situation.
- Administrative Funding Adjustments and Continuation Funding are grants that allow applicants to continue working on funded projects.
- Pre-applications and Concept Papers are used by funders to "narrow down" a field of applicants. Successful applicants are then invited to submit a full application.
- Phased Grants are similar to the above but are generally more complex. Phase One is usually an open competitive opportunity, and recipients are invited to apply in Phase Two.
- Cooperative Agreements are funding opportunities in which the funding is tailored to meet a specific mission. The funding agency plays a more active role in determining project priorities and recipients and is also more directly involved with the recipient in project implementation.
- Training and Technical Assistance Grants are provided for recipients to support organizations within their field of expertise. These initiatives may be for specific grant programs or specialized missions of the funder organization.
- "Microgrants" are similar to the above, but the awarded funds are administered by the recipient and awarded to sub-applicants.
Building strong relationships, demonstrating expertise, and staying informed are essential to increase your chances of being invited to apply for federal grants.
Networking with government officials, program officers, and other grantees is crucial. You should attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars to connect with potential collaborators and learn about upcoming grant opportunities. Having an elevator pitch prepared for those moments when you need it is always a good idea! Reach out to invited applicants and ask how they did it. Joining relevant professional organizations can also expand your network and provide valuable resources.
Demonstrate your organization's expertise and alignment with federal priorities. Highlight your experience, capabilities, and track record of success in the field. Clearly articulate how your project aligns with the goals and objectives of the federal agency. You will increase your chances of being considered for grant invitations by showcasing your qualifications and commitment.
And finally, staying informed and flexible is crucial. Join grant funders' email subscription lists so you do not miss any potential opportunities. You may be able to pivot to another competitive grant opportunity. This is often the first step those invited to apply take in their funding journey.
While finding an otherwise perfect "invitation-only" grant can be discouraging, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of future invitations. You may position yourself and your organization for success with persistence, preparation, and patience.