Most federal and
state grant programs offer technical assistance workshops. The purpose of these workshops
is to help you understand all the guidelines for the grant competition. Information about
where workshops are being held and how to register for them can be found on the web sites
of the granting agencies, such as the Department of
Education, National Science Foundation, and so on.
Who should
attend a technical assistance workshop? Certainly, the principal investigator (PI) who is
developing the proposal should attend. Also, the designated project director for the grant
should attend. In addition, suitable representitives could include someone from the Dean's
office in your college, or someone from the Grants Office.
The Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning and
the Office of the Director of Grants can help with funds to pay for attending technical
assistance workshops. Contact the Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning through email: danielsl@ferris.edu or by phone: 591-3826 for further information. Or, you can contact the Grants Office by email: spedowsg@ferris.edu, or by phone: 591-5983.
Proposal guidelines can be lengthy and complex. Also, state or
federal politics can influence grant competitions. At technical assistance workshops, you
can gather "insider" information about these issues and ask detailed questions
that help you tailor your proposal to achieve maximum points. (POINTS are awarded by
proposal reviewers to decide which will be funded and in what order of priority). What you
learn at the workshop can make the difference between writing a proposal that wins or
loses.
Other important benefits from attending a
technical assistance workshop:
The opportunity to identify your competition for the grant
The opportunity to network and create collaborative partnerships
The chance to establish person-to-person contact with the agency officers
who are managing the grant competition
Technical workshops are offered regionally. Therefore, when you attend a
workshop, those who attend with you will very likely be your competitors for the grant.
This is your chance to "scope them out." Is Huge State U. competing for your
grant when you know that your proposal will impact the wellbeing of only 20 students on
your campus? This observation could prompt you to wisely withdraw from the competition and
direct your time and resources elsewhere.
However, this is also your chance to network and establish collaborative
partnerships if doing so will strengthen your eligibility and competitiveness! In my
workshop, Identifying Fundable Ideas, I emphasize the
importance of developing mutually beneficial funding relationships as a way to extend your
competitive edge. Can you piggyback onto a larger project from a bigger school? Can you
join a collaborative consortium? Can you supply the "missing link" in someone
else's proposal? Here is your chance to network and build a competitive power base.
Finally, the strategic importance of establishing person-to-person
relationships with agency officers cannot be overemphasized. When the agency officer knows
you on a first-name basis, your proposal will stand out from the crowd. In establishing
this relationship, you show your high level of interest and your eagerness to adapt to the
requirements and preferences of the granting agency. Your willingness to listen and learn
from the agency officer creates a lasting, positive impression of you and your school.
Time and again, this will tip the balance in your favor when your proposal is under
review.
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