Timeline

The final factor in deciding whether or not to apply for a particular grant will be the timeline. Is the deadline the funder has set something that you can meet without feeling rushed? Is there enough time to put together a polished proposal instead of something thrown together?

Grant proposals are usually time and date stamped when they are received. Allow time to turn in your proposal a few days early. It helps give the impression that you are organized.

Here are some tips in managing the timeline:
(provided by http://www.cpb.org/grants/grantwriting.html)

• Plan to submit your proposal on or preferably before the deadline.
  
  
• Be realistic about whether you have time to prepare a competitive proposal that meets the deadline.
  
  
• Know the funder's policies on late submissions, exceptions, and mail delays.
  
  
• Find out how the funder will notify you about the receipt and status of your proposal. Factor this information into your timeline.

Remember you will need additional time up front to gather all of the approvals needed for the project. You will want to write multiple drafts and have someone review the document for content, proof-reading and formatting.

EXERCISE: Using your Study Guide, create a personal timeline showing the minimum amount of time it would take to create a basic grant proposal as a template. Use the following table to help you estimate length of time. Add any other steps that you can think of to the list.