Grants: Proactive (Go for it!)and Reactive (Wait For It!)
In this video, I review the difference between proactive and reactive grants.
Proactive grants are when people have an idea and can submit them to a grantmaker. Sometimes the grantmaker asks for new ideas or you will have to suggest a new idea and pitch it to them. If it's a good idea then the grantmaker will want more information in a proposal.
Reactive grants are the most common ones. We usually wait for an announcement about a grant and then we react to it by answering the RFP or Request For Proposal.
Which one is the best? I encourage the use of both techniques. A proactive grant is similar to an elevator pitch on paper where you pitch a great idea that will solve a problem. It is usually innovative. A reactive grant has more structure and the grantmaker has identified a need and is asking anyone who has the capacity if they can help solve the problem.
One of the things I want to encourage you to do in a reactive grant is to show up and apply. Sure there's a lot of completion but don't be discouraged, I've shown up and just a handful of people were in the room, and funding was almost guaranteed if you can do the job.
Grant tip: Part of your success will be making the right connections and partnerships in your community.