CEDP Grants

As a sometimes grant reviewer, I thought I would add some information that you might final useful. While this is particularly applicable to the Department of Homeland Security technology transfer grant, it is also useful for all grants.

1. This particular grant is a VERY simple application. If you qualify and can use the equipment you should apply.
2. Most grants are competitive. And, the raters are human beings. The first applications that are rejected or scored lower are those grants that simply fail to include all of the requested information. Do not leave a section blank. If the application asks for something like “evidence of site control” you MUST submit something that indicates you have site control. Or, perhaps a city council resolution….if it says you have to have it, you have to have it.
3. Some grantors have grant conferences. Indeed, often they give points for attendance. If there is one, and you want to be competitive you should send someone. Not only do you receive the points, but you receive information on how to complete the application. The primary writer need not attend to get the points – but, you also make contact with the grantor (the human beings making the decisions). Like all of life, it is often who you know, not what you know.
4. Attempt to contact the grantor before you submit. Even if there is no “bidders conference” (generally described in No. 3), you can often get clues on how the grants are scored. Think of it as getting information from the teacher about the test before he or she grades it. If you know what they are looking for, you will be more successful.
5. De-brief successful and unsuccessful grants with the grantor. Grant writing is a learning process.
6. Do not apply for a grant just because you can. That often comes through in the grant, restricts the awards to the agencies truly in need and most importantly, wastes your resources.

Good luck