You got the grant, now what?

Yes!!!!  You have the notification in hand.  You have received funding!  After you have finished celebrating this achievement, the reality of it sets in.  What do I do now? 

Notify all of your administrators, this includes your Board of Directors.  Once everyone has officially accepted the grant award send the resolution or grant agreement/contract to the funding source.  Here comes the most important part…re-read your proposal!  Sometimes it can be six to eight months after you have applied, in that time you have done many many things!  It is important to refresh your memory of what you wrote for.  Once that is done, set up your budget.  It is important that an organization is fiscally accountable for the funds they receive.    Next, begin executing what you promised! 

Sounds simple, but often we forget what we wrote, or we think we can do whatever with the funding once we have it.  Remember, accepting these funds means you are contractually obligated to follow through with your proposal.  If things aren’t working as you planned, call the funder and explain what is going on.  It is important to create a relationship with the funder!