The Value of Debrief in Grants Development
The Value of Debrief in Grants Development Heidi Yaple, GPC Director of Grants Development Tarrant County College District
The Grants Development Process Funding Opportunity
Proposal Development Submission
Wait
Grants Development
…in the Perfect World…
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Just right “fit” Simple application Fantastic relationship with funder Stakeholders excited about project Stakeholders always available Stakeholders provide all requested information Lots of time for development Clearly defined project design Smooth writing Partner letters in abundance Submission at least 2-5 days before deadline More….
Grants Development in the Real World • Square peg – Round hole • Going door-to-door for support letters • Stakeholders left town, no forwarding address and changed phone number • “Nudge” versus “nag” • Begging • Last minute changes • Herding cats • Computer crash • Internet - down • Racing to the deadline • More…
How do we make grants development
Reality
into grants development
Utopia??
Reality
Utopia
Identify Best Practices Plan Schedule Communicate Timeline Delegate tasks Proactive problem-solving Review/Revise Polish and Complete Learn From Experience
Best Practice: Debrief
Debrief • Who ? – Grant Writer – Grants Development Team – Stakeholders – Decision-Makers
Debrief • When ? – As soon as possible
• Where ? – Go to your stakeholders
• What ? – Use a tool as a guide
Debrief Why ? – Learn From Experience – Identify Obstacles – Eliminate Challenges – Reduce Frustration – Improve Communication – Develop Successful and Funded Projects
Debrief: How ? • Positive • Productive • Open Discussion • Everyone Benefits
Debrief: Tools Examples of Prompt Questions :
What went well? What was supposed to happen? What constraints or barriers did we face? Could we have taken another approach? Was the goal always clear? Did the team meet sufficiently often?
http://thoughtleaderzone.com/2013/03/11-questions-and-prompts-forinsightful-debriefing-sessions/
Debrief: Tools Challenges Report: Report to self to include barriers and obstacles encountered – if any.
Simple Template:
Debrief: Case Study 1 Using the Case Study 1 scenario, conduct a debrief session in small groups using the Lessons Learned Debrief template. Be Positive No Blame-Game Identify Next Steps
Debrief: Case Study 2 Using the Case Study 2 scenario, conduct a debrief session in the same groups using the Lessons Learned Debrief template. Be Positive No Blame-Game Identify Next Steps
Debrief for Grants Development Value Who benefits Debrief tools Ways a debrief session can be used for future Grants Development
The Value of Debrief in Grants Development
Thank-You!
The Grants Development Process Funding Opportunity
Proposal Development Submission
Wait
Grants Development
…in the Perfect World…
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Just right “fit” Simple application Fantastic relationship with funder Stakeholders excited about project Stakeholders always available Stakeholders provide all requested information Lots of time for development Clearly defined project design Smooth writing Partner letters in abundance Submission at least 2-5 days before deadline More….
Grants Development in the Real World • Square peg – Round hole • Going door-to-door for support letters • Stakeholders left town, no forwarding address and changed phone number • “Nudge” versus “nag” • Begging • Last minute changes • Herding cats • Computer crash • Internet - down • Racing to the deadline • More…
How do we make grants development
Reality
into grants development
Utopia??
Reality
Utopia
Identify Best Practices Plan Schedule Communicate Timeline Delegate tasks Proactive problem-solving Review/Revise Polish and Complete Learn From Experience
Best Practice: Debrief
Debrief • Who ? – Grant Writer – Grants Development Team – Stakeholders – Decision-Makers
Debrief • When ? – As soon as possible
• Where ? – Go to your stakeholders
• What ? – Use a tool as a guide
Debrief Why ? – Learn From Experience – Identify Obstacles – Eliminate Challenges – Reduce Frustration – Improve Communication – Develop Successful and Funded Projects
Debrief: How ? • Positive • Productive • Open Discussion • Everyone Benefits
Debrief: Tools Examples of Prompt Questions :
What went well? What was supposed to happen? What constraints or barriers did we face? Could we have taken another approach? Was the goal always clear? Did the team meet sufficiently often?
http://thoughtleaderzone.com/2013/03/11-questions-and-prompts-forinsightful-debriefing-sessions/
Debrief: Tools Challenges Report: Report to self to include barriers and obstacles encountered – if any.
Simple Template:
Debrief: Case Study 1 Using the Case Study 1 scenario, conduct a debrief session in small groups using the Lessons Learned Debrief template. Be Positive No Blame-Game Identify Next Steps
Debrief: Case Study 2 Using the Case Study 2 scenario, conduct a debrief session in the same groups using the Lessons Learned Debrief template. Be Positive No Blame-Game Identify Next Steps
Debrief for Grants Development Value Who benefits Debrief tools Ways a debrief session can be used for future Grants Development
The Value of Debrief in Grants Development
Thank-You!
