Giving Thanks (and getting grants)

In this Thanksgiving season, if you currently have a grant, you're probably grateful for that grant. If you've received a recent rejection, you may feel less so. However, whatever camp you're in, giving thanks in a variety of grant development situations can be an opportunity for you to further your case for eventual funding.

When we think about the relationship-building side of the grant development process, saying thank you and following up with a Program Officer (PO) gives you a chance to put your name and your work in front of the PO again in a positive light (everyone likes a thank you). Even when you are not funded and receive feedback from reviewers, email your PO to discuss those comments, but start that email with a "thank you" for the agency taking the time to thoughtfully review your grant. And, again, after you discuss reviewer comments, follow up with another "thank you" for the PO's time.

This may seem like overkill, but did you know that there is a field and science to the follow-up and thank yous for people who give you money?  In higher education and the nonprofit world, we call this stewardship. The idea behind this field is the follow-up with a donor after they've made a gift to not only thank them, but also to begin moving them or "stewarding" them toward making a next (hopefully larger) gift.

You may think that comparing an official at a grant-making agency with an individual donor to a charity as apples and oranges. However, I think there are some donor stewardship ideas that apply to relationship-building with POs.

Donors want to know the gift was received and appreciated. Oftentimes, your PO is the one to let you know that you've been funded. So they know that you know that you're funded. But, again, don't miss the opportunity to say thank you and show your gratitude and your excitement to pursue your project. Also, it's good to bear in mind that grant making agencies and their POs do see themselves as investors in you and your project, and in that way, they want to be acknowledged and kept in the loop.

Donors want to know their money is being used for its intended purpose. POs want to know the agency's money is being used for its intended purpose. Remember those pesky reports you are required to submit annually or bi-annually? Those reports are actually a great opportunity for you to steward your PO. Write a report that demonstrates your gratitude and your excitement around what you're able to do with your grant. In a recent ORDE seminar, Timberley Roane, Associate Professor in Integrative Biology, described how at a conference she attended, a PO came up to her and just said "Thank you!" He was so appreciative for her diligence to send reports on time that she stood out from her colleagues in this way.

Additionally, when you receive any press on your research, especially your funded research, be sure to forward to your PO with a quick thank you. Also, be sure to acknowledge the agency in any recognition or press that you receive. Granting agencies are essential to accomplishing research in this day and age, so bear this in mind, and when there is an opportunity, give thanks!


Resources:
Stewardship - More than a Thank-You - Blog by Michael Rosen
Million Dollar Donors - Presentation by Shelley Henry, Debbie Meyers, and Kristin Sullivan

What do Program Officers Say?

Last month, I polled former National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Officers (PO) about how they wanted PIs to work with them and reach out to them. Below is a summary of those responses. Although all of these folks had been NSF POs, their insights can be applied to working with POs more generally, especially at the federal level.

Here are the questions and responses from our POs:

What is the best way to reach out to a PO?

• email a one-two pager (3)
• Set up a phone call (2)
• Arrange a face-to-face visit (2)

What should you do if a PO is unresponsive?

• Be persistent (2)
• Find another PO (2)
• Not much you can do (1)

 How can you best cultivate a relationship with a PO?

• Send them projects interesting to them (2)
• Visit the PO (1)
• Invite them to your campus (1)
• Be concise in your communications (1)

What advice do you have for working with POs?

• Don't request funding for the same old thing (2)
• Don't cold call (1)
• Ask to be on a review panel (1)

 Please use the comments box to share your own advice or questions about working with POs.

Resources:

Advice for Meeting Directors at NSF - Richard Nader
The Role of Program Officers (NIH) - Timothy Gondre-Lewis