Grant Application Tips

You have decided to apply for a grant? Great!

Here are a few tips for submitting a grant application and enhancing your chances of success:

Choosing the Type of Grant – There are numerous authorities that award grants, so it is wise to investigate all options and determine what requirements are required for submission of each type of grant. Known authorities: Israel Innovation Authority, Foreign Trade Administration, Investment Center and more.

Choosing the best route – it is recommended that you investigate which programs are open / about to open and where your chances of success are the greatest. Matching the stage of your project to the appropriate program increases your chances of winning the grant.

Examining compliance with threshold criteria – each plan has a method that outlines all the submission requirements. It is advised, if not ideal, to conduct extensive research and ensure that you meet all the threshold criteria.

Deadlines – Pay attention to the submission deadline and submit the day before, especially in programs with a high volume of submissions.

Writing the application – It is recommended that when writing the application, you first focus on the core of the submission (for example, technological development), how it will be carried out, with whom, and so on. Only after you have clarified for yourself what you are presenting should you proceed with drafting the rest of the application, such as: the market, the needs, and so on.

Writing language – It is recommended that you write in your native language. The examiners should be able to read it fluently and understand the subject matter.

Professional articles / graphs / diagrams – include a summary line summarizing what can be gleaned from the table / graph, etc.

Establishing the market – it is recommended to demonstrate affinity to the target market, customers, and knowledge with the target market, and LOI letters.

Company personnel – A concise CV emphasizing the team’s capabilities in the fields of technological development, marketing, and business development, as well as the other teams that are significant and required for application, must be submitted.

Deductible expenses – Before you begin preparing the budget, review which expenses are deductible in the grant to which you are applying. Each grant and its own deductible expenses.

Webinars in the field – It is now common for authorities to conduct webinars to address queries from submitting businesses. Attend and receive submission advice from the authority itself. In some circumstances, you can also contact the authority directly for advice and assistance.

Choose companies that specialize in submissions from the same field – If you are not an expert in business writing, we propose that you use companies that are. Nothing beats a first impression. It would be a shame to submit, fail, and then submit again through companies. Time is money…

“Rolling out” the application after submission – you have finally submitted your application. Well, it is not over yet… Most grants have further steps that include: Professional examination, financial evaluation and more. Follow each authority’s individual requirements.

You were refused – this could happen; investigate the reason for the refusal and determine whether it is worthwhile to appeal, evaluate the fees, and consider re-submission.

Your application has been approved – congratulations! Examine how quarterly/semi-annual reports should be submitted. Work according to each authority’s specific guidelines. You do not want to have to deal with authorities afterwards for taking money you did not deserve. It is advised to investigate the possibility of using companies that assist and submit these reports in accordance with procedures.

Yours,

Spark Consulting