Developing a Timeline for your Library Grant
Each grant funder will have its own calendar; however, you will also likely get some flexibility with the timeline you want to use for your proposed project.
The two key things to consider for your timeline are:
What are the ebbs and flows of your library? When does your staff typically have more time to dedicate to a grant project?
What are the best times for your community?
To answer the two questions above, ask yourself questions such as:
Is summer busy with summer reading? Then you may not want to plan as many activities for the summer?
Is summer the best time to connect with area teenagers? If so, then you may want to plan main grant projects during that time.
Does your staff typically take vacation time around the end of the year? If so, you may want to avoid big projects being due in this timeframe.
Is your community looking for activities during the winter months? If so, you may want to schedule activities during this time.
When writing about your timeline in your grant proposal, use a GANTT chart. A sample one is below. In the first column, you will want to list the proposed activity (e.g. constituent survey or technology fair). Then, in the row for that activity, mark the months in which that activity will take place. This will help funders see your timeline.
One final thing to consider about your timeline is to make sure you fill the time the granting agency gives you. It is best not to pack everything into the first few months. Similarly, it is best to not leave all projects until the end.
Reach out to PKS Grant Management and Accounting Solutions, LLC for additional ideas on developing timelines for your grant application.
