Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from Purpose: Challenges and Opportunities in Grant Application and Reporting was issued by Project Streamline in Spring 2009. Eight organizations representing grantmakers and grantseekers managed by the Grants Managers Network launched this initiative. The project’s report outlined 10 flaws in the grant application and reporting process and proposed four guiding principles for grantmakers wanting more efficient operations. Since the report was released, workshops have been offered around the country to alert and engage concerned parties on the issues raised.
Sub-commitees composed of grantmakers and grantseekers were also formed to provide practical guidance on how to implement the principles. The first two reports are now available — Online Applications and Reporting and Grant Budgets and Financial Reports — with others scheduled for publication this spring.
The online application report lists essential features that web-based applications should include, such as the ability for a grantseeker to save work and return to it later. The report on budgets and finances has a section on how the new Form 990 can help the streamlining process. Though aimed primarily at grantmakers, each report also contains useful tips for grantseekers. You can download these and future reports here.
During this economic downturn, when both grantmakers and grantseekers are being asked to do more with less, participating in this initiative is one way we can all spend more time on our missions and less time on paperwork!
After reviewing the reports, be sure to send suggestions and comments to [email protected].
(Thanks to Pat Pasqual, director, Foundation Center-Washington, DC for this post.)