Have you ever had to keep track of all the grants you’ve applied for? You likely write down details like the grant name, submission deadline, amount requested, and current status. This list can sometimes get confusing, especially if you write it down on random sticky notes or scraps of paper.
A better option is to use grant tracker spreadsheet templates to organize all your essential grant information. These templates help you monitor deadlines and update statuses so you don’t miss anything or apply for the same grant twice.
Today’s guide will explain the basics of grant tracker spreadsheet templates and how they can make your life easier when applying for grants. We’ll go over answers to questions like:
- What is a grant tracker spreadsheet template?
- Why is it helpful for keeping track of grants you apply for?
- Where can you find ready-made templates rather than starting from scratch?
- What are some key features of a good template?
- How do you use and update a grant tracking spreadsheet?
Let’s start by understanding what a grant tracker template is.
Grant tracker spreadsheet templates: What Are They?
Whether you’re a student, nonprofit employee, or freelance grant writer, having a solid grant tracker spreadsheet template can save time and reduce stress.
For starters, grant tracker spreadsheet templates are pre-made Google Sheet files that allow you to track grants in an organized way. It has columns and fields for you to neatly log all the essential details on each grant you apply for or plan to apply for.
Here are the standard columns that every practical grant tracking spreadsheet should have:
- Grant name – The name or title of the grant.
- Grantor – The organization/agency offering the grant.
- Deadline – The date the grant application is due. Critical for tracking timely submissions.
- Amount requested – The grant amount you intend to request.
- Application status – Columns to mark whether it’s “Planned,” “In progress,” “Submitted,” “Awarded,” or “Denied.”
- Date submitted – When you actually submitted by the deadline.
- Date awarded – When you heard back about approval.
- Grant purpose – Notes on the proposed project, equipment, or activities covered.
Having all this grant data neatly arranged in a single spreadsheet allows you to monitor and manage grants in one central place. With this, you can see upcoming deadlines, check on pending decisions, update awarded amounts, and more. Plus, Google Sheets allows you to easily filter, sort, search, and highlight to find what you need.
Simply put, a well-structured grant tracking template saves time over scribbled lists and ensures you never miss a grant opportunity.
Why Is It Helpful For Keeping Track Of Grants You Apply For?
When you apply for many grants, it can be extremely challenging to keep track of critical grant details in a scattershot, disorganized manner. This is where utilizing grant tracker spreadsheet templates can provide immense value and simplify your grant tracking process.
The key benefit of grant tracker spreadsheet templates is convenience. Templates allow you to monitor each grant application status, deadline, and other vital information in one centralized spreadsheet. This is much more effective than using separate documents, calendars, notebooks, or scraps of paper to manage grants. Having one unified spreadsheet to oversee every grant application eliminates confusion.
Additionally, a proper grant tracking template with columns for deadlines enables you to spot upcoming due dates at a glance. You can use deadline reminders and make sure applications are submitted promptly with time to spare. No more last-minute, harried rush jobs because you lost track of a deadline date buried somewhere else.
A good grant tracker spreadsheet template typically features an application status column. This means you can conveniently mark grants as “In Progress,” “Submitted,” “Approved,” or “Denied” without digging through files. At any time, you know precisely where every grant stands. No more submitting grants twice or missing out on an approved grant.
Tips on How to Track Your Grant Applications
Keeping organized records is key when you apply for grants. Whether you use paper files or Google spreadsheets, having one central place to track each application makes life easier.
Here are 5 simple tips to stay on top of your grant tracking:
- Record grant details in a spreadsheet: For every application, log info like the grant name, deadline, amount requested, submission date, and current status. Columns help keep everything organized.
- Set reminders on your calendar for deadlines and follow-ups: Mark 1 week before due dates as a friendly alert to prepare materials so you can avoid last-minute rushing.
- Save extra copies of what you submit electronically or by mail: Having past applications on hand makes it easy to review or resend if needed.
- Follow up if you haven’t heard back: Reach out to the grant contact with a quick email or call to politely check on the status.
- If a grant gets rejected, ask for feedback: Understanding why helps strengthen future applications and avoid repeating mistakes.
Staying on top of grant tracking early on saves headaches later. Following a simple tracking routine makes it smooth sailing to submit successful applications. Test out these 5 starter tips to keep your grant game strong.
The Best Free Grant Tracker Template You Should Use
Keeping up with grant applications can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here at Software Accountant, we know smart tracking makes all the difference in scoring funds. That’s why we created a customizable Grant Tracking Template just for you.
Available exclusively on Software Accountant, our innovative Grant Tracker Template helps you organize, monitor, and streamline a winning grants strategy. The intuitive design aligns with our objectives of providing access to resources that are easily accessible and ready to use.
Consider this your inside edge to surface every grant opportunity and finally get the funding your mission deserves.
Continue reading as we comprehensively analyze each element of our grant-tracking template.
The Application Tab Details
When you open our template, you’ll find the application tab with spaces to fill in details about your grant application. This includes who you’re asking for funding, important deadlines, and other critical information.
Let’s break down this tab so you get the bigger picture.
Columns A, B, and C — Main Application Details
Here, you’ll enter the basic info about your request for funds. In the “Applying For” space, write what your funding request is for. Next to it, in the “Applying To” column, list the organization you’re sending your application to.
In the “Application Status” section, choose how far along your application is from a list we’ve already set up. You can select from options like in progress, rejected, pending, or funded.
Column D (Project Theme)
This column summarizes your grant request. Use short phrases like ‘education project’ or ‘environmental initiative’ to give a quick idea of your project’s focus.
Column E (Application Document Type)
Here, you’ll choose what kind of document you’ve sent in your application, like a response to a Request for Proposals (RFP), a concept paper, a letter, or a report.
Columns F, G, and H — Important Dates
These columns are where you’ll keep track of critical dates related to your grant, such as deadlines and follow-up actions. The “Deadline” and “Date Sent” columns only accept date entries, ensuring accurate tracking of these critical timelines.
Column I (Funding Amounts)
This is where you’ll record the financial specifics of your grant request. Note the amount of funding you’re hoping to receive alongside any funds you’ve already been granted.
Column J (Remarks)
Use this space to jot down critical comments or feedback about your application. This could include reasons provided by an organization for not accepting your application or other relevant notes.
Foundations Tab Details
This particular tab is structured to store comprehensive information about various foundations and organizations you are working with. It consists of seven distinct columns, each capturing vital details such as the basics about the institutions, their contact information, and the current status of your applications.
Columns A, B, and C — Details of Grant Funders
Column A: Name
Simply list the full name of each foundation you applied to or plan to apply to.
Column B: Applying For
This auto-fills based on the Name you input in Column A, listing the foundation itself.
Column C: Description
Share background on the foundation’s mission or causes supported to spur memory on relevant openings.
Columns D-F: Contact Channels
Column D: Contact Person
Jot down the name of your point person at the foundation for easy reference.
Column E: Contact Details
Input the email address and/or phone number to reach your foundation contact.
Column F: Website
Copy and paste the URL of the foundation’s website for quick access.
Column G: Application Status
This column automatically displays the current standing of your application, pulling data from the Applications Tab.
Why Our Grant Tracking Template is A Gamechanger
Managing numerous grant applications on your own can be an overwhelming task. Thankfully, our specially designed grant tracking template levels up your success via cloud-based convenience and built-in excellence. Discover why it’s the ultimate grant-tracking tool:
Easy Collaboration
Built on Google Sheets, our template enables seamless sharing with team members for collaborative tracking. Using this template, you can streamline team efforts for maximum success.
Handy Automation
Custom formulas, dropdown lists, and data validation rules automate mundane tasks so you can focus on winning proposals. Intuitive features simplify the process.
Budget-Friendly Solution
As a free downloadable template, our grant tracker fits the budgets of individuals and organizations alike. It’s a completely accessible way to elevate your grant game.
Don’t just survive grant season; thrive with our thoughtfully crafted Google Sheets template. Inefficient tracking stands no chance against automated tools, sharable access, and purpose-built design. Claim organization and ease grant writing today.
Key Elements of a Winning Grant Tracking Template
Gone are the days of messy, sticky notes and frantic deadline scrambles. A trusty grant management template can be your knight in shining armor, keeping everything organized and clear, even for grant rookies. But what makes a good template? Here’s the lowdown on the essential elements:
1. Who’s giving the money?
- Funding organization: Know exactly who you’re applying to – name, logo, website, any helpful contact information.
2. Money matters
- Grant details: How much is up for grabs? How much are you asking for? Have it all at a glance.
3. Deadlines and milestones:
- Important dates: Circle those key deadlines. Application due, award announcements, reporting times – stay ahead of the curve.
4. Where are you in the race?
- Application status: Draft? Submitted? Approved? Rejected? Keep track of your progress and next steps.
5. What are you asking for?
- Project type: Is it research, education, or community development? Clarifying your focus helps you stay on track.
6. Don’t forget the details
- Notes section: Jot down any specifics about the grant, eligibility requirements, or helpful resources.
Bonus Tip: Remember, this is your template. Customize it to fit your needs, add sections for budgets, team members, or anything that helps you stay organized and confident.
With these essentials in your arsenal, grant applications will feel like a breeze. Now go forth and secure that funding.
Final Thoughts
Applying for grants can get confusing with so many details to track. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Using grant tracker spreadsheet templates makes the whole process much smoother.
Our grant tracking templates keep all your essential grant information neatly organized in one spreadsheet. So, you’ll always know application deadlines, funding details, status updates, and next steps without digging through piles of paperwork.
Let’s quickly add that grant tracking templates are great for beginners because the structured format guides you. Labels and reminders make sure you don’t miss anything along the way.
Whether you need funding for a personal project or a giant organization, templates reduce stress. They free up time writing proposals versus chasing down grant details.
Overall, templates give you confidence that your grant tracking system is locked down. With all the critical pieces captured in an easy-to-manage spreadsheet, you can focus on persuasively showcasing your fantastic project ideas. This puts the funding success you worked hard for within reach.