There are two types of people in this world: Those who are content to live their lives in safety and security without taking risk and those who want to contribute to make the world a better place for future generations.
Grant seekers are among those who want to make this world a better place for future generations.
They look to improve the standard of living for individuals, groups, neighbors and communities.
They may be looking to improve the world through one project at a time, but that effect of that project will have an impact indirectly on society.
A few years ago, my colleague discovered his mother was stricken with Alzheimer's.
Back then, Alzheimer's was not as well known as it is today, and the hospital where his mother spent her final months was not as meaningful as they had hoped it to be.
After her passing, he applied for a Federal Housing and Urban Development Grant for a free-standing Alzheimer's Facility with specially trained staff.
They received nearly $5 million in funding for the project.
While the goal was the establishment of a 20-bed Alzheimer's Facility, the mission was to elevate the standard of living not only for the patients, but also for the caretakers of the afflicted.
They received the grant because the funders believed in their mission.
As grant seekers, we have the responsibility of asking ourselves these questions before proceeding with the grant process: • Will our project add value to society? • Is there an identifiable and urgent need that will be satisfied with this project? • Are there others who believe in the value and the need for this project? • Are there others who will support this project with action and commitment? • Can we produce the documentation and evidence to support urgency and need for the project? If you have answered each of these questions with a definitive "Yes," then you have cleared an important hurdle in your grant-seeking journey.
This is what grant seekers do.
Through the development of communities, or products that add value to our lives, or by seeking educational assistance so that individual talent will be afforded the opportunity to blossom, grant seekers address those needs that require urgent attention, in order to enrich our lives and the lives of those who follow.