It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients make a real difference
What are the Tender Plus team members really like? We asked them to fill you in.
Meet Kate Wilson, National Grant and Funding Specialist (Sydney)
What's the most rewarding part of consulting as a specialist on grants and tenders?
It’s incredibly rewarding to help our purpose-driven clients make a real difference in their communities. I’m eager to share my expertise with people who are short on time and resources. Consulting enables us to help more organisations achieve their goals.
How do you adapt to the different subject matter that you deal with on a day-to-day basis?
I’m used to working with a range of stakeholders in different industries. They often face the same challenges. Active listening is the best way for me to understand how we can help. Then I try to put myself in their shoes. I also have an elephant’s memory and easily recall past conversations, which helps!
What's the best tip a mentor or colleague in the field has given you about grants and why?
I’ve spoken to many grant assessors and decision-makers over the years, and have been an assessor myself. The best advice I’ve consistently heard is to address risk in grant applications. This may be in response to a direct question, or more likely, to address perceived risk. Try to put yourself in the reader’s shoes. What due diligence will they conduct? What might they uncover? Justify your position upfront – because you’re not likely to be given a second chance.
Coffee or tea? (Discuss)
Both. I go for English Breakfast in the morning, and a skim latte when I’m out. And maybe an espresso martini on the weekend.
What's the most important quality that you think you bring to the projects that you work on? Why?
I’ve been on both sides of the funding fence, and I bring these insights to every grant engagement. I know the challenges many organisations face in coordinating their stakeholders to define proposals effectively without funding, and how to mitigate these. And I know what funders are looking for in grant applications, which helps.
What's it like being part of the Tender Plus team?
Collaborative. Also, I have never worked with so many people who are even more passionate about grammar, punctuation, formatting, and styles than I am! Everyone is extremely hard-working and committed, friendly, and eager to support each other.
If you could immediately change one thing about grants or tendering that would make the discipline better for everyone, what would it be?
There are so many things I would change about grants if I could. One is that I would make success rates more transparent. If funders can be more upfront and publish how many applications they typically receive, applicants can make more strategic decisions about where to spend their time.
What are the top three tips you would give to a client about writing a grant application?
I’ve worked with purpose-driven organisations on both grants and tenders. My top three tips are: 1. Read the guidelines fully to ensure your organisation is compliant; 2. Start on your budget early because it will inform your proposed activities; and 3. There are no silly questions, so ask when you aren’t sure about something.
What's the funniest word, phrase, or acronym you have seen in a tender?
“How will the project be sustainable beyond the funding period?”
"We came a close second." Thoughts?
This can be devastating to hear. It’s important to remember that you can put in an outstanding application that meets every criterion explicitly, but ultimately, funders make awards for reasons you can’t influence. Luckily, you can often find a silver lining in a declined application and potentially tailor your approach for another opportunity.
What's the word you never want to see used in a grant application again?
Alignment.
What is your favourite sector to support in? Why?
Engagements that will improve outcomes for people at risk of disadvantage are particularly rewarding. I’ve worked with clients who deliver gender equality programs, build social enterprises for people with disability, provide legal advice to migrants, and give people experiencing homelessness a roof over their heads. It's a privilege to help them achieve their goals.
Cat person, dog person or other? If other what?
I always thought I was a cat person, but since we adopted an ‘oodle’ two years ago, I’ve swung to the other side. He is smaller than most cats, though!
How do you describe what you do for a career? (Serious or funny)
I help charities and social enterprises get more funding for their impact.
Why do you think that you thrive under pressure? What make you so resilient?
Going back to WHY the project is needed is a serious motivator. When I feel under pressure, I focus on who I am helping both directly and indirectly.
"It's all about the value for money." Thoughts?
100% agree. Grantmakers need to know their funds won’t be wasted. Many applicants don’t demonstrate evidence of need, how the money will be used, and quantifiable outcomes. If you can’t do this, you can’t compete.
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