We’re always talking about automating the grant application process, a solution that offers more efficiency and fewer headaches when it comes time to collecting the data for final decision making. To help make the application and reporting experience more positive take into consideration the following practices along with your online grant management software.
- Carefully design your grant applications. Make sure that the information is critical to your decision making and that you are asking for it at the appropriate time.
- Good application flow that includes a logical layout of questions along with clear instructions.
- Provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions to common issues such as technical issues, what Web browsers are supported by the system or whether cookies need to be enabled in the browser.
- Provide technical support and don’t let your applicants suffer. Make sure the contact information is easily available.
- Use language that can speak to different types of individuals and is easy to understand.
- Use a word or character limit to help keep things simple and answers short and sweet.
- Test your application before publishing for potential applicants to use.
- Survey your applicants about their online experience, what worked, what did not work and how the process can be improved.
