Scenario: Consider yourself on the ground floor of a building at 8:50 am and you are to submit a file before the deadline of 9:00 am on the thirtieth floor of the same building. Traditionally, your only option is to use the stairways which is stressful and time-consuming. However, with technology, you can use an elevator which is fast and convenient.
The traditional grant application process is difficult and takes a lot of time for African SMEs. They have to deal with a lot of paperwork, complicated forms, and strict deadlines. This makes it almost impossible for small businesses and nonprofits to succeed. However, technology has changed the way grant applications work. It has made the process easier and faster, opening up new opportunities for SMEs. With the help of technology, SMEs can now navigate through funding options more easily. In this blog post, we will explore how technology has transformed grant applications and created exciting possibilities for SMEs to succeed.
What technology does in grant applications is the same as what turbochargers do in a sportscar; it boosts the speed of the process by acting as a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly on a digital highway, smoothing out the bumps and providing a seamless journey from the start to finish. Technology helps applicants maximize output with minimal effort. Using an online application portal will make the process move at the speed of light while using a paper-based application moves at snail speed.
Recall the scene in the introduction of this blog post. Technology replaces the time-consuming manual handling of paperwork and data entry and unlocks more time for core business activities. The administrative burden, need for manual labor, paper-based processes, and other costly activities associated with manual grant applications are also eliminated by technology. The saved cost can be used by organizations to invest more resources into their mission and programs.
Just as a businessman makes a brilliant investment decision with the help of accurate information, technology-driven grant applications achieve precision flawlessly by ensuring accuracy and minimizing errors and inconsistencies. It helps with automated data validation checks and provides standardized templates, and data integration capabilities that lead to higher-quality grant applications and a better chance of securing funding.
Imagine having to visit every grantmakers’ physical location to inquire about grant funding opportunities. The stress and cost implications will be unimaginable, especially for those located in remote areas or with limited mobility. Technology increases access to grant funding opportunities by providing online grant databases and application platforms that provide comprehensive listings of available grants, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines that make it easier for grant seekers to find and apply for relevant funding opportunities. It also allows applicants to submit grants remotely without any geographical barriers.
Imagine you were asked to choose between safekeeping your valuables in a state-of-the-art high-tech vault or a traditional wooden box. Your choice will most likely be that made with technology. The manual application process has a high tendency for documents to be misplaced, damaged, or stolen, thus compromising confidentiality. Technology offers encryption algorithms and robust security measures that provide digital vault-like protection for applicant information, ensuring data integrity and reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
The use of technology in the grant application process brings many advantages. SMEs can increase their chances of winning grants by embracing technology and tapping into the numerous benefits. The embrace of technology makes it easier for SMEs to seize opportunities and achieve success through innovative approaches that turn the tedious grant application process into a promising opportunity for SMEs. It provides a transformative experience for SMEs, liberating them from manual labor. For SMEs looking to switch over to the side of technology, Grant Master can act as your bridge to technology.
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