Tips To Build A Cohort Related To Grant Services

Tips & Suggestions For Building A Cohort

‍1. IDENTIFY THE TARGET AUDIENCE

Determine the group of people you want to attract to your cohort. This could be researchers, grant writers, or other professionals in the grant services field. 

Use email, social media, and other software/apps to include and communicate. 
Invite people – encourage participation.

‍2. DEFINE THE PURPOSE

Clearly define the purpose of the cohort, whether it is to share knowledge, provide support, or collaborate on grant proposals.

Convey the level of time or commitment needed to contribute, participate, or encourage a “ride-along” option...no judgment, no commitment, just be present!

‍3. DEVELOP A PLAN

Create a plan for how the cohort will operate, including how often it will meet, what topics will be discussed, and how members will communicate with each other.

Build an informal framework to help people understand how they fit into the environment.
Think about Google Meets v Teams, document sharing, technology skill levels and generation gaps, FT works vs. volunteers.

‍4. RECRUIT MEMBERS

Reach out to potential members through professional networks, social media, or other channels. Consider partnering with organizations or institutions that have similar goals.

Once the baseline information is established (times, rotation of meetings, core group of people) encourage an open invitation, and freedom to come/go and include others. 
Ask to speak at civic groups, other networking, or professional organizations or where like-minded people gather digitally or physically.

‍5. FOSTER ENGAGEMENT

Encourage members to participate actively in the cohort by sharing their experiences, asking questions, and providing feedback.

Keep meetings brief, structured and timely.   
Start on time! End on time! 
Find the methods for open communication and shared resources. 
IDEA: Review each other’s work pre-grant submittal. 
IDEA: Build partnership agreements between agencies and organizations for shared services.

‍6. PROVIDE RESOURCES

Offer resources such as training materials, grant writing guides, or other tools that can help members improve their skills. 

These can be shared documents, links to funders, application templates, data collection, data points, and other relatable materials.

‍7. EVALUATE PROGRESS

Regularly evaluate the progress of the cohort and adjust as needed to ensure that it meets its goals. 

Go with the flow and with what is “working” and find freedom in evolution.

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Benefits Of Building A Cohort

INCREASED COLLABORATION

Cohorts provide a platform for members to collaborate and share knowledge, which can lead to more effective grant proposals and better outcomes.

REDUCE GATEKEEPING

Be free with information and access when possible. 

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Cohorts can help members build professional networks and connect with others in the grant services field, which can lead to new opportunities and partnerships.

CAPACITY BUILDING

Cohorts can offer training and resources to help members improve their grant writing skills and build their capacity to secure funding. 

SUSTAINED PREVENTION EFFORTS

According to a SAMHSA report (1), participation in a cohort can lead to sustained prevention efforts beyond the duration of the project.

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Cohorts can provide personalized support to members, including coaching and feedback on grant proposals.

COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY

Cohorts can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, especially in a field as specialized as grant services. Members can get to know each other and build relationships over time, which can lead to a more supportive and collaborative environment.

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