Virtual Assistant Project: Grant Research

I successfully identified over 40 potential grant opportunities and organized them efficiently using Google Docs and Google Sheets.

Here are the methods that I utilized when completing this project:

Research Phase: I began my quest by conducting extensive online research. I scoured websites of government agencies, private foundations, and industry-specific organizations. Additionally, I explored social media platforms, business forums, and industry publications to uncover hidden grant opportunities.

Bookmarking and Documentation: As I discovered grant opportunities, I bookmarked the relevant webpages in my browser. Simultaneously, I created a folder in Google Docs to centralize all grant-related documents.

Google Sheets for Organization: To maintain an organized list of grants, I used Google Sheets. I created a spreadsheet with columns for grant name, source, application deadline, eligibility criteria, and a link to the grant details. This spreadsheet served as my centralized database for all grant information.

Data Entry: As I found grants, I diligently entered their details into the Google Sheets document. This included noting down application deadlines, specific requirements, and contact information for each grant source.

Categorization: To enhance accessibility, I categorized the grants based on various criteria, such as grant type (government, private, industry-specific), application deadline, and eligibility criteria. This categorization helped me easily filter and prioritize grants based on relevance.

Review and Refinement: Periodically, I reviewed the list to check for any new grant opportunities or updates to existing ones. This ensured my information was always up-to-date.

By employing this methodical approach and leveraging the capabilities of Google Docs and Google Sheets, I not only found over 40 potential grants but also maintained a well-organized and easily accessible database that streamlined the grant application process for the small business owners that collaborated with my client.