Using Gantt Charts in Writing Competitive Grant Proposals

Certain project planning tools should be part of every competitive grant proposal writer’s repertoire. Among such tools are: Gantt charts, RASCI charts, PESTLE analysis, SWOT analysis, root cause analysis, Red Team reviews, meta-analysis, and logic models. This post discusses Gantt charts.

Definition of Gantt Charts

A Gantt chart is a linear and sequential timeline that allows planners to visualize all of the tasks and resources entailed in a project. It is a specialized form of bar graph. 

Such a chart:

• Sorts tasks into related groups and sequences
• Distills complex projects into their simpler components
• Makes start/end timeframes explicit
• Renders explicit many of the assumptions underlying a project
• Clarifies relationships among the elements of a project

Creating a Gantt chart requires the prior completion of at least a preliminary task analysis of the steps, sequences, and durations involved in a project. Task lists form its vertical Y-axis. Units of time form its horizontal X-axis. A Gantt chart presents the necessary, sequenced, and grouped tasks that are forecast to occur across one time scale (e.g., months) or another (e.g., weeks or days). Simpler Gantt charts use months as time units. They may span one year or several years. More complex Gantt charts use weeks or even days as time units. They tend to span less total time and to render far more detail than the simpler ones.

A Gantt Chart sequences tasks.

Alternatives to Bar Graph Timelines

Often described as a specialized type of bar chart, proposal planners do not need to create a Gantt chart using only bars. They can just as well populate a series of cells in a table with simple symbols such as X. For the purposes of preparing grant proposals, it often suffices to present months as critical units of time rather than to present a more granular and complex analysis that may be necessary to guide implementation after a proposal is funded.

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Task A1

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Task A2

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Task A3

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Task B1

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Task B2

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Task B3

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Task B4

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A Gantt chart can be presented in a simple table.

In writing a grant proposal, among the uses of a Gantt chart are:

1. Program Designs—Clarifying and refining timelines for the attainment of objectives
2. Management Plans—Presenting implementation timelines and milestones
3. Evaluation Plans—Presenting evaluation timelines and evaluation milestones

Advantages and Limitations

Among the advantages of using a Gantt chart in writing a grant proposal are that it:

1. Aids in allocating resources more effectively
2. Enables setting of more accurate deadlines for deliverables
3. Clarifies project progress/status for both implementers and managers
4. Supports progress monitoring and facilitates creation of interim and final reports
5. Makes explicit the time dependencies between and among tasks
6. Provides an overview of projects from start to finish

Finally, among the limitations of using a Gantt chart in writing a grant proposal are:

1. Creation of charts too large or detailed to fit in a standard page format
2. Creation of charts too large or detailed to comply with proposal requirements
3. Use of overly complicated timelines that impede viewers’ comprehension

Other posts discuss other project development tools such as RASCI charts, SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, root cause analysis, Red Team reviews, meta-analysis, and logic models.

Using RASCI Charts in Writing Competitive Grant Proposals

Some project planning tools should be part of every competitive grant writer’s repertoire. One such tool is the RASCI Chart. It is particularly useful for clarifying the roles and responsibilities of project team members and project stakeholders.

 

Elements of a RASCI Chart

 

A RASCI Chart is a form of responsibility matrix. It clarifies roles and responsibilities for tasks and deliverables within a project team. It specifies who will do what. A RASCI Chart sorts responsibilities of a project’s anticipated participants into those who are: Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Consulted, and Informed.

 

 

A RASCI Chart encompasses all of the primary types of stakeholders in a project. It helps in mapping project Implementation Plans, Personnel Plans, and Evaluation Plans. It also helps in doing a task analysis for a Gantt chart, and in developing project-specific position descriptions. The RASCI Chart itself seldom appears in proposals; instead, it guides their preparation, and later, after funding, it may guide a project’s start-up and early implementation.

 

R = Responsible. The R is the one person who will be ultimately responsible for success in completing a task and in delivering its work products. The R may be the person who actually will do the work (or produce the deliverable) or who will direct others to do the work. Example: Strategic Communication Specialist.

 

A = Accountable. The A is the one person who will have ultimate accountability and authority for the task. The A is also the person to whom R will report or will be otherwise accountable, and A is the person who will approve the adequacy of the work product (deliverable). Example: Project Director.

 

S = Supportive. The S is the person or team of persons who will be needed to do the actual work of completing specific tasks (or creating specific deliverables). The S often includes persons who can provide logistical, coordinative, or administrative services. Example: Professional Development Coordinator.

 

C = Consulted. The C is anyone whose input will add value and/or whose buy-in will be essential for the ultimate implementation of the tasks. The C commonly includes entities or persons in entities who can offer technical expertise to a task. Example: Community-Based Organizations.

 

I = Informed. The I is the person or groups of persons who will need to be notified of results or actions taken but who will not need to be involved in daily decision-making processes. The I will include persons or groups that will need to be “kept in the loop” and/or apprised of the status and progress of a project. Example: Board of Directors.

 

Creating a RASCI Chart

 

A RASCI Chart requires the prior completion of at least a preliminary task analysis for a project. After completing a task analysis, create a table. List the Tasks down the Y-axis. List the Positions or Persons along the X-axis. Enter the roles in the cells. Color-code each type of role (if desired). The relative numbers of stakeholders by code should be: I > C > S > R > A. Every task must have an A and an R. Not every task needs an S.

 

Sample RASCI Chart

 

 

Uses

 

Among the uses of a RASCI Chart in writing a grant proposal are:

1. Program Design—Describing action steps that R, A, S, C, and/or I will perform
2. Personnel Plan—Identifying types of personnel required to implement a project
3. Evaluation Plan—Identifying types of personnel needed for interim and final evaluation of a project
4. Budget—Allocating funds for key personnel identified through creating a RASCI Chart

 

Limitations

 

Among the limitations of using a RASCI Chart in writing a grant proposal are:

1. Possible proliferation of A when only one person should be A
2. Interpretations that R are not A to any degree at all
3. Possible proliferation of C where too many C may slow progress of a project

 

Other posts discuss other project development tools such as Gantt charts, SWOT Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, Red Team Reviews, Meta-analysis, and Logic Models.

 

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in Morocco in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in Morocco earned moderate salaries, even after accounting for purchasing power and international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in the national capital than in the rest of Morocco.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in Morocco. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the Moroccan cities for which it reported data, the city averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of $10,202 in Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet to a high of $14,783 in Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra.

 

 

Early career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $7,345 in Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet to a high of $10,643 in Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra. Late career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $12,638, also in Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet to a high of $18,312, also in Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra.

 

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 8.4% more in Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra than in second-place Fez, Fès-Meknès, and 44.9% more than in last-place Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet.

 

City and Region	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Agadir, Souss-Massa	$8,263	$11,478	$14,218
Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat	$8,784	$12,201	$15,114
Fez, Fès-Meknès	$9,819	$13,639	$16,895
Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Safi	$9,397	$13,052	$16,168
Meknès, Fès-Meknès	$7,972	$11,073	$13,717
Mohammedia, Casablanca-Settat	$7,687	$10,677	$13,226
Ouarzazate, Drâa-Tafilalet	$7,345	$10,202	$12,638
Rabat, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra	$10,643	$14,783	$18,312
Salé, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra	$9,259	$12,860	$15,930
Tangier, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima	$8,438	$11,720	$14,518
Morocco	$9,259	$12,860	$15,930

 

No average salary data for mid 2020 were available for the other five of Morocco’s 12 regions.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for Morocco was 47.5% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data presented here are in US dollars (US $). As of the week this post was written, the Moroccan dirham (MAD) had been trading at 1.00 MAD to US $0.10789 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by dividing the salaries in Morocco by 9.26786. Conversion resulted in national average salaries for Grant Writers in Morocco of $9,259 for early career, $12,860 for mid-career, and $15,930 for late career.

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in Turkey in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in Turkey earned moderate salaries, even after accounting for international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in Istanbul than in the rest of Turkey.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in Turkey. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the Turkish cities for which it reported data, the city averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of $9,407 in Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir to a high of $13,213 in Istanbul, Istanbul.

 

 

Early career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $6,815 in Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir to a high of $9,577 in Istanbul, Istanbul. And late career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $11,731 in Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir to a high of $16,477 in Istanbul, Istanbul.

 

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 19.6% more in Istanbul, Istanbul than in second-place Antalya, Antalya, and 40.4% more than in last-place Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir.

 

City and Province	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Adana-Inçirlik, Adana	$7,702	$10,626	$13,251
Ankara, Ankara	$7,878	$10,869	$13,554
Antalya, Antalya	$8,006	$11,046	$13,776
Bursa, Bursa	$7,518	$10,373	$12,936
Çakmakli, Istanbul	$7,197	$9,929	$12,385
Diyarbakir, Diyarbakir	$6,815	$9,407	$11,731
Elmadag, Ankara	$7,212	$9,950	$12,408
Istanbul, Istanbul	$9,577	$13,213	$16,477
Izmir-Çigli, Izmir	$8,006	$11,045	$13,774
Karatas, Adana	$7,120	$9,823	$12,250
Pirinclik, Diyarbakir	$7,120	$9,823	$12,250
Turkey	$7,835	$10,811	$13,482

 

No average salary data for mid 2020 were available for other Turkish provinces.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for Turkey was 42.0% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data presented here are in US dollars (US $). As of the week this post was written, the Turkish lira (TRY) had been trading at 1.00 TRY to US $0.13727 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by dividing the salaries in Turkey by 7.28483. Conversion resulted in national average salaries for Grant Writers in Turkey of $7,835 for early career, $10,811 for mid-career, and $13,482 for late career.

 

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in South Africa in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in South Africa earned moderate to substantial salaries, after accounting for purchasing power and international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in the national capital than in the rest of South Africa.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in South Africa. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the South African cities for which it reported data, the city averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of $12,385 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State to a high of $23,603 in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

 

 

Early career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $8,959 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State to a high of $17,072 in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Late career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $15,412 in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State to a high of $29,377 in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

 

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 0.04% more in Johannesburg, Gauteng than in second-place Pretoria, Gauteng, and 90.6% more than in last-place Bloemfontein, Orange Free State.

 

City and Province	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Bloemfontein, Orange Free State	$8,959	$12,385	$15,412
Cape Town, Western Cape	$13,859	$19,158	$23,845
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	$11,095	$15,337	$19,089
East London, Eastern Cape	$10,660	$14,737	$18,342
Emalalheni, Mpumalanga	$10,353	$14,323	$17,827
Johannesburg, Gauteng	$17,072	$23,603	$29,377
Kimberley, Northern Cape	$9,248	$12,783	$15,910
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape	$10,668	$14,743	$18,350
Pretoria, Gauteng	$17,067	$23,593	$29,365
South Africa	$12,803	$17,699	$22,028

 

No average salary data for mid 2020 were available for other South African provinces.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for South Africa was 59.6% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data presented here are in US dollars (US $). As of the week this post was written, the South African rand (ZAR) had been trading at 1.00 ZAR to US $0.05649 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by dividing the salaries in South Africa by 17.6998. Conversion resulted in national average salaries for Grant Writers in South Africa of $12,803 for early career, $17,699 for mid-career, and $22,028 for late career.

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in Romania in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in Romania earned moderate salaries, even after accounting for purchasing power and international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in Bucharest, the national capital, than in the rest of Romania.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in Romania. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the Romanian cities for which it reported data, the averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of $12,553 in Iasi, Iasito a high of $16,409 in Bucharest, Bucharest-Ilfov.

 

 

Early career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $9,042 in Iasi, Iasi to a high of $11,825 in Bucharest, Bucharest-Ilfov. And late career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $15,557, also in Iasi, Iasi to a high of $20,335, also in Bucharest, Bucharest-Ilfov.

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 7.6% more in Bucharest, Bucharest-Ilfov than in second-place Constanta, Sud-Est and 30.7% more than in last-place Iasi, Iasi.

 

 

City and Region	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Brasov, Brasov	$9,242	$12,831	$15,903
Bucharest, Bucharest-Ilfov	$11,825	$16,409	$20,335
Constanta, Constanta	$10,981	$15,246	$18,894
Iasi, Iasi	$9,042	$12,553	$15,557
Târgu Mures, Mures	$9,072	$12,595	$15,609
Romania	$10,582	$14,691	$18,206

 

No average salary data for mid 2020 were available for other regions of Romania.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for Romania was 47.3% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data presented here are in US dollars (US $). As of the week this post was written, the Romanian leu had been trading at 1.00 RON to US $0.24470 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by dividing the salaries in Romania by 4.08648. Conversion resulted in national average salaries for Grant Writers in Romania of $10,582 for early career, $14,691for mid-career, and $18,206 for late career.

 

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in Switzerland in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in Switzerland earned substantial salaries, even after accounting for international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in the Canton of Zürich than in the rest of Switzerland.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in Switzerland. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the Swiss cities for which it reported data, the averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of $76,073 in Chur, Graubünden to a high of $86,367 in Winterthur, Zürich.

 

 

 

Early career averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $54,409 in Chur, Graubünden to a high of $61,771 in Winterthur, Zürich.  Late career averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $93,610, also in Chur, Graubünden to a high of $106,262, also in Winterthur, Zürich.

 

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 1.9% more in Winterthur, Zürich than in second-place Basel, Basel, and 13.5% more than in last-place Chur, Graubünden.

 

City and Canton	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Basel, Basel-Stadt	$60,615	$84,759	$104,304
Bern, Bern	$57,190	$79,962	$98,399
Biel, Bern	$57,186	$79,956	$98,396
Chur, Graubünden	$54,409	$76,073	$93,610
Fribourg, Fribourg	$57,186	$79,956	$98,396
Geneva, Geneva	$60,470	$84,548	$104,048
Lausanne, Vaud	$60,470	$84,548	$104,048
Lucerne, Luzern	$57,641	$80,591	$99,175
Sankt Gallen, Sankt Gallen	$54,409	$76,073	$93,610
Winterthur, Zürich	$61,771	$86,367	$106,262
Switzerland	$58,470	$81,753	$100,604

 

No average salary data for mid 2020 were available for 17 of the 26 cantons of Switzerland.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for Switzerland was 144.3% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data presented here are in US dollars (US $). As of the week this post was written, the Swiss franc (CHF) had been trading at 0.90971 CHF to US $1.00 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by multiplying the salaries in Switzerland by 1.0993. Conversion resulted in national average salaries for Grant Writers in Switzerland of $58,470 for early career, $81,753 for mid-career, and $100,604 for late career.

 

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in Hungary in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in Hungary earned strong salaries, even after accounting for international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in the national capital than in the rest of Hungary.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in Hungary. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the Hungarian cities for which it reported data, the averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of $20,434 in Debrecen, Northern Great Plainto a high of $23,119 in Budapest, Central Hungary.

 

 

Early career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $14,867 in Debrecen, Northern Great Plain to a high of $16,604 in Budapest, Central Hungary. Late career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of $25,251, also in Debrecen, Northern Great Plain to a high of $28,203, also in Budapest, Central Hungary.

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 9.7% more in Budapest, Central Hungary than in second-place Miskolc, Northern Hungary, and 13.1% more than in last-place Debrecen, Northern Great Plain.

 

City and Region	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Budapest, Central Hungary	$16,604	$23,119	$28,203
Debrecen, Northern Great Plain	$14,867	$20,434	$25,251
Miskolc, Northern Hungary	$15,137	$21,077	$26,044
Hungary	$15,762	$21,947	$27,120

 

No average salary data were available for other cities and regions of Hungary as of mid 2020.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for Hungary was 55.2% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data are stated in US dollars (US $). As of the week this post was written, the Hungarian florint (HUF) had been trading at 1.00 HUF to US $0.00344 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by dividing salaries in Hungary by 290.377. Conversion resulted in national average salaries for Grant Writers in Hungary of $15,762 for early career, $21,947 for mid-career, and $27,120 for late career.

 

 

Grant Writing as a Career: Salaries in Austria in 2020

In mid 2020, local professional Grant Writers in Austria earned substantial salaries, even after accounting for international differences in cost of living. Average salaries for mid-career positions were higher in the national capital than in the rest of Austria.

 

Here we look at data about salaries of Grant Writers in Austria. Other posts in this series explore grant writing as a career in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Euro Zone, Latin America, the Middle East, Scandinavia, the Caribbean Sea islands, and elsewhere in the world.

 

Average Salaries

 

Based on data from Salaryexpert.com for the Austrian cities for which it reported data, the city averages for mid-career Grant Writers ranged from a low of €49.794 in Villach, Carinthia to a high of €56.833 in Vienna, Vienna.

 

 

 

 

Early career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of €35.692 in Villach, Carinthia to a high of €40.737 in Vienna, Vienna.

 

 

Late career city averages for Grant Writers ranged from a low of €61.411, also in Villach, Carinthia to a high of €70.092, also in Vienna, Vienna.

 

By way of comparison, average salaries for mid-career Grant Writers were 4.2% more in Vienna, Vienna than in second-place Dombim, Vorarberg, and 14.1% more than in last-place Villach, Carinthia.

 

City and State	Early Career	2020 Avg.	Late Career
Dombim, Vorarberg	€39.106	€54.557	€67.285
Graz, Styria	€38.157	€53.233	€65.653
Innsbruck, Tyrol	€37.740	€52.652	€64.935
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Carinthia	€37.134	€51.806	€63.892
Linz, Upper Austria	€38.954	€54.345	€67.024
Salzburg, Salzburg	€37.247	€51.594	€64.087
Steyr, Upper Austria	€38.007	€53.024	€65.394
Vienna, Vienna	€40.737	€56.833	€70.092
Villach, Carinthia	€35.692	€49.794	€61.411
Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria	€38.765	€54.081	€66.699
Austria	€37.930	€52.916	€65.262

 

No average salary data for mid 2020 were available for the state of Burgenland.

 

Cost of Living

 

As of mid 2020, the national cost of living index for Austria was 96.3% of that of the United States of America.

 

Conversion Rates

 

All data presented here are in Euros (€). As of the week this post was written, the Euro had been trading at €0.87 to US $1.00 on international exchange markets. Data were converted by multiplying the salaries in the Euro Zone by 1.15. Conversion resulted in the national average salaries for Grant Writers in Austria of $43,620 for early career, $60.853 for mid-career, and $75.051 for late career.

 

How to Win Grants: Four Disadvantages of Proposal Templates

Using a template grant proposal is seldom a wise choice. It rarely leads to a grant. And when it does lead to a grant, its recipient soon regrets its good fortune.

 

The Business Dictionary defines “template” as: a “design, mold, or pattern of an item (or a group of items) that serves as a basis or guide for designing or constructing similar items.” Similarly, in the context of grant seeking, one may define templates as: “ready-made frameworks for generating grant applications to be submitted to a specific grant maker and/or a specific grant opportunity.”

 

Some grant seekers use template proposals as a way to speed up the process and reduce the costs of preparing proposals from scratch. Some grant writing consultants use them as a way to enhance their bottom lines. Often they fail to get funded while tarnishing the applicant’s reputation among grant makers in the process.

 

 

When used in competing for grants, proposal templates present four distinct disadvantages—they are generic, inauthentic, opaque, and unresponsive.

 

Generic

 

Since their creators commonly furnish them for use by multiple applicants, proposal templates are generic by design. They are created to be shortcuts to funding. By their nature, they are one size fits all. The language used in template proposals rarely if ever reflects the particulars that set any one applicant apart from others.

 

Reviewers often resent encountering template proposals. They may tire of reading the many repetitions in phrasing and seeing the same errors or defects so frequent among them. And they may register their boredom and frustration by awarding lower scores or by recommending outright rejection, if not also by raising an alarm with the specific funder—or even with a host of potential funders.

 

Inauthentic

 

If funded, a template-using applicant can reasonably expect a funder to hold it to whatever it has stated in its proposal—just as it would any other applicant selected for funding. If such a funded applicant is unaware of the narrative and budgetary details of what it has proposed, it may come to regret its proposal having been funded; however, often template proposals don’t get that far.

 

In some grant competitions, reviewers may discover the repeated use of the same template among multiple applicants. They may object to all such proposals because they are all similarly inauthentic.

 

Since authenticity itself is seldom a selection criterion, reviewers may not be able to withhold points for its absence; instead, they may become disinclined to overlook or to minimize other flaws in template proposals. They may more actively look for reasons to deduct points. And they may red-flag template proposals for panel monitors or grant program administrators as threats to the success or integrity of the grant program.

 

Opaque

 

Template proposals are intentionally opaque. With a longstanding and widely encountered trend towards ever more transparency in grant making—in both public and private spheres—an applicant’s use of a template proposal may become far more a matter of public record than its leadership ever imagined when it chose to submit one. The short-term expediency of using templates hardly seems worth the long-term risks.

 

Unresponsive

 

Template proposals seldom reflect a specific grant program’s purposes, priorities, and selection criteria. Often, they furnish mere generalities, rather than specifics. Their ultimate focus is often more on whatever is expedient and beneficial for the vendor or the consultant that furnishes them to multiple applicants than on anything else.

 

Unresponsive proposals usually earn low review scores, rarely high enough to result in funding. On occasion, the first template proposal to be reviewed may win a grant, while those reviewed later in the same process only incur each reviewer’s wrath—and low scores. All such template proposals become part of an applicant’s record with the grant maker that received and reviewed them.