Batch 7 Facilitated Training Session 1 Presentation

Hello everyone

Thank you to all who joined our Grant Writing 101 session with Dr. Zawadi Mageni Mboma (Business Development & Partnerships, Ifakara Health Institute). The Q&A was so rich that we wanted to bring the conversation here so we can keep learning from each other.

Here are the four questions that came up most, with a quick recap of the guidance:

1. Should I declare my use of AI in a proposal?
Yes. Funders don't want to risk backing an AI-generated application unless the call asks for one. Review everything carefully so that if you're shortlisted, you can defend every part of it. You are the implementer, not your AI tool.

2. Research vs. side hustle: is it worth it?
Research takes passion. Success rates are low, and you need persistence to get through the rejections before the win. But the wins are worth the wait.

3. Should I go for big or small grants?
Start small. Small grants teach you how institutional systems, ethics approvals and partner relationships work. When the big opportunity comes, you'll already have a track record.

4. How do I deal with rejection?
Try, and try again. We usually only see other people's awards, but most recipients have many declined proposals behind them. Keep refining your application.

Now over to you!
Pick one question and share in the comments: