Instructor Tip: Technology for Grant Writers

As a grant writer, you need to be on top of all the latest advances in technology and software. Two of my favorite current software programs are Evernote and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Consider using Evernote for your next grant project. This free multi-platform program can help organize your grant writing projects and key files in a more intuitive style than straight file management.

You can load the Evernote program on to all of your devices so you can sync the info between your desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet. For example, if you find research on your grant topic or information on a collaborating organization on the web or through an email attachment, you can easily clip it to an Evernote folder and have it available to read or share with any of your internet devices.

Evernote includes a useful text program if you want to write or edit your proposal text. This is most useful if you are using your tablet or smartphone and do not have immediate access to your preferred word processing program.

I am gravitating more and more of my work on to Evernote. You might want to give it a try.

If you have already tried Evernote but did not find it useful, you need to revisit. The program has recently been updated with a more user-friendly layout and file attachment system.

Another program I highly recommend for grant writers is Adobe Acrobat Pro software. This software allows you to easily combine different files into a single pdf document and also allows you to capture the text from scanned documents and convert the text into digital text. Adobe Acrobat Pro software is expensive but worth the investment. If you are connected to a nonprofit organization, you can purchase discounted versions at a fraction of the retail price on the techsoup.org website.

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Jack Smith
The Smith Group
jsmithgroup@gmail.com
404-888-9994

The Smith Group is a consulting practice specializing in training and consulting services to public agencies primarily in the areas of program development, grant management and organizational development.

Clients include large and small nonprofits, professional firms and government agencies.

The Smith Group is based in Houston, TX and has been in business for over 24 years. Jack Smith is the principal consultant.

Jack Smith, The Smith Group
Training Services for Public Organizations