Busy, Busy, Busy...

That's the way it is around here right now. I am in the middle of the major fundraising portion of the year for my job. Grant writing....

Why is it, every major grant has to come out between March and April, with due dates the end of April and fiscal year start dates of July 1. Our budget is $1.3 million and right now, I have about 1/2 of that sitting on my desk. The other 1/2 will be out in June and July for October start dates. Those aren't so bad, there are only 3 or 4 but 6??? Now???

The grants due this time of year are the majority of our 3 year grants. For the last couple of years I've been lucky, had renewals that had to go in. Adjust the Objectives, Outcomes, new budgets, etc. Not that big of a deal. Well, now we have to rewrite the whole thing and they are open to other agencies, which means much more competitive. Especially in the current economic climate.

Anyone else tired of that term "current economic climate"? Makes it sound like it is going to get better right? Don't bet on it. Even with this stimulus money coming down, I don't think things are going to get better for at least another 5 years. Maybe slight improvements, but that's it.

We didn't have pay raises last year, I don't see them coming this year. Not with the budgets I have been seeing. Even if we qualify for some stimulus money, it will just fill in the gaps that we currently have, maybe be able to fill one of the empty positions that we have. We aren't filling positions after people leave either, no money.

Not a good thing when you work for a domestic violence & sexual assault center. You need to have staff to work in the shelter, you need staff to take those hotline calls that come in 24/7. You need staff to go to court with rape victims who are finally getting a chance to testify at the trial for a rape that occurred 2 years ago. We need staff to be able to pick up battered women and bring them into the shelter so they will be safe and not end up dead or beaten in a truck stop somewhere.

Okay, that is my rant for the day. Anyone know any more funny jokes??