Applying for Funding: Five Basic Steps 31 August 2010

2 Five Basic Steps in Applying for Funding Look in Look out Understand your possible funding source(s) Write application Submit application

3 Step 1: Look In Ask yourself and articulate clearly: –What is your vision/mission? What are your goals? What are your objectives? What do you propose to do to achieve your objectives? Bottom line: No vision = no funding…

4 Step 2: Look Out Companies and other for-profits Foundations and other not-for-profits Governments Individuals Networks (personal and professional) Services (and their websites) for finding funding sources Bottom line: Possible funding sources = many and diverse

5 Step 3: Understand Your Possible Funding Source(s) Their mission/vision? Their priorities in general and specifically for this solicitation? How are their priorities reflected in the solicitation’s review criteria? Who is eligible to apply for funding/what are the eligibility criteria? Bottom line: No fit = no funding

6 Step 3: Understand Your Possible Funding Source(s) Their process for determining funding priorities? Their process for this solicitation: –Deadlines? –Review? –Application format, font, length? –Special requirements? Bottom line: Follow directions and observe deadlines!

7 Step 4: Write Application THINK: How does what I would like to do fit within the funder’s mission/vision and priorities? Pay explicit attention to the funder’s priorities, and put what you would like to do in the context of their priorities Tell your story clearly Ask knowledgeable colleagues and mentors to critique the application, and pay attention to their comments. Bottom line: the better your objectives fit within the funder’s priorities the better your chance of success [assuming that your proposal is clear and technically meritorious]…

8 Step 5: Submit Application Follow application submission instructions Meet deadlines Wait…