CREATIVE
Read guidelines carefully.
Instructions clearly stated in the guidelines will help while you fill out the grant application.
Attend grant orientations or information sessions if they are available.
These experiences will help you avoid common mistakes that could affect funding and allow you to hear others’ questions.
If available, contact grant staff if you need any advice or have questions.
Once you familiarize yourself with the guidelines, seek advice early to get the best technical assistance from grant staff—only present questions once you have thoroughly read the guidelines.
Write clear and straightforward answers.
Grant answers should be specific and ensure that you fully explain the importance of the activity. Exaggerations or generalizations will not be appealing or give you more credibility.
If supplemental material is requested, make sure all materials support your application and submit all required materials.
Choose material that best supports your request and gives the highest quality representation of your organization. Easily interpreted recent work is more competitive.
Make sure you properly arrange your submission.
Make sure that all materials are labeled and submitted correctly. Depending on the digital media type and requested size, format appropriately.
Never assume panelists or board members are familiar with your work or organization.
Provide all information that is requested.
Do not submit an inflated or inaccurate budget.
It is crucial to be realistic in your budgeting, as panelists will know an excessive budget. Make sure you check all mathematical calculations and totals.
Do not be messy with your submission or include bad links, typographical errors, etc.
Make sure that all information is easy to read and clearly presented. Proofread all work – rushing is obvious and not impressive.
Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application.
Submitting material early to the due date will reduce your stress, and technology can be strained during deadlines.