You have a great idea but you are not sure whether you are able to put it into practise. Particular amount of money is needed to fund certain projects. To get credit is not an option for you, because you already have two: one for a house, and one for a car... Don’t give up your brilliant idea, don’t sell it, get a grant!
You can receive your grant as a student or as a businessman, as a researcher or as a non-profit organization. It is really important to know how to write your project, so it will be chosen among the others and will be financed. Even if grant writing varies across different areas, we’ll try to highlight the most useful tips.
Apply to the funding agency. An application is usually available on-line. You have to be very careful when submitting the application, because this is a small business plan that you put forward to a grantor and it will be carefully evaluated. What is essential here, you have to draw attention to your ideas and to convince the grantor that he should finance your project, but not someone else’s.
Stay focused and undertake preliminary research. It means, you have to know your research questions, your hypothesis and methods that will be used during your research. Focus on the name of your proposal, as it catches the attention of the grantor. Don’t forget about the guidelines that you have found for the specific grant and make use of it. It was created for you and it increases your chances to receive the grant, because following the guideline is among the selection criteria.
Present your project. Just a good idea is not enough to make your application successful, a great deal of effort, a clear strategy and an appropriate set of skills are necessary for the project to be selected.
Apply before the deadline. In some cases, your project will be rejected, however you will have an opportunity to revise your proposal and to reapply once again. We guess, this fact is enough to motivate you to apply earlier :)
Revise your project. Revise your grant proposal many many times before submitting it. It is also of crucial importance to give your proposal to different readers: your colleagues, peers, tutors or even non-specialist colleagues. Ask for assistance when it is needed. Don’t be shy to ask questions. If it is possible, ask someone who has experience in writing grant proposals to review your project. Make sure that your project is written in clear and consistent manner.
Be positive. Even if you don’t receive the grant once, don’t be disappointed and keep trying! For this reason, don’t limit your proposal just to the one funding agency or granting program. Choose 2 or 3 of the most appropriate ones as to your field of interest and occupation. Apply again, and we are sure that you will definitely achieve your goal, as we firmly believe that you really deserve it!
