Getting a Successful Government Grant Application
Getting a Successful Government Grant Application
Applying for a government grant is pretty much like applying for a grant from a regular private foundation. Aside from the regular considerations, however, there are subtle differences between the two sources that anyone seeking a government grant needs to keep in mind to make his or her application successful. Given below are some general tips and guidelines that should help you increase the odds of getting your grant approved.
Do your Preliminary Reseach on your Proposal - every governemnt grant requires a good reason for it to be approved. While this is true of just about any project proposal for any organization, keep in mind that the government is the one footing your bill for this grant. To that end, when doing your research for your proposal, make sure that a majority of the sources you look into are government sponsored. Furthermore, when actually forming the proposal, make sure that the main thrust of your dissertation focuses on it's potential benefit to the government and it's constituents.
Attend Sponsored Workshops - Federal sponsored workshops are provided on a regular basis by the government for citizens seeking a grant. Make sure to take these workshops, as even having your name on the attendance record can count towards your favor when submitting your application. Listen closely at these seminars, because they will be geared towards teaching the attendees the various specific criteria required to make an application successful.
Find the Necessary Contact People - get in touch with the local government representative who will ultimately be responsible for the approval or disapproval of your grant. While you don't necessarily have to get a commitment from that person to approve your proposal (and he or she really CAN'T give one beforehand), you can and should seek advice on what steps you can take to increase your chances. This input is extremely invaluable, and at the same time you will pique the interest of the said person by this display of initiative. DONT be pushy about it though. Just present your case and let the person make his or her own decisions.
Make your Presentation both Factual and Attractive - When submitting your application, make sure that it is BOTH factual and attractive. Don't try to focus on one and neglect the other. Many an application has failed due to this oversight. Facts given without proper presentation of it's merits come across as flat and unappealing, whereas a light show without any real substance behind is is quickly taken apart and rejected. Keep a balance between presentation and facts, and you'll do fine.