photo by Center for Jewish History

Suppose you discover a source of funding that would be perfect for your project and all you have to do is write a proposal and address the questions in the application.  Hmmm… that doesn’t sound too difficult.

It isn’t.  And that is why I am constantly amazed by the lengths some people go to in creating what I call “the kitchen sink” proposal which is simply everything you think you have to include besides the answer to the question.

I am a panelist for the LitTAP grant and began reading through applications from thirty groups including nonprofit literary organizations, small presses, magazines and online publications who have applied for a grant up to $2,500 to support a literary technology strategy in New York State.

” Examples of eligible requests include: consultancies on technology strategy; software or hardware purchases or upgrades; website development; graphic design and creation of digital images; automated payment or email marketing web-based programs (PayPal, Constant Contact), integrative use of Web 2.0, and acquisition of assistive technologies to serve artists/audiences with disabilities. Requests that can serve as model projects for the field will be given priority.”

I think the guidelines and criteria are fairly clear and include examples of potentially fundable projects.  There are many applications that are quite interesting and compelling but could use some focused clarity in presenting their information – make it easy for someone like me to immediately get it.

At this point in my review process, I want to share two things that can make your application stand out and that can make me, a panelist, your biggest fan.

1. Be upfront and clear about what you are asking for.

Example

“The XYZ Project requests $2,500 in order to fund
the transfer of twelve (12) Sony V-
30H video tapes into digital format and DVD access copies.”

This is clear and precise.  I know exactly what you need the funds for.  Nothing irritates me more than having to wade through words to find this information.  State your request with boldness and confidence right at the beginning.  You will immediately rise in my estimation.

2.  Submit your project budget in Excel, not Word.

Example

Project Budget:

PROGRAMMER: $1625 (25 hours @ $65/hr)

SOFTWARE: $569.80
(3) licenses for FileMaker Pro 10  @ $179.95 each

(1) license for Actual Technologies MySQL ODBC drivers @ $29.95

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT: 10 hours @ $22 per hour= $220
Total Expenses: $2,424.80

Does this make me want to throttle someone?  Yes, it does!  When I read an application, I like going over the numbers.  Give this to me in a spreadsheet with nice and neat columns.  If this is how you do your math, I am going to be worried about your ability to work with your budget.

Why you should do this

Sometimes panelists have to read a lot of applications.  You want to be memorable for all the right things – well thought out project, achievable goals, clear budget, etc.  Not the wrong things – a vague request, a hard to read budget.  All this takes is some confidence and a respect for clarity.  Your project deserves to be seen in its best light.

Be respectful of your reviewers and panelists.  It will go a long way.

Get more Wow!

If you want style notes and more for people who change the world, please check out:

Getting to Wow! to feel good, do good and look good

Nonprofit Knitwear for all things knit and nonprofit

Style Notes from me, your artspy

Hoong Yee

– Subscribe and get a little Wow! every day

– Forward the link to someone you think would be interested

– Link to a post on Twitter (follow me @hylkrakauer)

– Put a link to the blog in your Facebook status update

Thanks so much! I really appreciate your help.

Word of mouth is the best way to share, don’t you agree?