Start Small!

  • By Stan Levenson
  • 05/01/07

Wondering why you just can’t attract those grant dollars for your tech initiatives? Try thinking ‘mini’ before ‘maxi.’

IT Funding I’VE BEEN WRITING grant applications for years, and though some weren’t worth a plug nickel, more than 90 percent of my applications have indeed been successful. Here’s why: Over the years, I have discovered that learning how to write mini-grants helped me transition to writing successful major grants. (Note: If you don’t get funded the first or second time you apply for a grant, do not get discouraged! There are usually many more applicants than there are funds for grants, so just keep at it—with some smart grant-writing skills, the monies will start to flow in.)

Going for the Mini

I think of a mini-grant as any grant under $5,000, but you can use your own definition. The important thing to understand is that many, many corporations and foundations have mini-grant programs. Accessing the websites of corporations and foundations in your city, county, and state, before researching grants opportunities elsewhere, will alert you to the funding opportunities that are out there for the asking. Now all you have to do is write the grant flawlessly.

The budget that you present to the funding agency delineates the costs involved in carrying out your project; prepare it carefully, because it has an impact upon your credibility with the funding agency.

Regardless of the size of the grant opportunity, there are six basic components to any grant application— including the mini grant. Hit them all effectively, and you’ll be on your way to racking up those minis, and becoming a grant-writing pro.

The 6 Components of a Successful Mini-Grant Application

There may be differing opinions about what you should include (and what you can skip) in a mini-grant application, but as far as I’m concerned, no application should be without the following well-fleshed-out components:

The needs assessment analyzes the extent of the problem and the conditions you wish to change. The statement of the problem or need is a representation of the reason for your proposal.

Comments

Add your Comment

Your Name:(optional)
Your Email:(optional)
Your Location:(optional)
Comment:
Please type the letters/numbers you see above