I Got the Money, Honey!

Tips for Writing Successful Proposals I Got the Money, Honey! Audrey Taylor, PhD Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

Four steps for success • Develop YOUR project idea first. What do you really want to accomplish? • Find a funding source that supports similar ideas and objectives • Align your project goals with the funding source goals • Sell yourself! (And follow the directions.)

Step 1: develop YOUR idea first • Be creative yet realistic • Think of the details: $$ • Don’t write “for” a particular grant opportunity • Do use your resources to research similar projects that have already been done • How have they been funded?

Step 2: find a funding source • Cast a wide net • Carefully read grant “RFPs” (requests for proposals) • Think outside the box but not TOO much • Be sure to check eligibility requirements • Don’t hesitate to contact funding source

Step 3: align your goals with funder • READ the instructions very carefully • THINK about how the goals the funder has match the goals you have • Highlight the similarities • Identify major discrepancies • CRITICALLY EVALUATE how well your project can accomplish the funding agency goals

Step 4: sell yourself! • READ the instructions again! • Write like you have already been funded and you are implementing your plan • Use strong language that is similar to that used in the RFP, and that is appropriate to the project • Be positive and interesting • Use visuals if you can • Address all parts of the proposal guidelines in order • Proofread and get a peer review!

Example:

Contact info: Audrey Taylor Geography & Environmental Studies, UAA 106e Professional Studies Building 907.786.6854 artaylor@uaa.alaska.edu

I Got the Money, Honey!