There is grant money available so do what you can to get it.

With all of the grant money available out there you should do what you can to apply for it. Follow these tips to give the grant application process your best shot.

Define your project. Make sure that your project is clearly stated in your application because most people are rejected because of an unclear application. This preparation period starts by writing a great mission statement. Your mission statement should be located at the beginning of your cover letter and it should define the focus of your work, your project goals and all of your specific objectives. Decide who will benefit from you work and why it is important.

Have a timeline. Grant reviewers want to see a specific timeline laid out in your application because time equals money. If you don't even suggest a time period for your research then they probably won't even consider you because you will appear unorganised and without a focus. But don't just throw out any old timeline, make sure it is accurate and it involves your start date, submission deadlines and proposed end period.

Know your budget. Knowing your specific budget is highly important so make sure you let the funding source know what you need to work with!

Find the right funding sources. There are plenty of foundation centers out there that have the resources to help you. If you just limit yourself to one funding source you may be disappointed because the more you apply to the better chance you have of getting accepted. When looking for the right funding source make sure you match up your project's objectives with the foundation center that has goals similar to yours.

Contact your chosen funding sources. Once you have narrowed down your choice of funding sources out there to a select few, make sure you get in contact with them. By contacting your funding sources you will be able to realise how their proposals are reviewed and how they decide who to accept. If you know how their specific review board chooses an applicant, you will be better prepared to write a personal cover letter/ application to them focusing on what they look for.

Get the proposal guidelines as soon as possible. Since each funding source has different guidelines dealing with applications make sure that you know well in advance what is expected of you. Carefully read over the guidelines at least twice in order to clarify the information. If you have any questions ask rather then make a mistake.

Know your deadlines. If you miss a deadline you are sure to lose any consideration from the review boards. Timely applications are always reviewed first and late ones are usually thrown away. The deadlines for your applications should be in the proposal guidelines and make sure you don't forget. Also figure out how the funding source will notify you once they get your application because you want to be absolutely sure they got your information.