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Tips for the would be grant writes |
- Review all of the grant guidelines and criteria completely prior to starting the actual proposal writing process
- Be descriptive. All grant proposals require a clear, concise, and thorough explanation and outline of the program or project—revise to perfection
- Emphasize the positives with bullet points that clearly set them apart from the body of the text
- Proofread throughout the writing process but certainly proofread the final document—poor spelling and poor grammar inform the reviewer about diligence of the requesting agency and its staff
- All ways cite your research. Do not make the funding agency just take your word for the project but back up what you say with market based research
- Do not base a project or program on unrealizable or impossible goals and objectives. Funding agencies will not fund a proposal that appears doomed from the start
- Spend a lot of time on the budget. Prepare a detailed budget with explanations. This lets the reviewers know that you are responsible and detailed
- Composition counts. Write carefully with concise language and avoid excessive use of jargon. The reviewers likely do not have the same experience with your or your agency’s field as you do
- 3rd party review. It is critical to have another individual or a panel to review the grant guidelines and requirements first and then review the grant proposal in order to ensure it matches the criteria for application
- All grant writers experience rejection. If a consultant or another grant writer guarantees project or program acceptance then find another consultant or writer.
- Write to persuade. Include a powerful introductory thesis about why this project or program should be accepted and then back it up with goals and objectives. Also include an implementation plan or a project timeline
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Written by Jesse Wegman
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Approximately 200 people-or nearly one-third of the senior class-wrote (or danced, drew, painted, etc.) a thesis this year. Most received Honors for their work; some got High Honors, and two standouts got the prestigious (but controversial) University Honors. And as most of these people will tell you, writing a thesis can be a wonderful bonding experience. When two previously unacquainted thesis-writers discover each other, there is usually an instant connection. Both tacitly understand the pain, the hardships, the frustration of pushing through a year-long project in a way that no other peers can. And especially in the last few weeks, the thesis-writing community draws even closer together to help alleviate the stress and anxiety of final proofreads and printings. In all, it is an exhilarating experience. However, anyone planning to write a senior thesis (or already committed to the project) must be aware of the immense amount of work it entails. Otherwise, senior year can become a nightmare of missed deadlines, arguments with tutors, and in general an awful last semester of college. I personally saw this happen to a few good people, and it is a fate I would not wish upon my worst enemies. I hit my own share of roadbumps in the process of my thesis, and that in spite of a good deal more preparation than many of my fellow thesis-writers. Therefore, I have decided to offer a few general pointers and suggestions on writing theses; some of these I tried myself, others I wish I had tried. I hope that they are helpful to those just embarking on this potentially massive journey. |
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