Write the Grant Application

In Define the Project and Plan the Project, you developed the components of your project plan, including the identification of appropriate funding sources. Now you have the framework and the content elements to write your grant application.

The next step is to put the pieces together in a form that meets the requirements of the NLG program application. You will refine the content and write your grant application using a compelling style.

Keep in mind that some of the information you learned in the Stakeholders and communication segment applies to this phase as well. For example, involve your stakeholders, as appropriate, in reviewing and commenting on drafts of your application.

For this section of the tutorial you will need the NLG application guidelines and forms. They are available on the IMLS Web site at: http://www.imls.gov/grants/appl/index.htm#nlgl

You can request a paper copy by contacting IMLS via e-mail (imlsinfo@imls.gov) or by calling
(202) 606-8536.

	Twelve Tips for Writing a Competitive IMLS NLG Application

1. Do your homework about IMLS and the NLG:

• Read the current NLG Guidelines and sample narratives.
• Read the information provided to grant reviewers: http://www.imls.gov/grants/review/index.htm.
• Volunteer to be a grant reviewer.
• Subscribe to Primary Source (IMLS' free monthly e-newsletter): http://www.imls.gov/utility/subscribe.asp.
• Read other IMLS publications

Make sure that there is a good match between the components of the project plan you developed and the NLG categories of funding, priorities, and evaluation criteria.

2. Answer the questions the NLG guidelines ask. Do not answer questions that aren't asked or include information that's not directly relevant.

3. Be simple, succinct and specific. Use short, active words ("now" is better than "at the present time"). Avoid the passive sentence structure ("technology experts from XYZ firm will provide instruction enabling students to use databases" is better than "students will be taught to use a variety of computer programs.")

4. Write for the expected reviewers, not your project partners. If you're writing for a technical project, use language non-experts can understand. Avoid jargon.

5. Follow the NLG guidelines. All the guidelines. Exactly. Check your application package against the guidelines before you mail it.

6. Check your budget figures. Make sure your arithmetic is correct and all expenses are included.

7. Proofread. Spell check. Leave time to have someone outside the project read the application, and time to incorporate their suggestions.

8. Be realistic. Don't promise more than you can accomplish or produce.

9. Don't stop at product or process. Describe the concrete results you expect when people use your product, service, or process.

10. Identify a clear target audience and know their characteristics. Describe how your product, service, or process will fit the target audience.

11. Meet the mailing deadline. Mail to IMLS' correct, full address. Use a mailing/shipping method that provides documentation of the date and keep your receipt. Do not mail your application through the US Postal Service because of mail delays due to irradiation of Federal mail.

12. Ask IMLS for help. The Program Officers for each of the IMLS grant programs are listed with e-mail addresses and phone numbers in the application packet that is available online at the IMLS Web site: http://www.imls.gov/grants/appl/index.htm.

For more information about writing grant applications, refer to the Write the Grant Application section of the Selected Resources. One of the resources you will find there is the Foundation Center's free online tutorial: Proposal Writing Short Course (http://www.fdncenter.org/learn/shortcourse/prop1.html).

	NLG application review process

Submitting your application is not the end of your involvement in the grant-making process. IMLS staff will determine whether an applicant is eligible and whether the application is complete. All eligible and complete applications will be competitively reviewed by individual field review and/or panel review. Refer to "Application Review and Evaluation" in section 3 of the current NLG Guidelines, which can be accessed from the IMLS Web site: http://www.imls.gov/grants/appl/index.htm.

If your hard work results in a grant:

First, hearty congratulations! National Leadership Grants are very competitive, so receiving one is something for which you and your institution should be very proud.

Soon after the awards are announced, IMLS sends out a packet to all of the institutions whose applications have been funded. To get an idea of what that includes, go to the Current Grantee Resources page on the IMLS Web site: http://www.imls.gov/grants/current/index.htm.

The contents of the packet vary by NLG program. Here are some items that may also be included:

• copies of the reviewers'/panelists' comments about the application
• guidance on doing the interim and final performance reports
• contact information for the IMLS Program Officer under which program your application has been funded.

Now you are ready to carry out the next phase in the diagram, Do the Project!

And if you are not successful with your NLG application:

Remember that an unsuccessful application is not the end of the process either.

When the funded National Leadership Grants are announced, a packet of information is also sent out to the institutions that were not successful in the grant competition. That packet will include copies of comments made by the reviewers and/or panelists, a valuable source of feedback. You may also want to contact the IMLS Program Officer to ask for feedback or clarification about your application. Contact information for the appropriate Program Officer is generally included in the packet.