Who can apply

Anyone interested in enriching the graduate experience can apply, including: graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, departments, existing student groups, and new coalitions. Student groups should apply on behalf of a larger set of constituencies, not simply to fund their own activities.

Why apply

If you have an interest in improving student life for graduate students and are willing to work on your ideas, a grant offers financial support to do so.

How to apply

Please refer to Write your grant.

When to apply

The deadline for proposals is 5pm on Friday, October 17, 2008.

What's a good fit

Consideration will be given to proposals of both modest and broad scope. Proposals might be for one-time events, a series of events, or a program of up to two years' duration.

In general, funding will not cover equipment (cameras, computers, furniture). Proposals for house parties or research will not be considered.

If your project has a start date prior to November 30, 2008, this may not be the appropriate funding source for you.

If you would like to explore your ideas with someone before you submit your proposal, contact Heather Fry at x3-1940 or gslg [at] mit.edu to make an appointment.

Write for success

A proposal will be evaluated based on the extent to which it identifies and addresses a community need; its feasibility; and its potential impact.

Community: Explain the need and how your proposal addresses that need

Feasibility: Clarify that the effort is achievable within the proposed time frame and budget; explain why the project team is the appropriate one to implement your idea

Impact: How will your proposal make a difference?

Notification

The Dean for Graduate Education appoints a dean's selection panel, a team of ten graduate students and administrators who manage the grant process.

In this process, the dean's selection panel may request further details about your proposal; recommend minor changes; and/or offer a grant total that is more or less than what you requested.

All proposals will be acknowledged. You will learn if your proposal has been approved no later than Friday, November 28, 2008, and there will also be a public announcement about the successful proposals.

Acceptance

If your proposal is accepted, you will receive formal written acknowledgment from the Dean for Graduate Education. This includes a contract that spells out terms for acceptance of your grant funding.

Before receiving funds, you must agree to submit a report to the dean when your project is finished.

Reporting

Written reports are due on an annual basis. Please see "Report on progress" for more information.