Grants

Conference Grant
Application Instructions


Submission Instructions

1. Email your application as a Microsoft Word attachment to psc-grants@mit.edu with "Grant Application" in the subject line.

2. ALSO submit your application in print to the PSC office (4-104).

This double submission is to ensure that glitches don't prevent us from receiving your application in time.

Timeline

Applications are accepted at any time. 

For all proposals, the review process takes approximately 2-3 weeks. If you receive a grant for travel, it will take an additional 1-2 weeks to process travel forms.  Because the PSC needs 3-5 weeks processing time before you depart for your project work, for full consideration, please submit your proposal accordingly.

Application Guidelines

Write a concise but detailed (usually 1-3 page, single- spaced) proposal that covers the requested information. The point is to be clear rather than to write lots of impressive prose. You are welcome to include additional information that you think might add clarity or otherwise help the selection panel, but please be selective.

Cover Letter (1 page)
  • name
  • MIT ID
  • Year (e.g. 2008 or Masters 2008)
  • Phone (Cell and room are appreciated)
  • Email
  • Term Address
  • Permanent Address
  • If you are working in a group, list the other members
  • Total amount requested
  • One-paragraph abstract

Proposal Body (1-2 pages)

  • Decription of the conference. Include:
    • Name of conference
    • Location
    • Date
  • How will attending the conference help with your public service leadership, group, or project?
  • What will you do after the conference with what you have learned and any connections that you may make?

Budget

  • Itemized list of expenses.
  • List any other funding sources, including both actual and prospective (e.g. other sources to which you are applying), and the amount they could contribute.

Optional Supplements to Your Application


Financial Need Description
The Public Service Center recognizes that people's personal financial situations are relevant to their grant needs, especially to offset travel and housing costs. You are welcome to include a description of your own personal financial situation along with the grant application. Important information may include:

  • Term-time financial commitments
  • Other living costs you will be facing during the relevant time period
  • Other anticipated costs you are trying to save money for
  • Any other information or background you think will help us understand why you need financial support from PSC funds

Description of Your Motivation
Telling us why you want to do this work may help us make an informed decision. Feel free to be as personal as you like.

Faculty Support Letter
If you are working with MIT faculty or staff members on your project (could be through a course), or if a faculty member has been mentoring/advising you through the development of your project, a letter of support or recommendation could help the PSC understand the strength of your plans.