Grants

General 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

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 1-4 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
  • Dates and times you are available for a potential meeting with PSC staff during the two weeks after the submission of your proposal

Proposal Body (1-2 pages)
Think: What? Who? Why? How?
TIP: Be as concrete as possible!! Tell us specific statistics, numbers, and plans for exactly how you're going to implement your project.

What and How:
A description of your project, including:
  • What you are trying to do (specifically with the community you're helping - avoid making references to grand ideas for changing the world.
  • How you will implement your ideas (Please be concrete! Numbers and figures are good, even if they are estimates)
  • Preparation that you have done or that you are planning to do
  • Follow-up for once you are finished - what should the end result look like? When you leave, will the project continue in some new form?
  • A timeline of events

Who and Why:
  • Who in the community are you trying to help?
  • What needs do they have that you are addressing? Include an estimate of the number of people you will be helping
  • What connections do you have in the community (people or organizations that you are contact with)?
  • Who else will be involved in your project? Are you working with other members of the MIT community? How many?
  • How will this work contribute to your career, education, and personal goals? I.e., why are you personally investing so much time and effort into the project.

Other details:
  • Who is your employer, supervisor, or advisor? Please include name, position, phone, and email - If applicable.
  • Do you want help from the PSC other than funding (e.g. planning help, budget advice)?


Budget
  • Itemized list of expenses. There is a sample budget available at web.mit.edu/gso/community/guidelines.html
  • 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.
  • Preferred payment mode if grant is awarded:
    • Reimbursement for submitted receipts
    • Direct purcase
    • Transfer to an MIT account
    • Cash advance for international travel

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.