Apply for a grant: Write your proposal

Use the information below as a checklist for submitting your proposal. See also Follow the guidelines for additional details about the grant process.

Write your proposal
Download the proposal template, which is in Word format. You will need to enable macros to complete it.

In your proposal, you must describe the new service or activity. Provide sufficient detail to enable the dean’s selection panel to evaluate your request. In your description, address the three points on which a proposal is evaluated: community, feasibility, impact.

If you are submitting a renewal request, you will also need to submit a report on the prior activity of your grant. Be sure to address any ways in which you intend to modify the timeline, activities or content of your grant.

Include a budget
See sample budget with cost guidelines.

Total funding requested
Note any additional sources of funding, especially any matching funds. Are you contributing your own funds? Are ticket prices taken into account?

Detailed breakdown of how funds will be spent.
Include details regarding number of participants; cost of publicity; as well as food and refreshments. Don't forget to budget for police details and licensing fees, as necessary. Have you secured any matching funds? Have you considered cost sharing?

Overhead charges
Ask your account supervisor if you are using an internal fund account; if so, this may entail additional budget considerations.

Be sure to check your math.

Submit your proposal

Send your proposal to: gslg [at] mit.edu

Include the subject line “GSLG Proposal for [your title here].” If your project has been funded previously, be sure to include your grant code, for example, RFP6-2.