Strategies for Successful Applications
The WMI Micro-Grants Program was created for WMI Graduate Scholars. The program assists with fine-tuning the program development and management skills of graduates from a variety of backgrounds and nations. We want WMI Scholars to learn and also succeed in preparing the best, most thought out and thorough professional application possible. To do this, we are going to answer some of the top questions Graduate Scholars have asked…
How can I prepare a very strong application?
First and foremost, be sure to follow the instructions. Use the WMI templates for the budget(s) and also the implementation timeline (if you are unable to access them, write to nicole@wellsmountain.com). And remember, if your project has an income-generating component, you must also complete a six-month expense & revenue breakdown budget.
What are the most important application components and how can I do my best to prepare these sections?
We have 5 areas and tips to guide you!
Detailed Planning: Successful programs are ones that are well planned in advance, thus we will not be funding programs without evidence of careful planning. Careful planning must be applied to all stages of the application; needs assessment, implementation planning, developing a support team, budgetary needs, financial projections, partner/other funding sources, and the measurement of results.
Tip for Success: WMI provides application coaching for all applicants.
Local Community Involvement: The most successful projects are those that are also supported by the local community. We want to see partners and contributions made on behalf of others who support your idea. WMI Micro-Grant funding can make up a significant part of the project budget, but not all of the funds necessary to implement a program.
Tip for Success: WMI requires and looks for detailed community interest and contributions within project proposals. This may be in the form of financial donations or in-kind donations.
Measuring Outcomes: We believe that monitoring and evaluation are extremely important aspects for all projects (even our own!).
Tip for Success: All projects will need to have a method for showcasing or measuring impact. For some projects this may be a pre-and-post knowledge survey, for other projects it might relate to financial reports and activities undertaken to raise sales, etc. WMI staff will be assisting with this element of program planning during the revision stage in October and November.
Encouraging Sustainability: Except in a rare “one-off” program, the Graduate Scholar should be looking for ways to make the program sustainable so that it can continue in the future.
Tip for Success: Sustainability of your project will need to be detailed within the application. WMI staff will be assisting with this element of program planning during the revision stage in October and November.
Graduate Scholar’s Direct Involvement: Although we are enthusiastic about the many good programs that our Graduate Scholars may know of, Micro-Grants are not a vehicle for simply passing a donation along to a favorite charity or group of individuals in need of funding. There must be substantial direct involvement by the Graduate Scholar in all aspects of the project.
Tip for Success: The Graduate Scholar’s role in implementing the project must be clearly defined with responsibilities and tasks.
Questions or concerns?
To seek application assistance or to learn more about this program, please write to the WMI Graduate Scholar Coordinator, nicole@wellsmountian.com.
