Application Process & Templates

Graduate Scholars should review all of the information provided on this webpage to assist with creating a strong and complete MG Application.

How to apply for the WMI Micro-Grants Program?

Applicants should prepare all application materials offline. Once all application materials have been prepared, applicants will complete the online MG Program Application which is a Google Form and attach their supporting documents.

What is required when applying?

Prepared offline and then uploaded:

• WMI Micro-Grants Program: Proposal Guidelines (2018)
• WMI Micro-Grants Program: Budget Proposal Template (2018)
• WMI Micro-Grants Program: Planning Timeline (2018)

Completed online:

• with uploads of the project proposal, budget(s) and planning timeline

What details are required in the online MG Program Application form?

The MG Program Application form includes questions that are related to:

• Personal demographic information
• High-level proposal description (your project should be thoroughly detailed in your typed project proposal document)
• High-level budgetary information (the grant amount you are requesting ($100-$1000 USD), total budget cost, what the MG funds will be used for, etc.)
• Upload section to attach the project proposal, project budget(s), and planning timeline

Tip: The online MG Program Application form should be completed ONLY once your project proposal, project budget(s) and planning timeline have been completed offline using WMI templates.

What is the project proposal?

A project proposal details the idea being presented for funding. It demonstrates that you have thought deeply about your project and clearly introduces your plan for achieving goals and objectives. Succinct statements should be made to describe what will be achieved.

Your project proposal should be typed as a Word document and must include the following sections:

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Assessment of Need
4. Goals & Objectives
5. Activities
6. Partnerships & Assistance
7. Implementation Timeline
8. Budget(s)**
9. Measurement & Evaluation

*All applicants will complete a project budget.

**Applicants with a revenue generating project must also complete a six-month expense & revenue breakdown budget.

Tip for Success: To learn what should be included in each of these sections, access the Project Proposal Guidelines.

What is the project budget?

A project budget details all of the funds to support the project and all estimated costs to implement an idea. All incoming funds (+) and expenses (-) should be documented on one project budget to evaluate if there is enough money to implement the project at the desired level or if changes need to be made to reduce the scope of the project.

*All applicants must submit a general budget proposal using the WMI Excel template provided. If you are not able to download the WMI template, email nicole@wellsmountain.com for assistance.  

Tips for Success:

• All expenses should be converted and listed in USD.
• Research the current exchange rate between your currency and USD. Use this one rate for all items listed in your budget proposal.
• In the expected funds (revenue) section of the budget proposal, include the sources you anticipate receiving funds from. This should include your requested MG amount, personal contributions, community contributions, other grants, in-kind donations and other fundraising efforts.
• Not all organizations or individuals will be able to provide you with financial support. Consider asking for specific in-kind donations to support your project and document them as expected funds (revenue).
• Research the costs for items and find the best prices by connecting with multiple sellers.

*Any project with an income-generating element must also complete the six-month expense & revenue breakdown budget. This budget template is located on the second tab of the MG Budget Proposal excel sheet.

What is the six-month expense and revenue breakdown budget?

Only applicants with an income generating element in their project must complete this second budget.

The six-month expense & revenue breakdown budget provides you with a visual representation of month-to-month expenses and revenue to be generated. Expenses are subtracted from the available revenue you document to calculate the month-to-month financial balance.

Tips for Success:

• Complete the budget proposal sheet first and then reference your numbers to guide the creation of your monthly expenses and revenue.
• You will learn if you have enough initial revenue to implement your project at the desired level or if changes need to be made to reduce the scope of the project.

What are in-kind donations?

In-kind donations can include any supplies that another person, organization or business has given to you without charge (or with a discount), the free or discounted use of a meeting space and a professional’s time (for example a veterinarian volunteering to help you with your project for 5 hours, etc.).

Why are in-kind donations important?

When you secure in-kind donations, you are building support for your project. In-kind donations can be an important and easier way to involve businesses and individuals in your fundraising efforts. All in-kind donations should be documented as expected funds (revenue).

Tips for Success: Here are some examples on how to document different types of in-kind donations:

• 1 solar panel sold at a discounted price of 50% – The 50% discount converted to USD would be documented as the in-kind donation amount.
• Meeting space for one hour per month – If the person/organization providing the space often charges a fee to use the space, take this amount and multiple it by the number of uses anticipated to find the in-kind donation amount.
• 5 hours of veterinary services – The hourly rate normally charged multiplied by five would be the documented in-kind donation amount.

What is the planning timeline?

There are many major steps that need to take place in order to implement your project. Map out these steps, who will be the responsible individual (you, your partner, a co-worker, another organization, etc.), and when each step should be completed by. Applicants must use the MG Planning Timeline excel template.

Tip for Success: Add additional lines to detail the activities that will take place during different project stages (planning, fundraising, measurement & evaluation, implementation, program follow-up and program reporting).