Tips for a Successful Grants Application

Double-Check Our Website for Application Updates Grant guidelines and procedures on this website are for 2013 only. Any updates to the grant program will appear on the website.

Read the Guidelines First! We have only a few exclusions, restrictions, and basic program guidelines, but they are very important. We don't want you to make the effort to write and submit an application, and have it rejected outright because the application (or your organization) doesn't fit the program guidelines.

The most important? You must hold a Charter from the NYS Board of Regents (unless you are a branch of local government).

Not sure if you do? Contact the NYS Chartering Office at (518) 474-5976 or via e-mail: charters@mail.nysed.gov. Exceptions to these guidelines are very rare—please contact us to discuss any of our guidelines.

For GET SET! Grants—Submit four (4) copies of your application and supporting materials

For GET READY! Grants—Submit two (2) copies of your application and supporting materials

Don't Leave Items Blank If you are unsure of the answer, or the question doesn't apply to your organization, please do not leave that item blank. Give us a call 800.895-1648 or send an email info@museumwise.org if you need help completing the application.

Provide Us With a Budget Breakdown Tell us how you came up with the figures for your budget. For instance: Travel - $200 (400 miles @ .50/mile); Consultant Fees - $1500 (3 days at $500/day). Meals and hospitality expenses may not be charged to these grants. Information on current NYS Mileage rate is available at www.osc.state.ny.us/agencies/travel/mileage.htm. Mileage may be calculated on websites such as http://maps.google.com. If applicable, you may also want to include a copy of the workshop/conference brochure, hotel reservation confirmation form, registration form, train or plane fares, consultant contract or letter of intent, etc. to help explain costs.

What Costs are Allowable? Remember that GET READY! grants do not provide funds - the consultant is paid directly by Museumwise. For GET SET! grants, funds may only be used to pay the consultant fees and his or her travel. They may not be used for meeting expenses such as lunch, administrative costs, copies or other items.  Please read the GO! grant guidelines for eligible travel expenses.

Round Numbers to the Nearest Whole Dollar Please round up to the nearest whole dollar. Note that we cannot grant you more than you have asked for. What If Your Budget Exceeds the Grant Limit We understand that the budget for consultation projects or travel opportunities sometimes exceed our grant amounts. If your total budget exceeds the grant limit ($3000 for GET SET!, $500/$750 for GO!), please tell us:

• What, out of the larger budget, will the grant be used for.
• How you plan to support the balance of the costs.

For larger projects, providing information on how the additional project costs will be covered will aid in your application’s review.

Submit a Draft of Your Application We welcome the opportunity to review application drafts, particularly for Get Set projects. We will review drafts up to one week before a deadline. Please submit your draft via email to info@museumwise.org to expedite the process.

Review Your Application - Again Re-read your application to confirm that it adheres to the grant’s criteria. Ask a colleague to review your application a second set of eyes may pick up on unseen typos or raise points for further clarification.

When in Doubt - Send Certified We encourage you to send your applications by certified mail or with other delivery confirmation.  We do NOT accept applications via email.

Mark Your Calendar Once you’ve received one of our grants, it’s very important that you submit your final report and associated materials in a timely manner. Your organization will not be eligible for further grants until all final reports are submitted.

Call Us We encourage you to contact us directly by phone or e-mail with any questions. We can be reached at 800.895.1648 or info@museumwise.org.