sample application letter for travel grant

Sample Request Letter for Travel Grant: Free & Customizable

In this guide, I’ll share a step-by-step process to write an effective request letter for a travel grant, incorporating tips from my personal experience to help you enhance your application.

Key Takeaways: Understand the Purpose : Know the goal of your travel grant letter and what the funding organization is looking for. Personalize Your Letter : Customize your letter for each grant application, showing how your travel aligns with the grantor’s objectives. Be Clear and Concise : Present your information clearly and concisely, focusing on the impact and benefits of your travel. Provide Supporting Details : Include details about your travel plans, budget, and the significance of the grant to your goals. Proofread and Review : Ensure your letter is error-free and polished before submission.

Step 1: Research the Funding Organization

Before you begin writing, it’s crucial to understand the funding organization’s goals and priorities. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your letter to align with their mission.

• Visit the organization’s website : Understand their mission, values, and previous grant recipients.
• Align your goals : Identify how your travel objectives complement the funder’s mission.

Step 2: Start With a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a snapshot of your travel purpose.

• Introduce yourself : Briefly mention your background and relevant accomplishments.
• State the purpose : Clearly articulate the reason for your travel and the grant request.

Step 3: Detail Your Travel Plan

This section should provide a clear and detailed overview of your travel plan, highlighting its importance and relevance.

• Destination and duration : Specify where you’re going and how long your travel will be.
• Objectives : Outline the main goals of your travel and what you plan to achieve.
• Relevance : Explain how your travel aligns with the funder’s objectives.

Step 4: Discuss the Impact

Emphasize the potential impact of your travel, both on your personal/professional development and on broader goals aligned with the funding organization.

• Personal impact : Describe how the travel will contribute to your growth or career.
• Broader impact : Illustrate how your travel will benefit a larger community or align with shared goals.

Step 5: Provide Budget Details

Transparency is key when discussing your budget. Provide a clear breakdown of the expected costs and how the grant will support these expenses.

• Itemized budget : List all travel-related expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and any other costs.
• Justification : Explain why each cost is necessary and how it supports your travel objectives.

Step 6: Conclude With a Strong Closing

End your letter on a persuasive note, summarizing the key points and expressing gratitude for the consideration.

• Recap : Briefly summarize the main points of your letter.
• Thank you : Express appreciation for the reader’s time and consideration.

Personal Tips From Experience:

• Tailor Your Message : Never use a one-size-fits-all approach. Customize each letter for the specific grant and organization.
• Be Passionate but Professional : Show enthusiasm for your travel but maintain a professional tone.
• Follow Up : After submitting your letter, a polite follow-up can demonstrate your commitment and interest.

Template for a Travel Grant Request Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Organization’s Name] [Organization’s Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to request a travel grant for [specific purpose of travel] that aligns with [organization’s mission/goal]. As a [your position/profession], I have dedicated myself to [briefly state your relevant experience or background related to the travel].

My travel plan includes [briefly outline your travel plan], which is essential for [state the purpose and its relevance to the organization’s goals]. The estimated budget for this travel is [mention the budget], which will cover [list the main expenses].

This opportunity is significant to me because [explain the personal and broader impact of the travel]. Your support would be instrumental in achieving [mention the expected outcomes of the travel].

I am excited about the possibility of [briefly recap the travel’s purpose and its alignment with the organization’s objectives]. Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how this travel grant can mutually advance our goals.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: how do i ensure my request letter for a travel grant stands out to the committee .

Answer: In my experience, personalizing the letter with a compelling narrative that connects my research or participation with the event’s theme made a significant impact. I made sure to highlight how the travel grant would not only benefit my professional development but also contribute to the broader academic community.

Q: What essential details should I include in my travel grant request letter? 

Answer : When I wrote my request letter, I focused on clearly stating the purpose of my travel, the relevance of the event to my work, and a detailed budget breakdown. This transparency and specificity seemed to resonate well with the grant committee, showcasing my organizational skills and genuine need for support.

Q: How can I demonstrate the importance of attending the event in my travel grant request letter?

Answer : In my letter, I emphasized the unique opportunities the event offered for networking, learning, and presenting my work, which were not available locally. By illustrating how these experiences were crucial for my career advancement, I made a strong case for the grant’s significance.

Q: What tone should I use when writing a request letter for a travel grant?

Answer : I found that a professional yet personable tone worked best. I expressed my enthusiasm and commitment while maintaining a respectful and formal approach, which I believe helped establish a connection with the reviewers.

Q: Can I mention other sources of funding in my travel grant request letter?

Answer : Absolutely, in my letter, I mentioned other funding sources I had secured or applied for, demonstrating my proactive efforts in funding my travel. This showed the committee that I was resourceful and committed to attending the event, potentially increasing my chances of receiving the grant.

Q: How do I follow up after submitting my travel grant request letter?

Answer : I made sure to send a polite follow-up email two weeks after submission, reiterating my interest and offering additional information if needed. This kept my application on their radar and demonstrated my eagerness and professionalism

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Writing a Winning Travel Grant Application

As PhD students and early career researchers, many of us don’t have the means to attend many conferences. Sometimes, the only affordable way to travel to a conference or another laboratory is to gain funding through a travel grant. I’ve been lucky enough to receive five travel grants during my PhD, and they have been so beneficial. In this post, I am going to go through some of my tips and tricks to give yourself the best chance of winning a travel grant.

Why get travel funding?

There are many benefits to attending conferences. These include the opportunity to present your work, network with peers, initiate conversations around postdoctoral opportunities, and develop collaborations. Presenting, whether it’s a poster presentation or an oral presentation , it’s so useful to develop confidence and to get feedback on your work from experts in the field.

As you’re probably aware, attending conferences is not cheap once you factor in conference registration, flights, and accommodation. Especially for an Australian like myself, most international conferences are a 15 hour flight away – this is not cheap! Travel funding is your entry to these conferences. As an added bonus, when the conference is not in session, you have the opportunity to explore a new city or country, try new food, and see the sights.

Identify grants to apply for (and get in early!)

First, you need to identify the conference(s) you want to attend. You can ask your supervisors and other students in your lab for ideas. Once you know this, start thinking about travel funding soon after. Often travel grants will only have one round a year or will close well in advance.

I have a general list I keep updated of grants to apply for. These can be really wide-ranging. My university offers a range of travel grants for PhD students, so I make sure I know when the deadlines are so I can start working on them early. Other places you can look for include:

• The actual conference (sometimes conferences have young investigator grants)
• Charities or research funds related to your research
• Alternative sources (e.g. businesses) – for example, Hello Bio offers a monthly $500 travel grant

Making your case

The requirements for each travel grant are different. Make sure you understand them, and reach out to the organisers to clear up any problems or ask any questions. Plan out what you need: for example, do you need a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or other contact? Ask for these as early as possible, and give reminders.

One of the other major factors in a travel grant application is your conference abstract submission. Having an accepted abstract is going to put you ahead of the pack. However, it isn’t a total barrier if you don’t have one. Last year, I wanted to apply for a prestigious travel grant, but it only had one funding round per year, which did not line up with abstract submissions for my chosen conference. However, I was able to provide the abstract I planned to submit, and was able to demonstrate my success in having previous abstracts accepted as evidence.

When writing travel grant applications, I like to think about how I can make my application most attractive to the committee. Is there something else you can do, along with the conference, to really maximise your learning and development opportunities? Some of the things I have added-on to a conference include:

• Attending a short training course at a nearby university after the conference
• Going to two conferences in the same week
• Visiting another lab

I have had success by finding researchers from my area in the city I am going to, and then emailing them to see if I can visit them for a day. It’s been great to see other lab set-ups, meet other students and receive feedback on my work.

And finally, think about why you want to attend your event, and what you hope to get out of it. Make sure you demonstrate this in your application:

• Are there specific people you want to meet?
• Do you want to collaborate with different groups?
• Do you want to talk to people about postdoctoral positions?

Having a clear idea of your objectives can help to convince funders that you should receive a grant.

Budget well

Many travel grants will ask you to develop and show a detailed budget for your trip. My tip is to provide evidence of costs in the form of quote or screenshots. You can ask your university institute’s travel provider for flights and accommodation quotes, and be sure to include the cost of conference registration in your budget. Think about what else you might need, such as land transport, visas, incidental expenses, and make a well-researched estimate of their costs.

Travelling is incredibly valuable during your PhD. Applying for travel grants can allow you to travel more easily and regularly, and is also really good practice for applying for research grants and fellowships as you come to the end of your PhD and move into postdoctoral positions.

_______________

Kate Secombe is a PhD candidate in the Cancer Treatment Toxicities Group at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Her research focuses on reducing gastrointestinal side-effects of cancer treatments, with a particular focus on the role of the gut microbiome.

Outside of her research, Kate teaches Human Biology and Physiology to a broad range of both on-campus and online undergraduate students. She also regularly blogs at pooisnottaboo.com .

You can follow Kate on Twitter at @kate_secombe or find out more at https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/kate.s...

Apply for our monthly $500 travel grant

Every month we award a travel grant of $500 to a PhD or postdoc to help them attend a scientific conference. There are no complicated rules or terms and conditions – you just need to be a postgraduate or postdoctoral researcher attending a relevant conference, and be able to tell us why you think you deserve it.

Find out more and apply now!

If you enjoyed reading this article, why not check out the other resources available on our blog. In particular, we're passionate about supporting early career life scientists and PhD students - with affordable reagents and biochemicals, travel grants, and resources to help with both personal and professional development. We know how tough it is - so we hope you find these helpful! ______________

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Motivation letter samples and templates

Motivation letter for travel grant sample

Today we are helping you to write motivation letter for travel grant to attend the student conference. This sample of motivation letter for travel grant should help you prepare your own motivation letter, so do not make copy of this letter, rather use it only as a guideline.

A student travel grant is a subsidy for conference attendance covering transportation costs, lodging and registration fees for an event. This type of subsidies are not offered by all conferences but larger ones usually offer some type of assistance.  

Most of the travel grant provides require from prospective applicants to be enrolled as a student, on the University and to have been approved to attend the event or present a paper. To benefit from the travel grant, you should send you application prior to envisaged deadline and submit motivation letter for travel grant, CV and letter of reference.

A good motivation letter for a student travel grand should demonstrate your need for a financial assistance and you therefore you should make sure to convey where you study, to describe you interest, scientific work and explain why this conference is important for you.

Motivation letter for travel grant

Dear Sir/Madam, I am an graduate student at University of Roma Sapienza pursuing my final year of Economics. My area of interest is Econometrics and Statistical Analysis and next Autumn I will start a PhD program at my University.

For me, as a graduate student, it is very difficult for me to obtain funds from external donors, as they mainly fund the students who are already enrolled on PhD programs. So, I need support from the organizational committee.

I kindly submit this request to obtain the grant for the following expenses, related to participation to the conference.  

• Travel Expenses: in the amount USD 550, to cover return flight from Rome to Boston.
• Registration fee expenses: in the amount of USD 190, as stipulated by the Call for Application
• Accommodation Expenses:  in the amount of USD 460, for the stay in Student residence in duration of 4 days (according to pricelist available on the website.)

According to the above specification, I need a subsidy of USD 1,200 to cover all my expenses.

I would also like to bring to your attention that editorial panel has already approved my abstract for presentation during the conference, and I am enclosing their letter of acceptance.

I am looking forward to your response.

Thank you for consideration of my request. Sincerely, Margareta Rossi

Author Admin

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How to Write the Justification for a Travel Grant

When you apply for a travel grant, you have to include a justification for it in your application letter. It basically boils down to the question: Why should YOU be supported with this travel grant and why do you need and deserve it . This is considered one of the most important parts of your application, as it shows the reviewers why you should be considered for the grant and that you really have a good reason to apply.

Why do you need support?

The justification part of your application letter is where you explain, why you need support to attend the event you are applying for. It helps if you can state that you would not be able to attend if you do not receive a grant. If the reviewers get the impression that it does not really matter to you if you get support or not because you will be going anyways – your chances of receiving support go down. Normally, reviewers have the goal to have as many people go to events as possible, so if they feel like you will be a participant anyways, they might be less inclined to support your application.

You should also be very clear in answering the question, why you in specific should be supported with a travel grant. Do you belong to an underrepresented minority? Would this be the first time you would be able to attend such an event? All these things can contribute to a sense of urgency with the reviewers to give you the grant. Make sure you point these arguments out so that it is easy for the reviewers to see and understand.

What will you learn and what will you take away?

When describing why this event is important for your career and what you will learn from it, make sure to be precise. I.e., just stating that you want to visit a conference to a network is a very hollow statement. Everybody knows that a conference is good to network. Try to be very clear about with whom you want to network and which benefit you are expecting from it. The more details you can give about the event and the things you expect to be able to take away, the more you show to the reviewers that you are really passionate about this event and have done your homework about it.

Related Grants

The Ambassadors Grant 2023

GPSA Individual Travel Grant

Global Graduate Student Travel Grants

The DMU Travel Bursary

Laboratory Travel, for molecular characterization

So, it that possible to apply?

Tanzanian allows to apply for travegrante PHD

Travel grant for viral detection and sequencing

Travel Grant Application Letter

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Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks | Grantboost

Asking for a grant can be a daunting process. You know that the competition is fierce, and the Grantor’s organization is looking for the best and brightest. You need a team behind you that is as dedicated and committed to your cause as you are. That’s where letters of support come in.

What Is A Letter of Support?

Who normally writes a letter of support, how long should a letter of support be.

• Letter of Support Frameworks

Problem, Solution, and Impact Framework

Personal connection framework.

• Evidence Based Framwork
• Letter of Support for Grants Templates

Examples of Letters of Supports for Grants

• Writing Letters of Support for Grants w/ AI

A letter of support (not to be confused with a Letter of Inquiry ) is a document that advocates for a project, program, or organization and is typically written by an individual or organization outside of the project or organization itself. It is used to supplement a grant proposal and provides additional evidence to support the proposal’s objectives, methods, and potential impact. The letter of support should emphasize the writer’s personal connection to the project and highlight the project’s importance and potential benefits. The letter should be persuasive, clearly written, and provide examples of how the project can make a difference in people’s lives.

Letters of support are a powerful tool in your grant application arsenal. They provide evidence that your project has the backing of respected professionals, organizations, and individuals. They demonstrate that your proposal is not just your own opinion, but that it is supported by the wider community. Most importantly, they show that you have a plan that others are bought into as well.

A letter of support is usually written by an individual or organization outside of the project or organization seeking funding. This can include community leaders, elected officials, experts in the field, or organizations with a similar mission or interest. The writer of the letter should have a personal connection to the project and be able to speak to its importance and potential impact.

It is important to choose a writer who is well-respected and influential in the community, as their support can add credibility to the project and increase the chances of funding. Additionally, the writer should have a clear understanding of the project’s goals, methods, and expected outcomes, as they might be asked to provide specific examples of how the project has made a difference in the community.

In some cases, the grant organization may provide guidelines for who can write a letter of support and what should be included. It is important to carefully review these guidelines and ensure that the writer is able to meet the requirements outlined by the grant organization.

When it comes to the length of a letter of support, there isn’t a strict rule. As a general guideline, it should be no longer than one page, two at the absolute max. The most important thing is to make sure that your letter is concise and to the point. A letter that is too long may be overwhelming and lose the attention of the reader. On the other hand, a letter that is too short may not provide enough detail to convince the grant organization of the merits of your project. This should give you enough space to provide all the necessary details while keeping the letter short and sweet.

Frameworks You Can Use When Writing a Letter of Support

Advocates can follow different frameworks when writing a letter of support. One popular framework is the “Problem, Solution, and Impact” model. In this framework, the letter first introduces the problem that the project is addressing, then outlines the solution proposed by the project, and finally discusses the expected impact of the project. This framework is useful because it presents a clear narrative that connects the problem with the solution and the expected outcome.

Another framework is the “Personal Connection” model, which emphasizes the personal connection between the writer of the letter and the project or organization. This framework can be particularly effective when the writer has a personal relationship with the project or organization, as it can add a sense of authenticity and credibility to the letter.

A third framework is the “Evidence-Based” model, which focuses on providing evidence to support the project’s goals and expected outcomes. This framework typically includes data and statistics that demonstrate the need for the project and the expected impact it will have.

Regardless of the framework chosen, it’s important to keep the focus on the project and its goals. The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, with a persuasive tone that highlights the project’s importance and potential impact.

The problem, solution, and impact model is a framework that can be used when writing a letter of support for a grant opportunity. This model is particularly effective in highlighting the need for the proposed project, the unique solution being offered, and the potential impact of the project on the community or field.

The components that make up this framwork are:

Problem: The first component of the framework is to clearly identify the problem or need that the project is addressing. This can include data and statistics to support the argument that the problem is significant and widespread. The writer should also explain why the problem is important and how it affects the community or field.

Solution: The second component of the framework is to explain the unique solution that the project is offering. This can include a description of the methods, techniques, or strategies that will be used to address the problem. The writer should also explain why this solution is effective and how it differs from other approaches that have been tried in the past.

Impact: The third and final component of the framework is to discuss the potential impact of the project on the community or field. This can include both short-term and long-term impacts, as well as any specific outcomes or goals that the project aims to achieve. The writer should also explain why the proposed project is likely to be successful and how it will make a difference in people’s lives.

By using the problem, solution, and impact model, the writer can provide a clear and compelling case for why the project is needed, how it will work, and what the potential benefits will be.

Ready to try the Problem, Solution and Impact Model for your letter of support? Check out our template and start crafting your compelling letter today.

The personal connection model is a framework for writing a letter of support that emphasizes the writer’s personal connection to the project or organization. This framework can be particularly effective when the writer has a strong relationship with the project or organization, as it can add a sense of authenticity and credibility to the letter.

The personal connection model typically includes several key components:

Introduction: The letter starts with an introduction that establishes the writer’s relationship to the project or organization. This can include how the writer first became involved with the project, why they believe in the project’s goals, and any personal experiences that have influenced their support.

Personal anecdotes: The letter includes a short personal anecdote or story that illustrate the writer’s connection to the project or organization. These anecdotes can be powerful in demonstrating the importance and impact of the project, as they provide concrete examples of how the project has made a difference in people’s lives.

Emotional appeal: The letter makes an emotional appeal to the reader by highlighting the writer’s passion and commitment to the project or organization. This can include expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be involved with the project and conveying a sense of urgency about the need for funding.

Call to action: The letter concludes with a call to action that encourages the grant organization to fund the project. This can include a clear statement of the project’s goals and expected outcomes, and an invitation to the reader to contact the writer for more information.

When using the personal connection model, it’s important to strike a balance between personal anecdotes and a persuasive tone that highlights the project’s importance and potential impact. The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on how the project will benefit the community or achieve its goals. By emphasizing the writer’s personal connection to the project, the personal connection model can be an effective way to persuade grant organizations to fund important projects.

Click here to access our Personal Connection Model template and start writing your letter of support faster, today.

Evidence Based Framework

The evidence-based model is another framework that can be used when writing a letter of support for grants. This model focuses on presenting evidence to support the need for the proposed project and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Here are the components that make up a successful evidence-based letter of support:

Background: The first component of the framework is to provide background information on the issue or problem being addressed by the proposed project. This can include data, statistics, and research studies that support the argument that the issue is significant and widespread.

Evidence: The second component of the framework is to provide evidence to support the effectiveness of the proposed solution. This can include studies, research articles, or other types of evidence that demonstrate the potential impact of the proposed project.

Expertise: The third component of the framework is to highlight the expertise of the individuals or organizations involved in the proposed project. This can include descriptions of the qualifications and experience of the project team, as well as any relevant partnerships or collaborations that have been established. Outcomes: The final component of the framework is to describe the specific outcomes or goals that the proposed project aims to achieve. This can include both short-term and long-term outcomes, as well as any specific metrics that will be used to measure success.

By using the evidence-based model, the writer can provide a compelling case for the need for the proposed project and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. This framework can be especially effective when used in combination with other types of evidence, such as personal anecdotes and expert testimonials, to support the argument. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the language used in the letter is clear, concise, and easy to understand, as well as tailored to the specific audience and purpose of the grant application.

Ready to try the Evidence Based Model for your letter of support? Click here to access our template and start crafting a strong, evidence-based argument to support your grant application!

Letters of Support For Grants Templates

If you’re struggling with writing your own letter of support, we encourage you to try some of the templates we’ve provided below. By using them as a guide, you can craft a compelling letters of support that will strengthen any grant application and increase the chances of securing funding.

Problem, Solution, and Impact Template

Dear [Funder’s Name], I am writing in support of [Name of the organization] and their proposed [Name of the project/program]. As someone who is passionate about [Relevant issue], I believe this project has the potential to make a real impact in our community. The problem we are facing is [Brief description of the issue or problem], which has had a negative impact on our community by [Impact of the problem]. This is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. Fortunately, [Name of the organization] has developed an innovative and effective solution to this problem. By [Briefly describe the proposed solution], we can address this issue and make a real impact in our community. The potential impact of this project is significant. [Statistics or data that support the impact of the proposed solution]. If we can successfully implement this project, we can [Positive outcomes that will result from the project]. I strongly believe that [Name of the project/program] is the right solution for our community. [Name of the organization] has a proven track record of success and has the experience and expertise to execute this project with excellence. Thank you for considering this proposal. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Personal Connection Template

Dear [Funder’s Name], I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for [Name of the organization] and their proposed [Name of the project/program]. As someone who has experienced the [Relevant issue], I can personally attest to the urgent need for this project in our community. The team at [Name of the organization] understands the challenges that individuals like me face every day. They have been a trusted resource and source of support for me, and I am grateful for their work. The [Name of the project/program] has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people like me. By [Briefly describe the proposed solution], this project will provide critical support to those in our community who are most in need. I believe that [Name of the organization] is uniquely positioned to execute this project with excellence. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to this issue are unparalleled. I am proud to support [Name of the organization] and their efforts to make our community a better place. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important project. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Evidence-based Template

Dear [Grantor Name], I am writing this letter in support of [Organization Name] and their proposed project [Project Name]. As [Your Position] of [Your Organization Name], I have had the privilege of working alongside the [Organization Name] team and can attest to their expertise in [Field/Area of Work]. The need for [Project Name] is significant and widespread in the [Community/Population] we serve. [Insert statistics or data that supports this claim]. The proposed solution put forth by [Organization Name] has the potential to make a real impact in [Community/Population] and address the issue at its root cause. In support of the proposed solution, I would like to highlight [Insert evidence, such as studies or research articles, that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution]. Additionally, the expertise of the [Organization Name] team is unparalleled in the [Field/Area of Work]. They have a proven track record of success in [Insert examples of previous projects or initiatives that demonstrate expertise]. The specific outcomes and goals of the proposed project include [Insert short-term and long-term outcomes that the project aims to achieve], with a specific focus on [Insert metrics that will be used to measure success]. I wholeheartedly endorse the proposed project [Project Name] by [Organization Name] and believe that it has the potential to make a lasting impact in the [Community/Population] we serve. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Letter of Support Example: Personal Connection Framework :

Dear John Doe, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Women’s Health Initiative and their proposed Breast Cancer Survivor Support Program. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I can personally attest to the urgent need for this program in our community. The team at the Women’s Health Initiative understands the challenges that individuals like me face every day. They have been a trusted resource and source of support for me, providing critical emotional and physical support during my journey. The Breast Cancer Survivor Support Program has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of survivors in our community. By providing access to counseling, support groups, and educational resources, this program will help women navigate the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I believe that the Women’s Health Initiative is uniquely positioned to execute this program with excellence. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to women’s health are unparalleled. I am proud to support the Women’s Health Initiative and their efforts to make our community a better place. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important program. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jane Doe ”

Letter of Support Example: Evidence Based Framework :

Dear John, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed Literacy for All program, which I believe will have a significant impact on improving the literacy rates in our community. The need for this program is evident from the alarming statistics that indicate that nearly 50% of the adult population in our community lacks basic literacy skills. The Literacy for All program is based on a wealth of research that demonstrates the importance of early childhood literacy interventions, particularly for children from low-income families. Studies have shown that children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are more likely to struggle academically, drop out of school, and face a range of social and economic challenges later in life. The proposed program includes evidence-based strategies such as providing high-quality literacy instruction, offering family literacy programs, and providing access to books and other resources. It is designed to reach children and families in the most vulnerable communities in our area, where the need is greatest. The Literacy for All program has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of children in our community. By improving literacy skills at an early age, we can help set these children on a path toward success in school and in life. I urge you to support this vital program and invest in the future of our community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ezenwa ”

Writing Letters of Support w/ AI

At Grantboost, we’re excited to announce the upcoming release of our cutting-edge Proposal generator to the beta stage. It’s a game changer in the world of grant writing, and we’re confident that it will revolutionize the way you write letters of support. With its intuitive design and powerful AI technology, you’ll be able to generate compelling, persuasive letters in minutes. We’re offering it for free to our beta users, so you can see for yourself just how effective it is. This is just the beginning of what Grantboost has in store for the grant writing community, and we can’t wait to see how our technology will help you secure the funding you need to make a difference.

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Learn How to Write a Persuasive Letter of Support for Grant

Acquiring funds for your research is an important milestone for every researcher. As the deadline for submitting the grant proposal approaches, there’s a sense of fear that engulfs you into thinking that your application is probably not the best one. While every element of your grant proposal is important to the reviewer, your letter of support for the grant has a potential to strengthen their belief in your research idea. A letter of support may probably not clinch the funding; however, it could make your grant proposal more competitive, especially when it is written by highly influential and renowned individuals or organizations.

What is a Letter of Support for Grant?

A letter of support is a document used to validate the credibility of your research through a third-party testimonial. This testimony should back up your claims of success as well as the promises to deliver results.

The letter implies that other organizations or funders think your proposal has merit. It signifies that your project has the potential of delivering proposed results. In addition, it provides a compelling and persuasive reason for a funder to support your grant proposal .

Who Should Write a Letter of Support for Grant?

Letters of support play a major role in determining whether or not your research project is worthy of funding . Therefore, it is important to identify the right people to write it.

A letter of support can be written by:

• A partner organization
• A major funder
• Another foundation
• A congressional representative
• An outside business such as professional grant writing services
• A key stakeholder

Furthermore, it could be from community leaders who believe in your project, or from people who will receive the services you propose of providing.

What is the Purpose of a Letter of Support for Grant?

A letter of support for grant helps in determining whether your project is worthy of funding.

The purpose of a letter of support is-

• Firstly, to establish a level of credibility
• Secondly, to demonstrate commitment to a research project
• Thirdly, to show that the planned collaboration is genuine
• Lastly, to address the applicant’s qualifications and abilities to complete the proposed research

Which are the Four Categories of Letter of Support for Grant?

Ideally, letter of support for grant are of two types:

• Letters from knowledge partners who are supporting the research with monetary aid
• Letters from a person who supports the research idea.However, depending on where the letters of support are sourced from, they are categorized as:
• Community Leaders: Letters sourced from community leaders help in establishing the proposers’ credibility.
• Collaborative Partners: Letters sourced from collaborative partners help in demonstrating that the proposed project will be beneficial to the service community.
• Contributing Supporters: Letters written by contributing supporters demonstrate tangible resources being dedicated to the project.
• Impacted Constituents: Letters written by impacted constituents help the funder in determining the benefits or repercussions of actions.

Differences Between “Letter of Support” and “Letter of Recommendation”

While confusion may arise from the fact that both letters of support and letters of recommendation provide key information for reviewers of the funding agency, there still are differences between the two.

Key Elements of a “Letter of Support” for Grant

The letter of support consists of three main sections: an opening statement or introduction that identifies the project, one or two main body section of the letter to indicate the relationship of the writer to the project seeking funding, and a closing statement to summarize with key points. However, there are some additional sections such as the header and the salutation. Here we discuss the key elements of a letter of support for grant in sequential order of their occurrence.

A Professional Introduction

The first thing one must do while creating a persuasive letter of support is introduce themselves. Writing an attention-grabbing introduction will encourage the reader to continue reading until the end. The simplest way to start your introduction section is to inform the reader—who you are and why they must care?

The Conclusion

Important points to consider while writing a letter of support for grant.

As letters of support can make a significant difference for applicant/s grant approval, it’s important to consider the following points while writing one.

• It must not be longer than two pages in length.
• Mention correct proposal details.
• Provide any additional details or requirements about the project, if necessary.
• Give a brief description about the role of the letter writer’s organization in the project.
• Discuss expected outcomes from implementation.
• Letter must follow a professional format with the original signature of the writer.
• Most importantly, proofread before sending it out to the potential funder.

Example of “Letter of Support”

Janice Clark XYZ Company 1456 Trafalgar Square Hampstead, London, UK. Dear Dr. Clark, I am pleased to be writing a letter in support of the proposal (name of the project) being submitted to the (name of the program) Program by our (name of department) at (name of institution). We strongly support this grant application and the focus on (mention the purpose of the study). As an organization whose mission is to (state the mission of your organization in alignment to the purpose of the research), we know your true passion is fostering the brilliant minds of tomorrow. We admire your initiatives to fund projects that have greatly benefited the research community. We acknowledge the specific roles and responsibilities fulfilled by us in this partnership. (mention your roles and provisions to the funding point-wise). Sincerely, Clara Montero Senior Director PQR Ltd. Southampton, UK

As you know by now, letters of support can make or break the chances of your project receiving funds, it is important to make sure that these letters are crafted scrupulously. Make sure you follow these tips while gleaning your letter of support or writing one for another applicant. Let us know how this article helped you in formulating a letter of support for grant. You can also visit our Q&A forum  for frequently asked questions related to different aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

To write a formal letter of support for a funding application, keep the following in mind: 1. Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate recipient and state your purpose clearly. 2. Provide specific reasons why the project or initiative is deserving of funding, highlighting its potential impact and benefits. 3. Conclude with a positive statement expressing your confidence in the applicant's abilities to effectively utilize the funds for the intended purpose. Remember to maintain a professional tone and adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the funding organization.

In a letter of support for a grant application, express your strong endorsement for the project or initiative, emphasizing its importance, relevance, and potential positive impact. Highlight the applicant's qualifications, track record, and commitment, while also emphasizing the alignment between their goals and the grant's objectives.

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The Complete Guide to Finding and Winning Travel Grants

G RANTS ARE AWARDED for travel research, humanitarian work, airfare, lodging, education, career advancement, and to cover living expenses while you are in another country.

I have won many grants to do humanitarian work in Sri Lanka. Through grants I have helped build homes for tsunami victims, started a guava jam project, and bought books and pencils for children in low income areas.

The grant proposal is the basic document that enables applicants to get money. First off, there are three types of grant proposals:

• A Letter of Inquiry (LOI) – A letter of inquiry is a one to two page summary that outlines the project. Funders request a brief description of the project before making a decision on whether to ask for a longer and more comprehensive proposal.
• Letter Proposal – A letter proposal is a three to five page description of the project plan, the purpose for which funds are being sought, and background information on the applicant requesting funds.
• Long Proposal – The most common document that funders seek is the long proposal. The long proposal is three to ten pages long. It contains the cover letter and the proposal summary accompanying it. The common format includes a need statement, goals and objectives, methods, budget, and evaluation.

Knowing where to look for money is key. Researching funders that are likely to give money to carry out your work requires time, patience, and perseverance.

Always remember to look at the funder’s current guidelines. Grant profiles, contact information, and funding criteria change frequently. The internet is an excellent source to look for funders.

You are likely to find the most current information available online, simply because web sites are easier to update than print publications.

How To Research Funders

Researching the right places is a critical component of increasing your chances of winning a grant for emergency expenses. The research phase is fun but requires patience.

If you have a family member or a friend who is willing to perform a good-will hunting on your behalf, you are likely to save a lot of time, energy, and effort. The reality, however, is that you are the most likely person to do the best job of researching potential foundations that are likely to cover emergency living expenses.

Get started here: The Foundation Center

This is the first place to begin your research on private foundations, community foundations, and corporate giving in any part of the country.

The Foundation Center Online provides links to individual foundations’ websites, offers news about foundations and giving trends, links to research materials, links to foundations’ 990 tax forms, and much more.

If you want to look at private foundations go to the home page and click on “Grantmaker Websites,” then click on “Private Foundations.”

National Funders – Where To Look

Expand your funding hunt to national sources as well. Here are some excellent sources:

• The Federal Register – When it comes to finding federal grant opportunities the first step is to go to the source: the Federal Register Online. The Federal Register is the official daily record of all meetings, notices, regulations, and other functions of the federal government.
• Grants.Gov is a centralized grant site for the federal government. The home page has a link to grant opportunities released during the previous week.
• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) – The Catalog online is searchable by a variety of categories and key words. Click on “Search for Assistance Programs” on the Home Page to get to the search page. Then click on “Find a Grant.” This brings you to a list of categories, each of which has its own subcategories. Each subcategory has a number of grant programs.

When dealing with any funder, remember to read the instructions carefully before applying. Simple as it may sound, this advice is very important. Because grant makers receive so many applications, they are often quick to discard those that do not strictly comply with their instructions.

You may have excellent grant proposal writing skills and an uncanny ability to submit award winning proposals, but if you don’t know how to read the guidelines and obey them, the likelihood of winning funding is slim.

Ten years ago hard copies of directories were the standard method of hunting for grants. They are still widely used, but the internet is gaining more popularity when it comes to researching funders. Sometimes the internet version is more up to date than hard copies, which are only published once a year.

How To Evaluate A Potential Travel Grant

Look at each individual foundation’s profile. Most foundation listings are profiled as follows:

• Eligibility: Tells if individuals or organizations can apply.
• Funding Criteria: gives an indication of how large or how small the grants are. Some give a range, such as grants between $10,000-$500,000 are awarded
• Restrictions: tells the categories of support
• Contact Address: tells you who and where to contact to receive an application form.
• Areas of Funding: tells the fields that the foundation prefers to fund.
• Submission: tells how applicants can submit their work, whether by regular mail, e-mail, fax, or hand delivery
• Deadline: tells when the applications are due.
• Purpose of the foundation : You also want to make sure they share an interest in your project. Do they target a location? Check for geographic priorities. If the foundation only makes local grants and your organization is on the other side of the state cross its name off your list. If the foundation makes national grants, your project must have national importance if it is to be considered.
• Limitations: Look at the restrictions or limitations. Statements of limitations include “grant funds are generally limited to charitable organizations already favorably known to the foundation,” and/or “grant funds are committed.” Both statements mean the same thing, that the foundation already is working with established organizations and committed money to those same organizations year after year.

Sample Guidelines for Grant Applicants

Guidelines vary from funder to funder. Some are very basic while others are more complex. Here are three sample guidelines taken from private and federal funders:

Sample Guidelines #1

To apply to the foundation, please submit a three-page application. Applications over three pages will not be considered. Electronic submissions in Microsoft word or PDF formats are also accepted.

On the first two pages include the following:

• 1. Title of the project
• 2. A brief (two sentence) description of the project
• 3. Overall objective and significance of and benefit from your project
• 4. Clearly and in detail set forth the specific goals of your project, how you will accomplish these goals, and the time frame for the project. The foundation will primarily focus on stated goals and the plan to accomplish them in reviewing all requests
• 5. On a separate single page please provide:
• a. The dollar amount requested and the specific budget for the project and its justification. The foundation generally does not provide funds for organization overhead, routine equipment, standard photographic equipment or personal computers. Any related funding, active or pending, including “in-kind” funds should be explicitly described including the budget.
• b. The applicant’s name, address, and phone number
• c. Any affiliations of the applicant
• d. Identify all previous requests to the foundation

Use regular mail. Do not use a mail service that requires staff signature.

Debunking Travel Grant Writing Myths

Myths about grant writing can derail even the most skilled and motivated grant seekers. Don’t fall for the traps carefully laid out by a few self-seeking individuals.

Here are some myths to watch out for. Buying into any of these myths can keep success at arm’s length for many grant writers.

Myth #1: If you Craft an Excellent Proposal, You will Always get Funded

Not exactly. Even if a grant writer submits an exceptionally persuasive grant proposal, there is always the likelihood of a funder rejecting it.

The grant proposal is not the only factor that determines whether or not a proposal is funded. Most established grant writers would agree that the success of grant proposals depends on four factors:

• 1. The quality of the nonprofit organization
• 2. The innovative nature or critical importance of the proposed project
• 3. The emerging priorities of a funding source or the competition level in a particular grantmaking cycle
• 4. The skills of the grantwriter in building a compelling case. No matter how carefully and strategically a proposal is prepared, these other factors impact the outcome

Myth #2: There is No Money Available.

This is not true. Billions of dollars are waiting to be claimed.

Furthermore, those who are entrusted with dispersing this money are just as eager to give it away as organizations and individuals are to receive it.

With philanthropists like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffet giving away billions of dollars in grants, the grant writing well is flowing quite strongly.

Myth #3: The Money Only Goes to Big, Prestigious Institutions; Not to Individuals or to Small Nonprofits

Wrong again. It is true that over ninety percent of grants are given to nonprofits and that individual applicants qualify only for a meager sliver of funding.

It is also true that enormous amounts of money are given to the same institutions, year after year. However, these reasons do not mean that small institutions and individuals do not qualify for grants.

Small institutions and people who are “unknown” to the general public are getting hundreds of millions of dollars too. Knowing where to look for them is key.

Myth #4: Successful Grant Seeking Requires Connections

Connections can help but they are not required. Connections may play a role in federal grants but private foundations are open to applications from anyone who fits the guidelines.

Myth #5: The Contact Information of Funders is Usually Kept a Secret

Far from it. By law, philanthropic organizations and federal funders are required to make their charity giving public knowledge. The 990PF reports are the tax returns filed by private foundations.

Legally, nonprofits are required to disclose their tax returns to the public, interested in learning about their grant giving trends. Knowing how to research funders is important.

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Expedite Requests

ALERT:  If you are a healthcare worker or a childcare worker

If you are a healthcare worker or a childcare worker

• Who has a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, initial application, which has been pending for over 90 days; OR
• Who has a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, renewal  application and whose Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires within 30 days or less, or has already expired:

Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) to request expedited processing based on your position as a healthcare worker or a childcare worker with an EAD application that meets the above criteria.

To determine whether you are a qualifying healthcare worker, see this  DHS advisory memorandum (“Healthcare/Public Health” section, pages 7-9) (PDF) .

To determine whether you are a qualifying childcare worker, see the  Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)  code 39-9011, which includes workers who “attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions” and “perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.” (Note that this definition does not include preschool teachers or teaching assistants.)

Be prepared to provide evidence of your profession or current or immediate prospective employment as a healthcare worker or a childcare worker and current valid immigration status. If the evidence you provide is not sufficient, we may not accommodate your request for expedited processing of your Form I-765.

You may request that USCIS expedite the adjudication of an application, petition, request, appeal, or motion that is under USCIS jurisdiction.

We consider all expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and generally require documentation to support such requests. The decision to expedite is within the sole discretion of USCIS. Expediting your case generally means that we would adjudicate your benefit ahead of others, including those who may have filed earlier, so we carefully weigh the urgency and merit of each expedite request.

Relevant criteria or circumstances that may be considered in determining whether to grant an expedite request include, but are not limited to, the below:

• Severe financial loss to a company or person, provided that the need for urgent action is not the result of the petitioner’s or applicant’s failure to timely file the benefit request or to timely respond to any requests for evidence;
• Emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations;
• Nonprofit organization (as designated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)) whose request is in furtherance of the cultural or social interests of the United States;
• Government interests, including cases identified by the government as urgent because they involve the public interest, public safety, national interest, or national security interests; and
• Clear USCIS error.

Not every circumstance that fits under the criteria or examples above will result in expedited processing. See more information below on expedite criteria and circumstances. For USCIS’  expedite policy guidance , see Volume 1 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

Note:   The processes and requirements for requesting expedited adjudication are different for some application types and circumstances. Refer to the chart in the Specific Procedures section of this page for more information about expedite requests related to:

• Appeals or motions
• Refugee status
• Petition for refugee/asylee relative
• Humanitarian parole
• T nonimmigrant status
• U nonimmigrant status
• Other benefit requests pending with offices outside the United States

A company can demonstrate that it would suffer a severe financial loss if it is at risk of failing, losing a critical contract, or required to lay off other employees.

Job loss may be sufficient to establish severe financial loss for a person, depending on the individual circumstances. The need to obtain employment authorization, standing alone, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment.

Examples may include:

• A medical office that may suffer severe financial loss if a gap in a doctor’s employment authorization would require the medical practice to lay off its medical assistants.
• A person who would lose critical public benefits or services.

In the context of an expedite request, an emergency or urgent humanitarian situation is a pressing or critical circumstance related to human welfare. Human welfare means issues related to the well-being of a person or group. Examples include, but are not limited to, illness, disability, death of a family member or close friend, or extreme living conditions, such as those caused by natural catastrophes or armed conflict.

NOTE:  Certain benefit requests, such as asylum applications, refugee applications, and requests for humanitarian parole, by their nature involve urgent humanitarian situations. Therefore, filing a humanitarian-based benefit, standing alone, without evidence of other time-sensitive or compelling factors, generally may not warrant expedited treatment under this criterion.

Examples of emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations may include:

• A vulnerable person whose safety may be otherwise compromised.
• Healthcare workers who are needed during a pandemic.

Travel-Related Requests

USCIS considers expedited processing of an Application for Travel Document ( Form I-131 ) when there is a pressing or critical need for an applicant to travel outside the United States.

Expedited processing of a travel document may be warranted when there is an unexpected need to travel outside the United States for an unplanned event, such as for a funeral. Expedited processing of a travel document may also be warranted when there is a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States for a planned event, but processing times prevent USCIS from issuing the travel document by the planned date of departure. When there is a request to expedite processing of a travel document for a planned event, we will consider whether the applicant timely filed  Form I-131 or timely responded to a request for evidence.

NOTE:  A benefit requestor’s desire to travel solely for vacation generally does not meet the definition of a pressing or critical need to travel.

We generally require documentation to support an expedite request. Examples of evidence that may support travel-related expedite requests are outlined in the following table.

Examples of a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States may include:

• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States due to the death or grave illness of a family member or close friend.
• A requestor who applied for a travel document 5 months ago when they learned of the event, but their case remains pending, and they must travel for a pressing or critical professional, academic, or personal commitment, which is now in 45 days.

A nonprofit organization seeking to expedite a beneficiary’s benefit request must demonstrate an urgent need to expedite the case based on the beneficiary’s specific role within the nonprofit in furthering cultural or social interests (as opposed to the organization’s role in furthering social or cultural interests).

• A professional who is urgently needed for research related to a specific U.S. social interest.
• A university professor urgently needed to participate in a specific and imminent cultural program.
• A religious organization that urgently needs a beneficiary’s specific services and skill set to continue a vital social outreach program.

This includes cases identified as urgent by a federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local government of the United States because they involve public interest, public safety, national interest, or national security interests. The request must be made by a person who has authority to represent the agency or department, such as an official, manager, supervisor, or tribal leader, on the matter for which expedited treatment is being requested. The request must demonstrate that the interests are pressing and substantive.

Where a federal agency or department is able to state a federal government interest in accordance with these criteria, we generally defer to that federal agency or department’s assessment.

If the request relates to employment authorization, the request must demonstrate that the need for the applicant to be authorized to work is critical to the mission of the requesting agency or department, and goes beyond a general need to retain a particular worker or person.

• A noncitizen victim or witness who is cooperating with a federal, state, or local agency and needs employment authorization because the respective agency is seeking back pay or reinstatement in court proceedings.
• A noncitizen scientist whose contributions are needed by a government lab or grantee.

USCIS may consider an expedite request based on clear USCIS error when a requestor establishes an urgent need to correct the error.

An example may include:

• An applicant who receives an Employment Authorization Document with incorrect information that prevents them from being able to work may request a replacement document on an expedited basis if we caused the error.

You generally may request we expedite your case after you receive a receipt notice. (The process to request an expedite is different in some circumstances. See the Specific Procedures section below.)

Before submitting an expedite request, you should:

• Check current  case processing times to determine whether you need an expedite.
• Check your  case status online . If there is an action on your case pending with you, such as submitting biometrics or evidence, you should complete these actions before submitting an expedite request.
• Check whether  premium processing service is available. We will not consider expedite requests for petitions and applications where premium processing service is available, unless the petitioner is designated as a nonprofit organization by the IRS and filing for a beneficiary whose services are needed to further the cultural or social interests of the United States.

Please make only one expedite request to reduce duplicate efforts and help us use our resources for quicker processing. Multiple requests may delay USCIS’s ability to expedite processing.

Expedite Requests for Travel Documents

If you are requesting expedited processing of a  travel document , you generally need to apply for and obtain the document before you leave the United States. You should make your expedite request on your pending application at least 45 days before you plan to leave the United States. (If you must travel within the next 15 days, see the  Emergency Travel page.)

For most cases, you may request an expedite by contacting the  USCIS Contact Center or by asking Emma.  (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page). You need to explain why you need expedited processing. You also generally need to provide your receipt number to the USCIS Contact Center so they can send your request to the office that has your application or petition. If you have a USCIS  online account and have access to secure messaging, you may select “expedite” as the reason for your inquiry and submit your request there.

You generally need to justify your expedite request with evidence. When communicating with the Contact Center, you will be asked about supporting documentation. You should be prepared to supply this to the office processing your case.

If you have a USCIS  online account , you should upload evidence through your online account to support your expedite request in addition to calling the USCIS Contact Center. If you send a secure message, we will ask you to confirm that you have uploaded evidence in your account. If we receive an expedite request without evidence to support it, we will send you instructions on how to submit the evidence.

Note: The processes and requirements to request expedited adjudication are different in some circumstances. Refer to the chart under Specific Procedures below for expedite requests related to:

• Appeals/Motions

Some programs and circumstances have their own processes and requirements for requesting expedited adjudication and may have different expedite criteria. You should follow the specific procedures referenced below for requesting an expedite in the following circumstances:

We receive a large number of expedite requests. We generally send a response to expedite requests that are submitted through the Contact Center. However, to increase efficiency in processing expedite requests, we generally do not provide justification for expedite decisions.

A decision on an expedite request is not an approval or a denial of your underlying benefit request. The expedite decision simply determines whether we will take your benefit request out of order and try to issue a decision (approval or denial) faster than the normal processing time. We cannot make a decision on your benefit request until all processing requirements have been completed.

Some circumstances may prolong or inhibit our ability to expedite certain benefit requests. Examples include, but are not limited to, when:

• The benefit requestor must perform a certain action or submit additional documentation or evidence related to their benefit request, such as attend a biometric services appointment, be interviewed, or complete any required   immigration medical examination ;
• There is a required background check that remains pending with a third-party agency;
• An application or petition requires an on-site inspection; or
• An application or petition depends on the adjudication of a principal’s application or petition.

• About Grants
• How to Apply - Application Guide

Samples: Applications, Attachments, and Other Documents

As you learn about grantsmanship and write your own applications and progress reports, examples of how others presented their ideas can help. NIH also provides attachment format examples, sample language, and more resources below.

On This Page:

Sample Grant Applications

Nih formats, sample language, and other examples.

With the gracious permission of successful investigators, some NIH institutes have provided samples of funded applications, summary statements, and more. When referencing these examples, it is important to remember:

• The applications below used the form version and instructions that were in effect at the time of their submission. Forms and instructions change regularly. Read and carefully follow the instructions in your chosen funding opportunity and the Application Guide .
• The best way to present your science may differ substantially from the approaches used in these examples. Seek feedback on your draft application from mentors and others.
• Talk to an NIH program officer in your area of science for advice about which grant program would be a good fit for you and the Institute or Center that might be interested in your idea.
• Samples are not available for all grant programs. Because many programs have common elements, the available samples can still provide helpful information and demonstrate effective ways to present information.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

• Sample Applications and Summary Statements (R01, R03, R15, R21, R33, U01, SBIR, STTR, G11, K, and F)
• NIAID Sample Forms, Plans, Letters, Emails, and More

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

• Behavioral Research Grant Applications (R01, R21, R03)
• Cancer Epidemiology Grant Applications (R01, R21, R03, R37)
• Cancer Control and Population Sciences Grant Applications (R01, R21, R37)
• Healthcare Delivery Research Grant Applications (R01, R03, R21, R50)

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

• ELSI Applications and Summary Statements and biosketches (K99/R00, K01, R01, R03, and R21)
• NHGRI Sample Consent Forms

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

• K99/R00: Pathway to Independence Awards Sample Applications
• NIA Small Business Sample Applications (SBIR and STTR Phase 1, Phase 2, and Fast-Track)

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

• Research Project Grants (R01) Sample Applications and Summary Statements
• Early Career Research (ECR) R21 Sample Applications and Summary Statements
• Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) Sample Applications and Summary Statements

NIH provides additional examples of completed forms, templates, plans, and other sample language for reference. Your chosen approach must follow the instructions in your funding opportunity and the Application Guide .

• Application Format Pages
• Annotated Form Sets
• Animal Document Samples from Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) for animal welfare assurances, study proposals, Memorandum of Understanding , and more
• Allowable Appendix Materials Examples
• Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemical Resources Plan Examples
• Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions, and Samples
• Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan Samples
• Informed Consent Example for Certificates of Confidentiality
• Informed Consent Sample Language for secondary research with data and biospecimens and for genomic research
• Model Organism Sharing Plans
• Multiple PI Leadership Plan Examples
• Other Support format page, samples, and instructions
• Scientific Rigor Examples
• Person Months FAQ with example calculations
• Plain Language Examples for application title, abstract, and public health relevance statements
• Project Outcome Description Examples for interim or final Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR)

This page last updated on: February 7, 2024

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