PHC: Tips For Success/Common Reasons Why Applications Are Not Funded

Tips For Success

An absolute must, submit your application on time!
Read the guidelines carefully, they are designed to help you through the process
Be concise and to the point in your proposal. Do not exceed the length restrictions
Do not assume that those assessing your application are familiar with your organization—include (brief) background information on your organization for context
Make sure that you address all of the topics in your narrative
Review the budget figures carefully
Proofread your proposal for spelling and grammatical errors
Review your application to ensure that you have submitted all of the required materials
Be sure that the humanities content of the program is obvious and clearly described
Be sure that humanities experts are involved throughout the project and that their credentials/qualifications are included
Be specific about your promotions/marketing plan and make sure that it will reach beyond an academic audience

Common Reasons Why Applications Are Not Funded

Insufficient humanities content or the humanities content is not clearly described
Inadequate involvement of humanities experts
Central issues or questions to be discussed in the project are not identified
Lack of a balanced point of view on the issues to be presented
Budget not justified and/or not reasonable
Inadequate promotion or marketing plans
Application incomplete or lacking crucial programmatic details
Application narrative fails to address the review criteria
Members of the intended audience are not sufficiently involved or engaged
Unrealistic timing or scheduling of the project
Proposed activities occur prior to the funding date