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Several of my graduate students are applying for grants and fellowships and I just sent them a message to help them think through their writing process. I thought I'd share here, as well, in case it's helpful
1. Use every piece of the application to fill in a different aspect of who you are or what your project is about. Think of all the pieces as complementing each other to create a more full picture of you and your project
2. Context: Usually, reviewers are professors who are already stressed out and overworked with their own research, teaching, and service. Reviewing grants is yet another unpaid service we do for the academic community. Make our job as effortless as possible
You can do this by reading and re-reading and following instructions very carefully
Be sure you are using the formatting that is required. Check and double check the size of the font, the margins, the page and/or word limit, and any other instructions about pagination or titles
When funding sources receive hundreds of applications, one very easy way to minimize their workload is to get rid of any submissions that do not follow instructions
I've actually seen people get disqualified because they did not double-space or they used smaller font or submitted an extra paragraph
Remember the cranky, tired professors who will be reviewing those hundreds of applications. Don't give them a reason to disqualify you for something that is totally in your control
3. Applications are the space to let go of your humility. It's not that you have to be arrogant, just be self-assured
Your goal is to convince them that your project is important, and feasible; and that YOU are precisely the right person (because of your life experiences, prior training, and/or prior accomplishments) to carry it out. You can't convince them if you're holding back on your gifts
Best of luck to everyone. Know that there are always dozens, hundreds of worthy applicants and not enough funding
Rejection from any source is not evidence of anything regarding importance of your project or your worthiness as a scholar or a human being. Ask for feedback and keep trying
I should clarify that this is all on top of knowing the literature and being very clear about what you see as your contribution
