PNM Energy Exploration Grants -
Tips for Writing a Successful Grant

Make sure that your project fits well with the funding priorities

• We typically stick to our funding priorities and guidelines.
• Review the funding guidelines before you submit an application.

Funding guidelines. What's funded, what's not?

The project description should be clear and to the point

The grant summary is the paragraph that sums up what your proposal is all about. It should touch clearly and briefly upon the major concepts we will need to know as we consider your project for funding.

• Be clear, brief and specific.
• Keep your readers foremost in mind as you prepare documents.
• Make it easy, exciting and enjoyable to read.
• Explain your proposal in laymen’s terms.
• Use positive, active language.

Convince the reviewers that your idea will make a difference

• Winning applications have one common characteristic – the proposed idea comes alive to the grant reviewers.
• Write persuasively.
• Pitch your ideas as convincingly as you can.

Tell us how you plan to spend the money

• Report in-kind donations/time (if applicable).
• Take everything into account and provide realistic costs.
• Make sure the costs in your plan are reflected in the summary.
• If the project will cost more that the $1,000 grant award, list additional funding sources.

Provide a plan for evaluating the project

• Set specific and measurable goals and objectives.
• Discuss measurement strategies such as pre and post tests or surveys.
• Talk about the amount of data you expect to gather.
• Give realistic examples.
• Track the results.

Submit your grant application early

• You will not be able to access the Energy Exploration Grants online application after the closing date. Submission deadline for Energy Exploration Grants is Sept. 15, 2009.
• When planning your project, keep in mind the deadlines, and when funds will be available and dispersed.
• Don't wait till the last minute to start writing your proposal.

Get feedback from a non-educator

• Avoid acronyms, jargon or terms that may not be understood by the general public
• Use spelling- and grammar-checking tools
• Proofread for errors

Contact us if you still have questions

After you’ve reviewed the information on the Web site, communicate with us.

Most of the time we are able to answer questions about your proposal before you submit it.

Contact the PNM Fund

Working with online applications

• Energy Exploration Grant applications must be completed and submitted online. Paper applications will not be accepted.
• Create your project description, objectives, evaluation and community awareness sections in a separate document. Spell check them and then copy and paste into the application.
• Save your work frequently.
• Confirm that your e-mail address is correct. Most information on the status of your grant is provided by e-mail.

Funding guidelines. What's funded, what's not?
Apply for a Energy Exploration Grant
Energy Exploration Grants overview
Still have questions? Contact the PNM Fund