Follow directions

Be sure to use the 2026 application form on this website.

Read all of the guidelines and directions and be sure to include all of the information asked for, in the format requested.

Write in a simple, direct, and persuasive style

• Don’t assume that the reviewers know anything about your mission, community, or project unless you’ve told them in your application.
• Make sure your ideas are organized and easy to understand.
• Don’t use jargon or other special words that people outside of your field won’t know.
• Spell out abbreviations.
• Express your passion and excitement about your work or project.
• Have someone else proofread your proposal to correct any errors.

Do your homework

• Be able to explain why your project should be important to the funder and how it matches their grant guidelines.
• If others are doing similar work, explain what makes your work unique.

Be as specific as you can

• Use numbers, percentages, and other data.
• Don’t write: Last year, we served hundreds of developmentally disabled children.
• When you can write: Last year, we served 1,235 individuals between the ages of 10 and 16, or more than 27% of all developmentally disabled young people in Brunswick, Bath, and Topsham.

Preparation counts

A good proposal isn’t just fancy format, paper, or graphics. Good proposals are made of good ideas, lots of planning, and careful work.

Provide a strong and accurate budget

• Whenever possible, show that your project has other forms of support:
  • List other grants or sources of funding you have received or are trying to get.
  • Don’t forget to include in-kind support.
• Double-check your budget to be sure that it is correct and fully explained.

Tips for creating a strong Project Budget

• Involve financial managers or others with expertise, such as accountants.
• Ask for help if you need it.
• Make sure the numbers in your proposal and your budget agree.
• Use existing budgets as templates.
• Check your math!