Tips
Application Materials
- The application should be completed in a clear and concise manner, with the project description not to exceed three pages. All proposals need to be submitted in conjunction with the official grant Google Application Form.
- A written synopsis of the proposed project should be included with the application.
- There should be a clear explanation in the proposal of the significance and benefit of the project to Pratt students and the Institute. Please explain all abbreviated organizations and equipment so that it is understood by the entire awards committee, who come from different Schools.
- It is highly recommended that travel requests should be accompanied by documented proof that host organizations (for conferences, workshops, etc.) have accepted the application’s participation. Preference is given to those who are presenting at the conference.
- All supplemental materials should be submitted in one PDF document, not exceeding 10 pages.
- The committee will not review previously submitted un-funded proposals that were not revised
Budget Materials
- All projected budgets should be itemized, detailed, and accurately researched. This should include a separate page from the main budget page, which explains the costs in detail and the feasibility prior to submission. References to comparable expenditures and fees are strongly encouraged to justify the requested sums.
- The budget for “Meals & Lodging” needs to be accurately researched and appropriate to the project.
- Applicant should clarify requests for equipment, travel expenses, and conferences that might more appropriately be addressed by other means, such as via institutional infrastructure and support.
- Budgets for unsubstantiated purchases of computer hardware/software, cameras, etc. are typically not considered. Historically, the awards committee has not approved the outright granting of funds for such equipment. If these items are a part of your application, care should be taken to explain where such equipment would be placed after the grant period. The grants are intended to serve individual professional development, and not serve to fund departmental equipment.
- If partial funds are requested for a larger project (e.g. where FDF would cover less than 80% of the total estimated costs), please outline the plan for obtaining additional funds (e.g. list foundations, publishers, other funders where you will seek funds for the project)
- Budget categories include:
- Materials (e.g., paints, lumber, hardware, canvas, clay, disks, film, etc.)
- Equipment (e.g., tools, brushes, computer hardware, technology equipment, etc.)
- Facilities (studio rental, lab rental, etc.)
- Travel (airline, mileage if personal car is used)
- Meals & Lodging (Any shared or catered meals must follow Pratt’s current community standards)
- Fees (registration, conference, library)
- Consultant Fees
- Stipend (no more than 30% of the budget may fund stipend for the grantee[s])
Miscellaneous
- Every year, there is an application(s) pertaining to the archiving of departmental materials, slides, history, personalities, etc. Though worthy of support, these proposals are seldom funded under the auspices of the Faculty Development Fund grant program.