How much do you ask for in a Grant Application?

[Nate Laverdure]

Originally Posted by Monochron

So far we haven't encountered any that have certain grant amounts up for offer, so we have been suggesting out own.

I have absolutely no experience in this area. I propose the following so that more knowledgeable people can agree or disagree:

The struggle you're having is similar to what many face when interviewing for a job. When pressed with the task of trying to select the "just-right" dollar value, you're essentially negotiating against yourself. Have you considered trying not to be the first to suggest a specific dollar value?

Consider laying out your expected budget with match, reach, and safety goals. In your request, ask your potential sponsor to become a "major corporate partner" of your team, or a member of your "strategic alliance". Give them a chance to come up with their own understanding of what that means.

[Monochron]

That certainly makes sense in that kind of situation. Unfortunately on many grant applications there is a form with a blank labeled "Amount Requested".

In this case I think you have to put in some kind of dollar amount. If you are having a less structured interaction with a company then yes, showing them your budget and plans and letting them choose is a solid approach.

I would actually go so far as to say that even then suggesting an amount for them to give can be beneficial. Something as benign as "with a donation of only $1,000 your company can help our team _____". In a less structured environment, giving the company structure can be helpful.