Top 10 tips for grant-writing from a scientist–yogi

by Dr Adele Vincent

Tip 1 — Ask the universe to guide you each step of the way.

Ask for guidance from your higher Self or a higher power while keeping an open mind and heart about the ways and timings of how your project or grant application will unfold. Remember there is a right timing for everything and practising patience and deep listening will open you up to opportunities and experiences that are needed before you can materialise your dreams. By asking and listening, you’ll ensure you’re always operating from the heart.

Tip 2 — Work on your mental attitude to always keep it positive.

Weed out any negative thoughts such as inner groanings at the requirements of applying for a grant or the need to use a computer. Instead, appreciate the streamlined nature of the YFG grant application process. For comparison, it might help to know that biomedical grant applications are lengthy documents with many components.

Practice replacing any negative thoughts with the highest of emotions — gratitude that such a grant scheme exists in the yoga world; gratitude that many people will benefit; love for all the good that exists in the world from selfless people and organisations such as YFG; love for the technology that enables us to work remotely and connect with people all round the world.

In a more practical sense, cultivate the attitude that the grant questions are the best way for you to share your vision, passion and quality with the grant selection committee.

Tip 3 — Give yourself wholeheartedly to the planning of your project.

Planning, logistics and budgeting require harnessing and channelling your creative energy through the logical, scientific left brain while remaining grounded in the body (your yoga practice can really help here).

Maintain an appreciation of the grant-writing process as a powerful mind mapping tool that will help clarify and crystalise your ideas and give you a blueprint for how to carry out your project.

Remember that all successful projects are founded on thorough planning and realistic budgeting. Your good planning will never be wasted and may give you the ability to go ahead with your project regardless of the outcome of your application.

Tip 4 — Read the guidelines and grant questions carefully.

Copy and paste every question and any word counts into a Word document or similar application. Answer each question succinctly and to the point. If you find yourself waffling or putting too much information in one answer, it usually means the information is better suited to another question (or is superfluous). By working and saving in Word, you can get a good overview of your grant as it develops and can review and share it with others for feedback.

Tip 5 — Start early and give yourself plenty of time to let ideas percolate.

Start your application early and give yourself breaks to let your ideas integrate and evolve. Edit, proofread and hone your language to be smooth and engaging. Revise until you’re satisfied that your application reads well and gives a clear, succinct overview of your project. Copy and paste each answer from Word into the online grant portal once you’re completely ready, including all supporting material.

Hold in mind the intention of making it as easy as possible for the selection committee to give you a big tick for a complete application with each criterion addressed, and to rate your project highly.

• Thinking about applying for a grant
• Yoga For Good supports opportunities for yoga & meditation
• Infusing your yoga grant application with meaning
• In praise of putting pen to paper