Given the overwhelming response to our first round of Career Grants last summer, the National Association of Science Writers is embarking upon two more rounds to disburse another $50,000 worth of professional development funds this year. Instructions for the winter round, with a due date of February 2 and disbursement of funds in March, are below. The next round will occur in late spring.
In this round, we will award grants of up to $2,500 each to support education, training or other activities that help established science writers continue or advance their careers in today's rapidly changing media environment. All established science writers, whether freelancers or employees of publications, universities, or other organizations, are eligible to apply. Projects proposed should be aimed at primarily benefiting the applicant as an individual rather than the employer. The size and number of the grants will depend on specific proposals received; NASW will award up to a total of $25,000 of our Authors Coalition funds in the current round.
HOW TO APPLY
The application consists of a statement and short resume. The statement, of not more than 1,000 words should give a detailed description of the activities you propose, how and why they will help you meet the particular professional challenges you now face, what they will cost, the dollar amount you are requesting from NASW ($2,500 maximum), and how you will spend the grant money. Avoid generalizations; we want to know specifically how the proposed activities would result in career improvement. In evaluating proposals, we will favor activities or acquisitions that seem highly likely to increase the overall scope of the person's career opportunities. Funding for research of book proposals or unassigned articles is not generally eligible under the Career Grant program. Include a resume (of not more than 2 pages) outlining your professional career and accomplishments. Previous career grant awardees may not apply.
Submission Instructions:
In order to manage the large number of submissions, we need strict adherence to the following guidelines. Submissions that do not follow these instructions will not be considered.
Send:
- the statement (1,000-word max, 10 pt Arial, with your name and email address at the top)
- resume (no font or formatting requirement other than a 2- page maximum length)
COMBINED as a SINGLE PDF document titled "YOUR-LAST-NAME NASW CGS Round 2" with the subject line "YOUR-LAST-NAME NASW CGS Round 2" to careergrants@nasw.org no later than Tuesday, February 2.
NOTIFICATION
Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday, March 9.
75% of funds will be awarded initially, with the remainder awarded upon submission of appropriate receipts and a short closing letter. If award amounts require it, a 1099 will be issued to the recipient. Any and all applicable income and other taxes are the responsibility of the awardee.
For a look at the kinds of projects awarded previously, see http://www.nasw.org/mt-archives/2009/08/career-development-grants-awar.htm
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