The ITF is accepting grant applications from trans-led groups with budgets below $150,000 USD based in any region of the world. The deadline to apply is December 1, at 5pm (ET/New York time).

We know that writing applications can be a challenging process so we have put together Application Guidelines (which are available in English, Spanish, French, Russian and simplified Chinese) to help you write a strong and competitive application.

If you are still not sure how to get started, here are 5 tips for writing a competitive application:

1. Be clear and concise. We follow a strict page limit as this helps us fairly evaluate applications. Applications must not exceed eight pages. Font size should be no smaller than 11pt. Please note that to be fair, we will not review materials after eight pages. Additional materials (reports, strategic plans, etc.) will not be reviewed.
2. Follow the 3-3-2 formula. Due to the strict page limit, you need to be strategic with how you use space. We suggest that you allocate up to three pages to PART 1: Organizational Background, three pages to PART 2: Funding Request and two pages to PART 3: Financial Information. Do not forget to provide referees in PART 4.
3. Remember your reviewer. Your application will be reviewed by ITF’s Grant Making Panel (GMP), who are trans activists from different parts of the world. This means you should write to your peers, but know they may be peers who know very little about your working context. Trans activists know the importance of your work, just remember to describe its specifics.
4. Make your application stand out. Be clear about what your group will do with the funding and make sure you tell us what impact it will have on your community and the trans movement. The competition for funding is very high and you need to make a case for why your work is important to trans movement building in your region.
5. Be realistic. You are the experts of what needs to be done in your context so tell us what your group wants to do and not what you think we want to hear. The best applications are ambitious but realistic. This also includes the budget – ask for the funding that your group needs to do the work.

Find more tips here.

If you are unable to write an application, we also accept video applications. The video should be a maximum of 10 minutes and answer all the questions in the application form. If you’re interested, you can find more information when you scroll to the bottom of this page.

 

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)