How to write a submission that is likely to succeed

1. How to write a submission that is likely to succeed � Presented by THE ABERGOWRIE COLLEGE ASSPA COMMITTEE

2. Areas we will look at Identify for what you want funding Looking for ideas and discussion Your proposal Hints about writing the submission Suggested order for your submission

3. Areas we will look at (cont) The covering letter Outcome and follow�up DEST funding Filling in the application form Do�s and Don�ts

4. 1. Identify what you want funding for What are your concerns/issues? How do these connect to the overall goals of the school? What ideas to you have for doing something to change your concern?

5. 2. Looking for ideas and discussion Gather facts and figures about your concern/issue Who has tried successfully to deal with a similar concern? What did they do? Who will benefit from the project? What do they think? Name the people who support your project. Have you spoken to them? Find out who is going to decide if you get the funding. Talk to them.

6. 3. Your proposal Write out BRIEFLY the aims of your proposal. Get to know the aims of the funding group, e.g. DEST, ASSPA What activities have they previously supported? What are they likely to approve? Are your aims and those of the funding body the same/similar?

7. 4. Hints about writing the submission The Guidelines for a submission are set down. Always follow them. Use the application form if one is given or referred to. Give all the required and relevant information. You should set out your submission as a series of numbered headings (according to the guidelines). Extra information that will help your case is placed in series of appendices

8. 4. Hints about writing the submission (cont) The planning and what you put in your submission are what is important. Don�t use abbreviations, or words people might not understand as you do. Get another person to read your draft submission and see if what they understand in each section is the same as what you want to say.

9. 5. Suggested order for your submission Title page � date, to whom, topic, from whom Brief statement of what you plan to do (including the benefits and the cost) What problem will the project solve? What does the project hope to achieve?

10. 5. Suggested order for your submission(cont) Say why this need (figures, relevant information that says this is a priority and why it will work) Some of this may be in an appendix. Give details of how the project will happen. List who will benefit from this project How long will the project run?

11. 5. Suggested order for your submission(cont) Accountability � how will you be answerable for funds and for what happens? Who will coordinate the project and how? Personnel requirements (numbers, qualifications etc)

12. 5. Suggested order for your submission(cont) What records will be kept? What equipment will be needed? How will you evaluate and report on the project? How will the project continue in the future? Budget � what money is needed for what? From where will it come?

13. 6. The covering letter Short (no more than a page) Sound enthusiastic and positive Say something that makes people interested Show that your need is important and unique

14. 7. Outcome and follow�up When you receive a letter about how successful you have been, always acknowledge it with a thank you letter Let people know of your achievement when you have succeeded. If your submission was not successful, find out why and what you could have done better.

15. 8. DEST funding Make a contact person and find out as much advice and information as possible. Record who you spoke to, when (date and time), and the a summary of what you talked about, and advice that was given.

16. 9. Filling in the application form Check what date the submission is due and have it there EARLY. Print your answers in black ink. If a question is hard to answer, ASK

17. 9. Filling in the application form Answer every question. Continually connect your answers to the program guidelines Are there attachments can you have?

18. 9.Filling in the application form(cont) Show that you have talked to people and got advice Make sure your contact person understands your application Make sure you give all the information that is needed by DEST

19. 9.Filling in the application form(cont) Include accurate costings in your budget � get written quotes Get someone to read and check your application and submission Keep a full copy of everything that you send

20. Do�s and Don�ts DO learn all the facts about the how and for what DEST will give funds DO have regular talks with your contact person DO shape your submission to fit what will be funded DO use clear headings to organise your writing

21. 10. Do�s and Don�ts(cont) DO make sure your application meets with the requirements/guidelines DO present information in a clear manner that is not wordy DO present believable information to support your case DON�T expect who you know to make up for a poor submission without all the information

22. 10. Do�s and Don�ts(cont) DON�T ask for more than you need or pretend your project is more than it is DON�T expect that smartness or emotion in your writing will cover up a weak project or submission. DON�T use fancy binding or colours, BUT�.. DO present your submission neatly and tidily in a folder that can be undone (number your pages)

23. Now you are THERE We hope this guide has helped you and answered lots of questions for you. Don�t forget that a lot of people don�t know how to write a submission so that it succeeds the first time, so don�t think you won�t be able to. You are well ahead just by reading through this! We are in this together!

24. For more information and assistance contact: Sr Liz at the College Tel 07 4777 4600wiemersl@abergowrie.qld.edu.au