Introduction
So, you’ve got a brilliant idea to save the world—or at least a small, endangered part of it—and you need funding. Enter: SaveTheDodo, the grant-giving organization that’s as passionate about conservation as it is about extinct flightless birds.
Here’s how to navigate the grant application process without going the way of the dodo yourself.
Step 1: Know Thy Dodo
Before you even think about applying, make sure your project aligns with SaveTheDodo’s mission: protecting biodiversity, supporting conservation innovation, and never letting another species go extinct because it couldn’t fly away fast enough.
If your project involves:
- Saving habitats 🏞️
- Protecting endangered species 🐢
- Inventing a solar-powered squirrel translator 🐿️🔋
…you’re probably in the right place.
Step 2: Assemble Your Application Arsenal
You’ll need:
- A project proposal (preferably not written in Comic Sans)
- A budget (no, you can’t expense a hot tub “for morale”)
- A timeline (that doesn’t include “panic” as a milestone)
- Letters of support (from humans, not your dog—even if it’s a very good dog)
Bonus points if your proposal includes charts, maps, or a haiku about conservation.
Step 3: Apply Online (Yes, Really)
Visit http://www.savethedodo.org/apply and fill out the form. It’s like online dating, but instead of looking for love, you’re looking for money—and instead of ghosting, they’ll actually email you back.
Tips:
- Be clear and concise. Pretend you’re explaining your project to a very smart parrot.
- Avoid jargon. If your sentence includes “synergistic stakeholder alignment,” try again.
- Spellcheck. “Conservation” is not spelled “conversashun.”
Step 4: Wait (and Try Not to Refresh Your Inbox Every 3 Minutes)
The review process takes a few weeks. In the meantime:
- Work on your project
- Practice your acceptance speech
- Knit a tiny sweater for a penguin (optional, but adorable)
Step 5: Celebrate or Try Again
If you get the grant: 🎉 Hooray! You’re officially a Dodo Defender™.
If not: Don’t despair. Many great applicants don’t get funded on the first try. Revise, resubmit, and remember: even the dodo didn’t give up… until it literally had no choice.
FAQ
Q: Can I apply if I’m not a scientist?
A: Yes! As long as your project is solid and your heart’s in the right place (preferably your chest).
Q: Can I use the grant to build a dodo cloning lab?
A: Only if you’ve cleared it with your ethics board and your time machine is fully functional.
Need help with your application? I can help you draft it, review it, or brainstorm ideas that are 10% more brilliant and 100% more fundable. Just say the word!