Applying for a Grant: Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I use funding to support my college tuition?
No. The mission of Hunter’s Fund is to enable young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and we are deeply committed to follow this model. Therefore, unless there is a compelling reason why some tuition is needed to complete a project, we do not accept applications that request financial assistance for tuition purposes.

We do, however, understand that financial aid is important and thus encourage you to apply to several scholarship organizations to put together a financial package to assist with tuition and other needs that you may have that Hunter’s Fund does not finance.

The 10 best sites to search for financial aid scholarships is published by USA Today and can be found here.

2) What types of expenses will NOT be covered in my budget proposal?
Carefully budgeting your proposal is a key part of the application process. Please note that any expense that is not properly justified may delay the review and selection process. The following are a list of items that are not supported through this grant: new computers, music equipment, business development supplies (i.e. cards), membership in organizations, social media platforms, or obtaining patents before a project. Most laptop computers and music instruments/equipment can be rented through schools, libraries or specialized stores. If your initiative requires these supplies, include a budget line for rental expenses. If you feel a related purchase is necessary, please include a clear and thorough justification in your proposal and expect your application to require additional examination.

3) What happens if my budget needs change in the course of implementation?
All grant funds must be used for the specific purposes described in the application. Grant funds may not be used for any other costs or expenses without prior written approval from the Hunter’s Fund. If budget needs change, you must contact the grants administrator at Hunter’s Fund for direct approval before using funds. If Hunter’s Fund determines that the recipient has not met the terms and conditions of these Grant Guidelines, Hunter’s Fund may take all reasonable and appropriate steps to recover grant funds.

4) How are grants selected?
The Hunter’s Fund Grants Committee reviews all applications that meet the stated requirements. Each application is assigned a score for each response. Each reviewer’s scores are added together to achieve an overall ranking for the application. Therefore it is important to answer every question and submit 2 recommendations to achieve the highest score. The top recommended candidates are sent to Hunter’s Fund Board of Directors, who makes the final decisions. Applicants receiving the five highest scores may be asked to submit a 1 to 2 minute video to personally describe their project and passion.

5) How many grants are awarded each cycle?
The number and amount of grants awarded depends on the quality and number of grant applications received, in addition to funds available.

6) What types of grants are funded?
Preference is given to applications in the areas of music, performing arts, computer science and entrepreneurship. Examples of past grants that have been funded appear in our newsletter archive.

7) How will the selected grant winners be announced?
Grant winners will be announced on our website on the Grant Winners page.  Given the high number of applicants and the band-width of our all-volunteer selection committee and board, applicants not selected for funding will NOT be individually notified or offered recommendations on how to improve their future applications. However, we hope all applicants whether selected or not continue to find creative ways to pursue their dreams.

8) Can I opt out of being featured on Hunter Watson’s online platforms as a grantee?
No. We are deeply committed to respecting the privacy of our grantees and will never distribute your personal contact information such as address or phone number. However, in order to prompt your work and the mission of the Hunter Watson Memorial Fund, we will require your permission to re-share your story on all HWF platforms and relevant channels.

9) Will I be required to submit to report on my proposed project during implementation?
Yes. If awarded a grant, you will be expected to submit a one to two-page report with pictures and a 1-3 minute video or your work 6 months after the grant is awarded or within 1 month of a project’s completion (whichever comes first). Reports should include the following: 1) A description of your project. 2) How you have used the funding from the awarded Grant. 3) What effect being awarded a Grant has had on you personally. 4) How Hunter’s Fund was recognized for supporting your project. 5) Photos from your project.

10) Why do I have a mentor and how often should I be connecting with my assigned mentor?
At the Hunter’s Fund, we believe that to pursue your dreams you need support of all kinds. Your mentor is specifically selected to fit your interests and is meant to offer input, guidance and support to meet your goals. We ask that you check in with your mentor regularly, or at least monthly by email, text or phone to update them on your progress.