The Bullitt Foundation values risk taking and bold leaps in innovation when reviewing potential grantmaking opportunities. We have often been the first funder to support a new idea, and know that meaningful action requires support, time, and encouragement. We bring this approach to our Fellowship program. We offer the following information to help you prepare a strong application.
- Review the application and the Foundation website.
Review the application material to understand what the Foundation is looking for in an applicant. There is important information on the Foundation’s website, which describes our mission, vision and what we hope to achieve. You may consider looking at the program descriptions, as they have detailed information regarding the work our grants support. However, the Fellowship is open to any students who are engaged in work that aims to further our mission – not just work that aligns with our programs.
- Start your application before the due date.
The due date is April 1st. Strong applications are well thought-out, reflective, concise and easy to read. Make sure you have time to proof-read and edit your application and have someone unrelated to your work read your application to make sure they understand your message. Because online applications can suffer from technical difficulties, we suggest you write your essays in a separate document and give yourself time in case you run into any issues with our online portal.
- Clearly explain why you are the best candidate.
The Bullitt Foundation needs to know why you and your project are a strong contenders for this Fellowship. What makes your work and focus unique and important? What motivates you to do this work? Why are you the best person qualified to do what you aim to achieve? Your application should describe your personal connection to your work and community, and the specific issue you will address.
Vague and broadly outlined applications will not help us evaluate your potential for impact. If you have achieved significant results in your work, let us know in clear and specific terms. If you have an idea you are working on in your spare time, tell us in very clear terms what you want to do, and your plans to achieve your goals. How is your method to accomplish your goal different than anyone else’s approach? What can you achieve if you receive the award that you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise?
- Be straightforward – use plain language.
The selection committee contains individuals who work in many different areas, so write for an audience who is unfamiliar with the technicalities of your work. Do not use shortened or abbreviated words, jargon, or overly technical descriptions. Write in plain English, so our review team can understand what you are trying to accomplish.
- Make sure your resume or CV is relevant.
While your essays may tell us more about your work, your resume is also important, so don’t just include a vague or general version. If you are working to bring solar panels to low-income affordable housing neighborhoods, we don’t need to know that you worked as a temporary employee in retail during the holiday season. Unless, of course, that temporary job is relevant experience that you explain in your essays.
- Think about your letter(s) of recommendation.
Someone who writes a letter of recommendation for you should know who you are, what you are trying to accomplish, and be supportive of your work. Be thoughtful about who you ask, as they are helping to paint a picture of you, complementing your application. Are they mentoring you or engaged in similar work to what you are doing? Have you known this person or worked with her or him for a long period of time? Have they seen you grow and evolve as a leader or in your project?