Travel Grant Tips for Grandparents

1. Name your foundation. Have fun with this part. Examples: Call it "The Nonny and Boppa Foundation," or create an acronym (TRIP, for Travel Relief for Intergenerational Partners).

2. Determine what you'll fund. Set parameters based on your budget and your values.

• Nature of the trip: WIll it be a specific trip that you've selected, or are you open to well-thought-out suggestions from the grandkids?
• Amount to be funded (this can be a range): Do you want to provide full funding? Should the grandkids earn money to offset some of the costs or seek funding partners like their parents?
• Eligible applicants: Name or describe the grandkids who will be applying.
• Goals of the Grant: Here are some possibilities.

• Consider outcomes for the travel: expanding photography skills, navigating public transportation, staying within a budget, developing cultural awareness, bonding between the generations, etc.
• Consider outcomes for the proposal-writing/presentation experience: building organizational, research, and budget planning skills; improving confidence; setting and meeting goals; affirming creativity, etc.
• Consider any goals you have for the individual child: overcoming shyness, polishing manners, developing an interest in family history, etc.

3. Issue a Request For Proposals (RFP) or a grant application kit, including:

• A summary of the purpose of the RFP with stated goals: Why is this travel important to the "Foundation"?
• A budget form: Remember to include direct and indirect costs (lodging, meals, snacks, transportation, postage, souvenirs, clothing, etc.). You might want to list any funding the child (or the family) will contribute to the project.
• Determine the content of the proposals: background of applicant, description of need, proposed solution, activity assignments, community partners, innovative concepts, budget, summary, letters of support, etc.
• Deadline for proposal(s): Set a date.
• Determine style and format of proposals: formal, informal, creative, etc.