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It is important for an applicant to become familiar with eligibility requirements and other criteria related to the organization and grant program from which assistance is sought. Applicants should remember that the basic requirements, application forms, information, deadlines, and procedures will vary for each grant maker. Since funding information changes, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the funding source before preparing any application.
NOTE: An applicant should follow the directions in the grant application. A general example of how to prepare a proposal is included here. Some tips are also included.
Click on the icon to look at important points to be considered before
starting to write a grant proposal
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A successful grant proposal is one that is thoughtfully planned, well prepared, and concisely packaged. There are nine basic components in a solid proposal package:
- Proposal Summary
- Introduction of the Organization
- Problem Statement (or needs assessment)
- Project Objectives
- Project Methods or Design
- Project Evaluation
- Future Funding
- Project Budget
- Appendices
1. Proposal Summary
The proposal summary appears at the beginning of the proposal and outlines the project. It can be a cover letter or a separate page. It should be brief: no longer than two or three paragraphs. It is often helpful to prepare the summary after the proposal has been developed. This makes it easier to include all the key points necessary to communicate the objectives of the project. The summary document becomes the foundation of the proposal. The first impression it gives will be critical to the success of the venture. It very possibly could be the only part of the package that is carefully reviewed before the decision is made to consider the project further.
2. Introduction of the Organization
Most proposals require a description of an applicant's organization and its past, present, and projected operations. Some features to consider are:
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Introduction
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a brief biography of board members and key staff members
the organization's goals, philosophy, and record with other grantors
any success stories.
The data should be relevant to the goals of the granting organization and its grant program, and should establish the applicant's credibility.
3. Problem Statement
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Problem Statement
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The problem statement (or needs assessment) is a key element of a proposal. It should be a clear, concise, well-supported statement of the problem to be overcome using the grant funding. An applicant could include data collected during a needs assessment that would illustrate the problems to be addressed. The information provided should be both factual and directly related to the problem addressed by the proposal.
4. Project Objectives
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Project Objectives
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The project objectives should clearly describe the goals of the project. Applicants should explain the expected results and benefits of each objective. They should also list the specific criteria of the grant program. Then, describe how the proposal meets each criterion.
5. Project Methods or Design
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Project Methods or Design
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The project method outlines the tasks that will be accomplished with the available resources. It is helpful to structure the project method as a timeline. Early in the planning process, applicants should list the tasks that will have to be completed to meet the goals of the project. They can then break these into smaller tasks and lay them out in a schedule over the grant time period. This will provide a chance to consider what personnel, materials, and other resources will be needed to carry out the tasks.
6. Project Evaluation
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Project Evaluation
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Applicants should develop evaluation criteria to evaluate progress towards project goals. It is important to define carefully and exactly how success will be determined. Applicants should ask themselves what they expect to be different once the project is complete.
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7. Future Funding
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Applicants may be asked to list expected sources of continuing funding after the conclusion of the grant. The applicant may also be required to list other sources and amounts of funding obtained for the project.
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Particular expenses should be outlined in detail in the project budget. It can also be helpful to divide the budget into categories, such as personnel salaries and benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contract costs, etc. Many grant applications request a line item budget. The budget should show how funds will be spent and by whom. The budget should also demonstrate consistency with project activities.
9. Appendices
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Go to the top of Enhancing a Grant Proposal
Write the Grant Proposal Summary
See an Example of a Proposal Summary
