Below are some basic guidelines for successfully completing the grant proposal process.
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Different types of proposals for different types of funders.
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Generally, no rigid formula for proposals. Funders may have forms/checklists. May simply want letter.
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Will write differently depending on whether it’s for research, planning, capital improvements, programming. We’ll be focusing on full proposals for programming.
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Cold proposals? Unsolicited proposals? Preproposals?
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Make sure you read the guidelines thoroughly.
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Make sure your proposal meets goals/philosophy/mission of agency/program. (Make sure this is articulated in proposal). Stick to what they are looking for!
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Need/argument must be documented.
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Try to make funders feel like they are partners, collaborators
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Gather info: Nature of project and how it will be conducted, timetable, outcomes and how best to evaluate results, staffing needs.
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Expenses: Will need to work out program details first. Expenses should be reasonable; should fit funder’s guidelines.
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Address all criteria! Include all proposal elements! One approach: Addressing criteria point-by-point.
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Competition is fierce! Reviewers will look to see if all guidelines are addressed.
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Typos and neatness. They count!
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Most proposals include same basic elements…
