Copyright 2000 © 4grants.net™

Key Components of a Key Components of a Successful Grant Successful Grant ProposalProposal

TIP For additional tips, click on

“Links” or “FREE Newsletters”At the 4grants.net™

web site.

Key Sections of a ProposalKey Sections of a Proposal• Cover LetterCover Letter

• SummarySummary

• Agency IntroductionAgency Introduction

• Problem or Needs StatementProblem or Needs Statement

• Measurable “Outcomes” ObjectivesMeasurable “Outcomes” Objectives

• Methods (or activities)Methods (or activities)

• Evaluation StrategiesEvaluation Strategies

• Future FundingFuture Funding

• BudgetBudget

TIP Use format outlined in RFP.If none is provided, use this

format. Let the format work for you.

Some Basic Some Basic SuccessSuccess PrinciplesPrinciples

• A successful proposalA successful proposal– Is neat, clean & easy to readIs neat, clean & easy to read

– Is clear Is clear

– Is briefIs brief

– Is positiveIs positive

– Avoids unsupported Avoids unsupported assumptionsassumptions

TIP Be humble. Ask a lot of questions.

There’s no such thing as stupid questions, just unasked

ones.

Cover LetterCover Letter

• Gives a one sentence description ofGives a one sentence description of– purpose, target audience & time framepurpose, target audience & time frame

• GivesGives– Amount requestedAmount requested

– Contact person for return correspondenceContact person for return correspondence

• Is addressed to a specific personIs addressed to a specific person

• Establishes credibilityEstablishes credibility

Importance of SummaryImportance of Summary

• It may be all that is read.It may be all that is read.

• It’s the first thing read.It’s the first thing read.

• It frames your proposal.It frames your proposal.

• It’s the last thing written.It’s the last thing written.

• It’s good practice for clarity & brevity.It’s good practice for clarity & brevity.

SummarySummary

• Identifies applicantIdentifies applicant

• Establishes applicant’s credibilityEstablishes applicant’s credibility

• Gives Gives – Reason for requestReason for request

– Objectives to be achievedObjectives to be achieved

– Kinds of activitiesKinds of activities

– Total $ requestedTotal $ requested

TIP Build

relationships&

partnerships.

Agency IntroductionAgency Introduction

• Describes agency mission, purpose Describes agency mission, purpose & goals& goals

• Describes clients servedDescribes clients served

• Provides evidence of Provides evidence of accomplishmentsaccomplishments

• Establishes credibilityEstablishes credibility

TIP Develop

editbuddies.

Problem StatementProblem Statement

• Addresses Addresses a need or a problema need or a problem

• Avoids lack of or agencyAvoids lack of or agency problems problems

• Provides supporting evidenceProvides supporting evidence

• Is reasonableIs reasonable

• Is developed with input Is developed with input from clients from clients

TIP Believe in yourself & your success.

Find a grant writing

mentor.

Measurable ObjectivesMeasurable Objectives

• WHO is going to do WHAT, WHEN to WHO is going to do WHAT, WHEN to WHAT DEGREE as MEASURED by…WHAT DEGREE as MEASURED by…

• Are achievable and measurable in Are achievable and measurable in behavioral termsbehavioral terms

• Process vs. outcome Process vs. outcome objectivesobjectives

• Begin with the Begin with the clientsclients

TIP Lasting success is based on

commitment.Dale Carnegie

MethodsMethods

• Methods are activities to reach your Methods are activities to reach your objectivesobjectives

• This section describes activities.This section describes activities.

• Should include an Should include an Activity Time LineActivity Time Line

• Often gives justification for Often gives justification for selection of activitiesselection of activities

TIP Read other proposals.

EvaluationEvaluation

• Product Product vs. vs. processprocess

• Inside vs. outside evaluatorsInside vs. outside evaluators

• Describes Describes – Evaluation stepsEvaluation steps

– Methods, analysis & reportsMethods, analysis & reports

• Is often overlooked & left outIs often overlooked & left out

Future FundingFuture Funding

• Explains why future funds are Explains why future funds are neededneeded

• Describes ways to get future Describes ways to get future fundsfunds

TIP Volunteer to

evaluate other proposals.

BudgetBudget

• Is aligned with other sectionsIs aligned with other sections

• Gives total, requested & donated $Gives total, requested & donated $

• Includes Includes indirect costsindirect costs

• Has math checked twiceHas math checked twice

• May be revised or May be revised or modified latermodified later

TIP Recognize

&appreciate

often.

Copyright, 1999 © Raising Vibrations

Summary – PP & PWSummary – PP & PW

TIP For additional tips,

see “Quick Tips” at the4grants.net

web site.