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Please select a category:

• Overview for Writing Grant Proposals
• Nonprofit Organization Resources and Development

Overview for Writing Grant Proposals
(Excerpt from The Foundation Center :Proposal Writing Short Course)

Introduction:
• Proposal writing is part of a process

       Proposal writing is a crucial element in the ongoing process of researching on, cultivating relationships with, and building a network of foundation and corporate funders. The key to this process is that a partnership must develop between the nonprofit and the donor, the result being a dynamic collaboration in which the ideas and problem solving capacity of the nonprofit is combined with the financial resources of foundations and corporations to create solutions to mutual problems.

Step 1: Gathering Background Information
Materials, documentation, and expert testimony should be gathered in three areas: Concept, Program, and Expenses.

Concept – Make certain that the proposed project is pursuant to the philosophy and mission statement of your agency.

• Gather data on your agency.
• Assess the need, problem, or situation being addressed by your project.

Program – Gather information on:

• How the project will be conducted.
• Project timetable.
• Anticipated outcomes and outcome evaluation plan.
• Staffing and volunteer needs.

Expenses – Sketch out a budget outline with reasonable costs.

Step 2: Writing the Proposal
A proposal has six major components:
The executive summary

• Statement of need
• Project description
• Budget
• Organization information
• Conclusion.

The Executive Summary – 1 pageThe executive summary is the most important element of the proposal. It must make the funder want to turn the page and read the rest of your proposal.

The summary should outline: 1) The problem to be addressed, 2) A solution, 3) Funding requirements, and 4) Your organization and expertise.

The Statement of Need – 2 pages

You must demonstrate that your organization thoroughly understands the problem and that the problem warrants attention as well as the funder's money.

Key Points:

• Use accurate and current data, facts, and information.
• Do not be too grim. Show that there is hope of a solution to the problem.
• Make it clear that your organization is on good terms with others in your field. Show willingness to collaborate.
• In stating need describe the inherent nature of the problem. Do not argue that you need to solve the problem because there is no one else doing it.

The Project Description – 3 pages
Entails: Objectives, methods, staffing/administration, evaluation, and sustainability.

• Objectives – Must be specific, concrete, and measurable.
• Avoid stating abstract goals.
• Methods – Explain:
• How – How the project will be carried out.
• When – Give a concrete timetable.
• Why – Justify your methods. Include expert testimony.
• Staffing and Administration – Briefly discuss the number of staff, their qualifications, and their specific assignments.

Evaluation – In order to demonstrate your seriousness towards the objectives, the evaluation should be planned into the proposal.

• Show how the evaluation results will be measured, reported, and the audience to which it will be directed.

Sustainability – Show that the project will have long term viability.

• Prove the project is either finite or capacity building so that the funder will recognize that they are not being coerced into making a permanent commitment.

The Budget – 1 page

• List and categories new and ongoing expenses.
• Summarize with worksheets.

Organization Information – 1 page. Your organization's resume including: history, mission, the board, volunteers, activities, and expertise.

Conclusion – 2 paragraphs

• Call attention to the future.
• Make a final appeal for your project.
• Reiterate what your organization wants to do, why it is important, and why you require funding to succeed.
• Don't be afraid to make a slight appeal to emotion.

Step 3: Follow up
Be patient, yet persistent.

1. Provide additional materials as requested.     
2. If you win the grant, acknowledge the funder's support and write a letter of thanks. Also report progress as required and meet deadlines.
3. If the proposal is rejected, be sure to ask why and if the potential funder would be interested at reconsidering the proposal at a future date.
   Remember: There is always next year .

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