Grant Proposal Copy
Most donors have formats in which they want their proposal developed son there is no specific structure or format common to all donor. However every grant proposal will have the following common to all:
Cover Page
Most donors specify the format for the cover page and provide special forms to summarize basic administrative and fiscal data for the project. The following items are typically included on the cover page, but always follow the prescribed format if one is provided:
- Project title
- Project summary
- Total cost of project
- Funds requested from the donor
- Name, position, address, phone number, email, and fax number of Contact Person
- Signature block for Contact Person
- Signature block for authorized administrative official
- Name, position, address, phone number, email, and fax number of authorized administrative official
Abstract or Project Summary
Most proposals often have an abstract or summary (also known as Executive Summary). Donors typically use the abstract/project summary in their compilations of research/and or projects funded or in disseminating information on successful projects. The abstract appears at the beginning of the proposal but should be written as a concise summary of the proposal. (Write it last!)
Table of Contents
Proposals should list all major parts and divisions including lists of illustrations, tables and appendices for the convenience of the reviewer.
All the discussed are not an integral part of the proposal. The cover page, executive summary/abstract and the table of contents are not evaluated by the donor in coming to the decision of either to fund the project or not. But for the donor/evaluator to read your proposal to the last depends on what and how you structure these three parts.
The Components of the Proposals
While specific requirements depend on the donor, most grant proposals require the following elements:
- Title Page and Cover Letter
- Introduction/Abstract/Summary
A brief overview of the proposal with information about the institution, its ability to complete the project, need, methods to be used and how those served will benefit. This is the first thing the reader sees, but it is written last.
- Institutional Background
Describes the institution in terms of its location, demographics, mission, relationship to the service area and past successes in the project area. Establishes credibility.
- Problem Statement/Needs Assessment
Documents the problem or need with hard data, linking it to the funding source’s goals and priorities. What is the situation that is causing concern? Why is it happening?
- Program Goals and Objectives (Outcomes)
Identifies anticipated outcomes and benefits in measurable terms. How is the situation expected to change as a result of the grant program?
- Methods/Implementation Plan
Describes the activities that directly support the achievement of the objectives. A timeline may be included in this section as well as a description on staffing needs.
- Evaluation Plan
Presents a plan for determining the success of the project at interim points and at the end of the project.
- Future Funding/Sustainability
Describes how expenses not supported by the grant will be covered and how the project effort will continue after the grant ends.
- Budget
Identifies the costs to be met by the funding source and the methods used to determine costs.
- Other Components
May include items such as:
- Letters of support
- Personnel resumes
- Proof of registration/incorporation
- Financial statements