2008 eHealth Conference for HBCUs: Taking Action through eHealth Resources Project Grants Program Components: Effective Techniques or Proposal Writing Presented by Sagina Wahi UNCFSP, DPH

2 Stages to Preparing a Proposal Define the project and establish a working title Review guidelines and deadlines Conduct a literature search to support your background and need Begin writing first draft of proposal

3 Proposal Draft Consider your proposal components: –Introduction/Purpose –Statement of Need/Background –Goals and objectives –Project Plan –Evaluation –Sustainability –Possible dissemination and future funding –Budget –Appendices –Abstract/Project Summary

4 Proposal Development Strategies and Writing Tips Make sure your goals/objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-sensitive Don't overkill a point. State it, support it, and move on to the next point Avoid unsupported subjective arguments Avoid language, such as: "might, could, ought, may, should, hope, will consider, it appears". Use direct and concise language. Avoid unsupported subjective arguments Do not assume that the reader will be intimately familiar with the subject Sequence the components of the proposal in a logical manner Carefully review, edit, and proofread -- again and again

5 Proposal Development Strategies and Writing Tips How well does your proposal answer the following questions: WHAT are you proposing, WHY is it important to do it, WHEN do you plan to do it, HOW MUCH is it going to cost and HOW are you planning to do it Organize your proposal –Make sure the structure of the proposal is clear –Make the proposal easy to skim and transitions smooth Note the guidelines and criteria of the RFP (page limits, level of importance, what to include) Make sure to state clearly the nature of the problem and the approach to the problem Identify the competence of the project team and the environment of the project Make sure your project is feasible and that the budget is reasonable and supports the project

6 Project Related Requirements and AIMS Goal of NLM Project: To increase the access and use of electronic databases provided by the National Library of Medicine among HBCUs and in their surrounding communities Required Conference Attendance Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) –Database training To ensure that the target population is provided with access and training on the use of the electronic databases provided by NLM To increase the probability that health disparities will be reduced as a result of increased access to quality and reliable health information

7 Project Proposal Considerations Develop your proposal as to have the reader “buy-in” to what you are doing and to serve as a guide for running your project Develop your activities as they related to your goals and objective and the goals and objectives of the RFP Include monitoring and evaluation of your project Provide a sustainability plan to include seeking further funding from other sources post project completion Consider program spotlight such as building opportunities to increase visibility of program activities, outputs of publications/presentations at conferences, etc. Consistently refer back to the RFP to make sure you are considering all requirements and guidelines of the HBCU Access Project inclusive of reports

8 Division of Public Health Pierre Wright, PhD Director, DPH Contact: (703) Delois Powell, PhD Manager, UNCFSP/NLM HBCU ACCESS Project (703) Sagina Wahi, MPH Research Fellow (703) Fax: (703)