1. Copyright 2000 © 4grants.net™ Key Components of a Successful Grant Proposal TIP For additional tips, click on “Links” or “FREE Newsletters” At the 4grants.net™ web site.

2. Key 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.

3. Some Basic Success Principles A successful proposalA successful proposal –Is neat, clean & easy to read –Is clear –Is brief –Is positive –Avoids unsupported assumptions TIP Be humble. Ask a lot of questions. There’s no such thing as stupid questions, just unasked ones.

4. Cover Letter Gives a one sentence description ofGives a one sentence description of –purpose, target audience & time frame GivesGives –Amount requested –Contact person for return correspondence Is addressed to a specific personIs addressed to a specific person Establishes credibilityEstablishes credibility

5. Importance 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.

6. Summary Identifies applicantIdentifies applicant Establishes applicant’s credibilityEstablishes applicant’s credibility GivesGives –Reason for request –Objectives to be achieved –Kinds of activities –Total $ requested TIP Build relationships & partnerships.

7. Agency Introduction Describes agency mission, purpose & goalsDescribes agency mission, purpose & goals Describes clients servedDescribes clients served Provides evidence of accomplishmentsProvides evidence of accomplishments Establishes credibilityEstablishes credibility TIP Develop edit buddies.

8. Problem Statement Addresses a need or a problemAddresses a need or a problem Avoids lack of or agency problemsAvoids lack of or agency problems Provides supporting evidenceProvides supporting evidence Is reasonableIs reasonable Is developed with input from clientsIs developed with input from clients TIP Believe in yourself & your success. Find a grant writing mentor.

9. Measurable Objectives WHO is going to do WHAT, WHEN to WHAT DEGREE as MEASURED by…WHO is going to do WHAT, WHEN to WHAT DEGREE as MEASURED by… Are achievable and measurable in behavioral termsAre achievable and measurable in behavioral terms Process vs. outcome objectivesProcess vs. outcome objectives Begin with the clientsBegin with the clients TIP Lasting success is based on commitment. Dale Carnegie

10. Methods Methods are activities to reach your objectivesMethods are activities to reach your objectives This section describes activities.This section describes activities. Should include an Activity Time LineShould include an Activity Time Line Often gives justification for selection of activitiesOften gives justification for selection of activities TIP Read other proposals.

11. Evaluation Product vs. processProduct vs. process Inside vs. outside evaluatorsInside vs. outside evaluators DescribesDescribes –Evaluation steps –Methods, analysis & reports Is often overlooked & left outIs often overlooked & left out

12. Future Funding Explains why future funds are neededExplains why future funds are needed Describes ways to get future fundsDescribes ways to get future funds TIP Volunteer to evaluate other proposals.

13. Budget Is aligned with other sectionsIs aligned with other sections Gives total, requested & donated $Gives total, requested & donated $ Includes indirect costsIncludes indirect costs Has math checked twiceHas math checked twice May be revised or modified laterMay be revised or modified later TIP Recognize & appreciate often.

14. Copyright, 1999 © Raising Vibrations Summary – PP & PW TIP For additional tips, see “Quick Tips” at the 4grants.net web site.