1.  Describes technologies, processes, or products you are researching.  Compares and contrasts them and presents findings.  Defines issues confronting researchers.  Compares cost-effectiveness of various solutions, based on your research. ◦ You don’t need detailed costs yet, just estimates or an overview of variations among the technologies studied. ◦ If you win the grant, you could do more detailed investigation of cost vs. benefits as part of your Implementation Plan.

2.  Compare chosen technology with conventional ones.Everyone:  Use your criteria to evaluate.  Cite sources of information.  Include a list of at least 6 references (most of which you cite in this section).  Use graphics plentifully.

3.  Breaks down the scope of your work (should you get the grant) into tasks.  Connects the results of your research thus far with planned tasks.  Shows sequence of tasks.  Describes value to community of accepting your proposal and awarding you the grant.

4.  What specific tasks will you accomplish if your proposal is funded? Why those tasks? ◦ In what order will you undertake these tasks, and which ones will overlap?  How much will implementing your plan cost?  How will your plan help to solve the specific sustainability need?  How long will the implementation last?

5.  Justify your tasks by giving updated details about your methods of evaluating and choosing solutions. ◦ Include specific sources of information. ◦ Don’t just list tasks, explain need for each one.  Clarify who will do what.

6.  Show sequence of tasks.  Show how tasks overlap in time.  Show length of time needed for each. Gantt chart is good choice for this graphic.

7.  How much will your implementation plan cost, item by item?  Include costs for your and any other researchers/participants’ time.  Remember that you are requesting the amount of money you need to implement your plan – any amount up to the maximum grant of $50,000 or $100,000.

8.  How will this plan help to solve the specific sustainability need?  Remember, this is the section of your proposal.

9.  This list includes all sources of information you consulted while doing the research and developing your plan.  List should contain at least eight sources.

10.  What is your goal for this proposal. What do you want it to achieve?  What will convince proposal readers that you can do the tasks required in your Implementation Plan? ◦ Do you understand the problem or need from the SME’s point of view? ◦ Is your scope of investigation clear?  Does quality of writing affect reader’s view of your professional ability?  Avoid words such as maybe, feel, probably.