1. CHAPTER 16 Preparing Effective Proposals

2. PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS  Conducting a Preliminary Assessment  Prior to Writing the Proposal  How Fundable is Your Project?

3. PREPARING PROPOSALS  Summary Statement  Statement of Need  Goals and Objectives  Program Components: Activities and Tasks  Evaluation  Organizational Capability  Program Continuation  Budget  Appendices

4. SUMMARY STATEMENTS  what the need is  what will be accomplished  who you are and why you are qualified  what activities you will perform  what it will cost  how long it will take

5. STATEMENT OF NEED  The purpose of this section of the proposal is to define precisely what condition your organization wants to change.  Distinguish here the difference between risk, target, and impact populations.  Demonstrate your grasp of the problem

6. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES  Although goal statements are inspiring, they are not amenable to clear definition and measurement. Objectives, in contrast, represent relevant, attainable, measurable, and time-limited ends to be achieved.

7. PROGRAM COMPONENTS: ACTIVITIES AND TASKS  This aspect of the proposal presents a work plan of how the organization intends to accomplish its objectives. To convey the logic and continuity of the project, the proposal should describe, in relation to each objective, what will be done, by whom, and by when.

8. EVALUATION  The essential value of evaluation for most proposals is to be able to compare intended results with actual outcomes. Objective statements should be written to foster subsequent evaluation by incorporating measurement indicators.

9. CAPABILITY OF THE ORGANIZATION  Funders want to know that the organization is capable of implementing the project

10. PROGRAM CONTINUATION  Indicate the feasibility of the organization continuing the program beyond the grant period

11. THE BUDGET  The budget is important, but unless it reveals major weaknesses or is obviously overinflated, it will not be the primary reason for the rejection or acceptance of a proposal

12. APPENDICES  The proposal appendices provide information that is not essential to mak­ing the case but lends reliability and understanding to the organization and its request

13. CRITERIA FOR EFFECTIVE PROPOSALS  Competency of the Individuals Involved  Participation of the Organization’s Membership  Desirability of the Project  Feasibility of the Project  Possibility of Leveraging Funds  Continuity of the Project  Impact Potential  Dedication  Clarity of Proposal  Fiscal Soundness  Record of Results

14. SUMMARY  To summarize, funders are looking for a proposal that reflects the following: a match of the funder’s priorities with the grantee agency’s purpose a committed board of trustees a competent staff and a good track record a compelling need that will be met in a creative and resourceful manner a program that is neither too grandiose nor too limited a clear, measurable set of objectives a capacity to continue beyond the grant period the potential for the funded activity being replicated or expanded upon a clearly written document that is free of professional jargon an appropriate evaluation an organizational capability to produce tangible results  Following these guidelines can both enhance your competitiveness and provide a foundation for a well thought out plan that can be implemented effectively to achieve your objectives.

15. QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION  1)What do you consider the most important aspects of a good proposal?  2)If your agency has recently prepared a proposal, what do you consider the strongest elements of it?