Research potential funding sources and areas of interest
Review potential funding sources guidelines
Review potential funders criteria for evaluation of applications (note numerical scores)
Develop a file system for storing and retrieving information
Obtain and review copies of successful grants if possible
Identify hallmarks/characteristics of successful grants
Outline a step-by-step process to follow
Understanding the basics of vision, mission, goals and objectives
Vision - a vision of any organization is how the stakeholders see (envision) their future
and their desired overarching long-term goal. It is an ‘inspirational/aspirational’
image of the future that an organization is aiming to achieve, the framework for all
strategic planning.
Mission - a mission statement is a brief description of an organization’s fundamental purpose;
it answers the question, “Why do we exist?” It defines the core purpose of existence
of the organization. The mission statement articulates an organization’s purpose
both for those in the organization and for the public.
Goals - are broad, general statements that identify the overall main purpose of a program/project;
a goal is the statement of the ultimate result of the change being sought or the outcome
desired.
Objectives - are clear, concise, specific, measurable, manageable, achievable, realistic, time-bound
statements that stepping stones to achieving goals and are tied to the statement of
need. Objectives do not describe methods. Objectives are SMART(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound).
Developing the needs statement (very critical)
Define the problem clearly and concisely
Use accurate facts and statistics that best support your project
State the long-term adverse consequences if no intervention or solution is found
Don’t paint such a grave picture that any solution appears hopeless
Avoid overstatements and overly emotional appeals
Drafting a Letter of Intent/Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Follow potential funders guidelines for the LOI, if available
Describe the need and provide supporting data, if available
Explain what you will do
Provide an estimated budget amount
Keep to one to two pages in length
Tips to Consider Before Drafting the Proposal
Conduct a comprehensive literature review of your topic
Be certain that goals and objectives tie directly to the need statement
Be sure that objectives do not describe the methods to be used
Be sure to all adequate time to accomplished all of the objectives
Clearly state methods to be used, especially data collection instruments and procedures
with references
Have a good understanding of the difference between ‘outputs’ and ‘outcomes’
Determine how you are going to measure change and what your outcome indicators will
be
Use a comprehensive and well-established evaluation plan
Drafting the proposal (subsections vary but usually include items B-J)
Follow potential funders instructions and guidelines for writing a proposal
