Proposal Writing Basics

What You Will Learn Today

• Getting started• Preparing the proposal • Submitting the proposal

The Proposal is Part of the Process

Planning

Research

Writing

Communication

Part 1Getting Started

• Planning• Researching potential

funders

International Grantmaking

Source: The Foundation Center, Foundation Giving Trends, 2011*Based on a sample of 1,384 larger foundations

International-Overseas Recipients

9.3%

Domestic Recipients

76.3%

International- U.S.-Based Recipients

14.4%

Domestic and International Grant Dollars

International Grantmaking

Health 41.5%

International Development, Relief 20.8%

Environment 10.6%

Subject Distribution of International Grant Dollars

Social Sciences 2%

Religion 2%

Source: The Foundation Center, 2011

Public Affairs/Society Benefit 5.8%

Education 5.4%

Intl. Affairs 4.2%Arts 2.6%

Human Rights 3.4%

Private Foundation Support of International Activities • Make grants only to U.S. 501(c)(3)s

– U.S. organizations with international programs

– “Friends of” organizations– Regranting intermediaries

• Make grants directly to NGOs– NGOs can apply for status– Equivalency determination– Expenditure responsibility

International Grantmaking

Getting Started

• Are you a credible nonprofit?• What kind of support do you need?• Do you have enough time?

• Official documentation in order• Sound fiscal management• Compelling mission• Effective programs and services• Strong leadership and governance• Partnerships and collaborations• Network of references

– Join formal associations of NGO organizations

– Network with groups with international contacts (universities, businesses, media)

– Establish an online profile

Building Credibility for International Organizations

Researching Potential Funders

Establishing the match• What you do: “Field of Interest”• Where you do it: “Geographic Focus”• Type of Support

Researching Potential Funders, continued

• Resources– Print directories– Foundation Directory Online– Grantmaker web sites– IRS information returns – 990 & 990-PF

Part 2Preparing the Proposal

• Proposal contents• Writing the narrative• Packaging the proposal

Proposal Contents

• Title page and table of contents• Executive summary – 1 page• Narrative

– Statement of need – 2 pages– Project description – 3 pages– Organization information – 1 page– Conclusion – 2 paragraphs

• Budget • Appendices and supporting materials

Statement of Need

• Problem or issue to be addressed• Audience/community• Supporting facts and statistics

Project Description

• Goals• Objectives

– S (pecific)– M (easurable)– A (chievable)– R (ealistic)– T (ime-bound)

Project Description, continued

• Methods• Staffing• Collaboration• Replicability

Project Description, continued

• Evaluation– Formative: analyzing the process

– Summative: measuring the outcome or product

Organizational Information

• Mission and history • Programs• Board and staff

Conclusion

• Final appeal for your project – What you will accomplish – Why it’s important– Who will benefit

Executive Summary

• When to write it• What to include

– Statement of need– Goals and objectives– Costs of the project and amount requested– Background on your organization

Appendices & Supporting Materials

• Financial documents• Board and staff• Supporting materials

Packaging the Proposal

• Cover letter • Proposal• Appendices and supporting materials

Variations

• Funder’s own application form?• Initial contact

– Telephone call?– Letter of inquiry?– Full proposal?

Follow the funder’s guidelines!

Help from the Foundation Center

www.grantspace.org

For More Information

• Resource list is available athttp://foundationcenter.org/course_ materials/free_training/