Strategies for a well thought out and

researched proposal

GRANT-WRITING 101

What is the NEED?

What are the expected OUTCOMES?

What is the METHOD OF DELIVERY?

Who is the POPULATION being served?

Who are the COLLABORATORS?

What are the expectations of the P.I.?

Who will be the FISCAL AGENT?

What is the MEASURE of success?

THE QUESTIONS

• The NEEDThe purpose of the project; the problem to be

solved.

• The OUTCOMESThe objectives of the project; the expected end

result.

• The METHOD OF DELIVERYThe solution to the problem; the plan of action.

Includes the people involved and a timeline of events.

THE PROJECT

• The POPULATIONThe people who benefit from the project; to

whom it serves.

• The PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (P.I.)The person writing the grant. Further level of involvement with project can vary.

• The COLLABORATORSThe outside groups and organizations involved

with the project.

THE PROJECT

• The FISCAL AGENTThe organization receiving and disbursing the

grant money. Who has the 501 (c) (3) status?

• The MEASUREThe plan for assessing and evaluating the

degree to which objectives were met and methods followed.

THE PROJECT

• Tax ID informationRequired for all federal and foundation grants.

• DUNS NumberRequired for all federal grants.

• The participating peopleThe Project Director and any other personnel

attached to this project and written into the grant.

THE INSTITUTION

• The organization’s grant policy Does the project align with the mission and values

of the organization? Who can be a P.I. for the organization? What time & effort is allowable?

• Supporting Documents Letters of Support Resumes List of Board/Committee Members Previously awarded grants

THE INSTITUTION

• Their program areasMay be limited to specific areas such as

environmental issues, K-12 education, certain populations, etc.

• Their service areaMay be limited to specific geographical locations,

areas of operations, etc.

• Their role & missionMay not align with the role & mission of your organization.

• Their funding historySheds light on what they prefer to fund.

THE FUNDING AGENCY

• EligibilityMay be limited to specific geographical areas,

or certain demographics (e.g. women, tribal governments, K – 12, etc.)

• Funding Parameters May have restrictions on what they fund (e.g.

operating support, equipment purchases, stipends, training, etc.)

• Technical Aspects

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

• Requirements and Expectations May require the project to continue beyond the

grant period. May require mention in all advertising.

• Reporting RequirementsFinal reports are required for all federal and

most foundation grants.

• Deadlines Application deadline Progress report deadline Final report deadline

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

• Clearly details how project funds will be spent.

• A line-item budget shows where each dollar is allocated.

• A budget narrative gives ample justification for each allotment.

THE BUDGET

• Problem/Needs StatementLists needs and problems to be resolved with

data to support claims.

• Project Goals/ObjectivesGoals are dreams; objectives are precise,

measurable outcomes with specific dates.

• MethodsDescribes the activities employed to achieve

results, including persons responsible and dates when methods will be completed.

GRANT PROPOSAL OUTLINE

• EvaluationPresents a plan for assessing the degree to

which objectives were met and methods followed.

• SustainabilityDescribes how the organization will sustain the

project after the grant period ends.

• BudgetGives a detailed, line-item, expense and

income summary of the project.

GRANT PROPOSAL OUTLINE