Writing Grant Proposals

Steps beforehand

1. Get background info on who has been funded for what and how much.
   Make sure it hasn't been done before.
2. Write letter requesting RFP (Request For Proposals)
3. Jot down ideas for your Proposal.

Developing the Proposal

1. Title Page

2. Abstract - Very important for approval
   250-500 words (1 sheet)
   Include:
   • Question to be addressed
   • Hypothesis
   • Data to be used
   • Expected policy implications

3. Table of Contents

4. Introduction
   Problem statement (repeat from abstract to remind them)
   Purpose, or Objectives, of funding
   Schedule for project completion (optional)

5. Qualifications of Proposer and Institutional Affiliation
   list attributes of institution affiliated with project

6. Personnel
   Explanation of proposed staffing (person/ years distribution)
   list influential names as consultants, include their VITA
   Relative experience of major personnel
   show you have administrative experience

7. Proposed Budget
   Show budget in tabular form
   Give justification for items
   • Write 2 para. or so explaining budgeted items and their size
   • They look for fat -- travel, conferences
   • List staff days by task (2,080 hours is an official year of work)
   • Draw chart showing sequencing of tasks

8. Appendices
   Letters of endorsement
   Statements of participation from those to be connected with project
   Bio and VITA sheets
   Reprints of articles, documents that are relevant
   Bibliography

How the Proposal is evaluated

Most common reasons proposals are rejected

• Problem addressed is of insufficient importance
• Methods used are inappropriate to goal stated
• Description lacks organization, not well thought out
• Inadequate experience for principal

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