GRANT PROPOSAL ASSIGNMENT
Students will identify a problem/issue with/in a local San Diego community. Using the macro approaches we discussed in the class, you are to expand this substantive area and address it through the development and evaluation of a community based intervention proposal using an evidence-based approach. Students will identify a possible funding source (public or private) that matches your approach to addressing the issue. The finished proposal should be of a quality considered for submission to the actual funding source. 10-12 PAGES DOUBLE SPACED, 12 POINT TIMES NEW ROMAN FONT. Budget and cover page are not part of the page length.
1. Cover Letter (1 Page): Provide a clear, concise overview of the organization, purpose, reason for and amount of the funding request. Be sure to show how your proposal furthers the grant maker’s mission, goals and matches the funder’s grant application guidelines.
2. Executive Summary (1/2 paragraph): Summarize all of the key information and convince the grant maker to consider your proposal for funding. Introduce your proposal; present a clear, concise summary of, and the visual framework for, the proposed project/program. And include: Applicant contact information, purpose of the funding request, need/problem, objectives, methods, total project cost, amount requested.
3. Need Statement – may be called a statement of need or problem statement. (1-2 Pages): This is the meat of grant proposals, and where you must convince the funder that what you propose to do is important and that your organization is the right one to do it. Assume that the reader of your proposal does not know much about the issue or subject. Explain why the issue is important, and what research you did to learn about possible solutions. Include description of the target population.
4. Program Goals and Objectives (1 Pages): What does your organization plan to do about the problem? State what you ultimately hope to accomplish with the project (goal), and spell out the specific results or outcomes you expect to accomplish (objectives).
5. Methods, Strategies or Program Design (3-4 Pages): This section is where you walk the grantor through HOW you will achieve the goals and objectives you’ve set out earlier. Describe the process to be used to achieve the outcome and accomplishments in a rational, direct, chronological description of the proposed project. Explain who will carry out the activities, time frame and sequence of activities.
6. Evaluation Section (1-2 Pages): How will you assess your program’s accomplishments? Funders want to know that their dollars actually did some good. So decide now how you will evaluate the impact of your project. Include what records you will keep or data you will collect, and how you will use that data. If the data collection costs money, be sure to include that cost in your budget.
7. Other Funding or Sustainability (1 paragraph): Have you gotten committed funds from other sources? Or have you asked other sources? Most funders do not wish to be the sole source of support for a project. Be sure to mention in-kind contributions you expect, such as meeting space or equipment. Is this a pilot project with a limited time-line? Or will it go into the future? If so, how do you plan to fund it? Is it sustainable over the long haul?
8. Organizational Information/Qualifications (1-2 Pages): In a few paragraphs explain what your organization does, and why the funder can trust it to use the requested funds responsibly and effectively. Give a short history of your organization, state its mission, the population it serves, and an overview of its track record in achieving its mission. Describe or list your programs and staff personnel.
9. Budget (1 Page): How much will your project cost? Attach a short budget showing expected expenses and income. Use the Excel file in the Assignments section at Blackboard as a template. Enter there your program’s actual salaries, fringe benefits, general expenses, and administrative expenses (F&A) and the budget amounts for each.
10. Conclusion (1/2 Page): Present a brief, concise summary of your proposal that states your case, problem, solution and sources/uses of project/program funds.