One of the steps of the grant process is to prepare a general proposal. The focus of this course will be that one step. Most funders want the same information; however, they use different wording. In this course we will consider each component that is usually part of a grant proposal.

It is very important when you are applying for a grant that you thoroughly read a funder’s guidelines and follow their specific format. Ensure you include only and all the specific information they request. One way to ensure that you will NOT receive funding is to NOT follow the funders specific format. Download this example of a funders application.

The components of a grant proposal usually include:

• Cover Letter, Title Page and Abstract- This provides an introduction and overview to the proposal.
• Needs/ Problem Statement – This describes the population or community that will be served and the problem or need that is to be addressed. This section is usually supported by literature.
• Project Description – this describes the program, it history, and includes the following components:

o Target Population- the population that is directly being served

o Goals and Objectives- list of program goals and objectives

o Implementation Plan – a detailed description of the approaches and methods used in the program, usually supported by literature

o Timeline/ Scope of Delivery plan- a detailed plan of activities with corresponding schedule

o Staff and Administration- a detailed list of the staffing and job responsibilities.

• Evaluation Plan- this explains the measurement procedures that will be used to determine if the goals and objectives are being met
• Budget Request and Future Funding Plans – this itemizes the expenditures and includes a rationale or justification for expenses. This section also includes a description of other funding sources and indicates the plan to continue the program beyond the funding period.
• Applicant Capability- this describes the ability of the grant writer to accomplish proposal using past performance and qualifications as support.
• Appendix

o Support Letters – these are letters from community members, organizations, program participants, and schools that show support for the program

o Understanding memoranda – if there are co-applicants, they provide a written understanding of their cooperation

o Additional Documentation – this may include any further documentation that the funder requests.

Adapted from Yuen, F. K. O., & Terao, K. L. (2003). Practical grant writing & program evaluation. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Each of these components are more fully explained in your textbook in chapter 3.

Additional resources outline the basic components of a grant proposal:

• Minnesota Council on Foundations - http://www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm#Intro
• Non-profit guides- http://www.npguides.org
• Tips for Writing a Proposal

*It is highly recommend that you visit both sites and read the document.

FYI: When writing a grant proposal, writing style and format are very important. A grant proposal with poor grammar and style will NOT receive funding.