Focus on innovative ideas. Clearly state how this proposed program will make a difference for students.
Be sure relevant school personnel and central office staff recognize the need for pursuing grant funding and are supportive of the application. Bring in all key stakeholders at the initial stage; be open to suggestions; and find out what others can contribute to the concept.
Prepare a draft of the budget early in the process. Include strategies for continued success after grant funds expire. Make sure that the program and the budget align.
Read the request for proposals (RFP) carefully. Create an outline of the criteria and expectations of the funding source.
Like the concept paper or letter of inquiry the proposal contains very specific information. Proposals usually follow a standardized format with the following eight sections:
Statement of the Problem: Include information gathered from needs assessments and demographic data. Discuss trends that highlight the urgency of the issue, and clearly state how the program will affect academic achievement. Cite achievements to date and how the proposed program will build upon success.Goal (The inverse of the problem): Clearly state the changes in skills, behaviors, and attitudes that you hope to achieve as a result of grant-funded activities. Show clearly how your goals are aligned with the goals of the potential funding source.
Objectives: Objectives are measurable milestones that indicate progress toward the goal and say what is to be accomplished. For example, 60% of all eighth graders will pass Algebra I. All objectives must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-limited.
Activities (the solution to the problem): Summarize how you propose to meet the stated need. How will you meet your objectives? List activities and create a timeline of events that shows that you have a solid work plan for the proposed project. Explain the resources you will use. Demonstrate that the project is well designed and will be well managed.
Key personnel: Introduce the key persons involved and briefly state their qualifications. Describe the roles and responsibilities of key personnel.
Evaluation: Indicate how you will measure progress toward each of the stated objectives. Focus on measuring changes in skills, behaviors, and attitudes rather than describing and assessing your activities. Specify who will be responsible for the evaluation and what methods will be used to ensure timely, continuous collection of evaluation information. Build evaluation in from the beginning rather than waiting for the end of the project. Evaluation and goal setting go hand in hand.
Budget: Make sure you request sufficient resources to complete the project. Make sure that the budget is consistent with the program or project. The funding source will want to know that financial resources fully support the proposed activities and will be used efficiently and effectively.
Plan for Continuation: Explain how the program will continue after the grant funds expire.
Make sure the budget and program match.
Ask others to review the proposal for clarity. Use their feedback and suggestions to make improvements.
Remember to include a brief abstract (usually 250--500 words) The abstract should be drawn from the body of the proposal and give a sentence or two from each of the eight areas outlined above. The abstract should be able to stand alone. At a minimum it should state the need, the goals, the objectives, the activities, and indicate the level of funding needed.
One Page Cover letter:
One Page Abstract (Executive Summary)
Narrative:
Budget
Attachments:
12) Receive funding
When you implement the program, continuously evaluate it, make needed improvements, and inform and involve the funding source.
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