I. Summary/Abstract
Prepared last, this should capsulize your entire Proposal Narrative. It should simply state the need you are attempting to meet, the population targeted for the benefit of your efforts, the outcomes you hope to achieve, the activities you are proposing to engage in, the people involved, the evaluation of your efforts and the cost of the entire project.
II. Need Statement
The need statement represents the reason for your project and provides the rationale for what you are proposing to do. It should focus on the "needs" of a targeted population. The needs and the proposed solution should be linked to the goals of your agency.
A. Description of specific problem targeted
This should clearly set forth the problem you intend to address. It should not be the "lack" of a program or equipment - those are solutions. The problem should clearly be that of the targeted population - must think through clearly what really is the problem/need.
B. Previous actions to deal with this need
This presents what you or others have done to address this need. Has it been addressed before? If so, what were the results
C. Supportive data/information verifying the need
This presents concrete data indicating the magnitude of the problem. It also specifies if anyone else has a similar problem.
D. Approach and benefit
This simply states the approach you are going to take to address this problem and what you hope to achieve during the project funding period
III. Plan of Operation
The Plan of Operation is the heart of your proposal. It contains your proposed solution to the needs, the project design, and describes what action you are planning to take to achieve the desired results.
A. Project design
This sets forth a "broad picture" of what you are proposing to do and expecting to accomplish. It clearly presents what your solutions are to the identified problem
B. Project structure
This presents the project you have planned in a systematic fashion. It highlights four essential components: goals, objectives, activities and timelines.
- Goals: Goals are "broad, general statements" of what you hope to achieve. They are long-range benefits you hope to attain. They state what will be different about the identified need.
Objectives: Specific and measurable statement which tell who, what and when and are all the intermediate state that must be taken in order to achieve a goal. There should be at least two objectives for each goal. There are usually "product" and "process" objectives. Product objectives relate to outcomes and process objectives identify milestones to be accomplished over the course of the project.
Activities: These are the methods and specific things you are going to do in order to achieve each objective. There should be at least two activities for each objective. The same activities can be used for several objectives. In describing the project activities, provide a rationale for why the activities were chosen and indicate their sequence.
Timelines: Any successful project planner has thought through the timeframe within which activities will take place. You can identify timelines for objectives and/or activities. The point is to indicate to the funding agent that you have thought through what you intend to do in order to achieve your goal(s)
Summary of plan of operation: It is highly recommended that a "summary" of the plan of operation be presented. It is suggested that a "chart" be used to present this information. A suggested chart is contained in a separate file on this diskette
IV. Management Plan
The management plan presents the qualifications of the project staff, identifies responsibilities for each staff person and indicates time commitment for each staff. It verifies how the project will come together. A Pert Chart or Gantt Chart is frequently used. It describes the staffing pattern, proposed staff and contracted consultants and identifies, if possible, the project director. It should also indicate, where possible, how this project relates to the organization that is seeking funding. An Organizational Chart is recommended.
A. Quality of key personnel
Presents the qualifications of those chosen to work in the project or specifies the qualifications of those that will be hired. Narrative of relevant experiences, education and training of the project director and other professional staff. Demonstrate that they have the skills and qualifications necessary for the proposed activities
B. Project Staffing - Time commitment
Actual time commitment of each proposed project staff is essential. The time commitment should match up to project activities.
C. Underrepresented Groups
It is critical to indicate that persons, specially those from underrepresented groups (i.e., minorities, females and those with particular challenges), will be considered for inclusion in the project.
V. Evaluation Plan
The evaluation design should allow you to examine both the process and the products of the project. There are usually to essential components to an evaluation plan.
A. Process (formative) evaluation
This portion of the evaluation measures the extend to which your program achieves its stated goals and/or objectives and the extent to which the attainment of these can be directly attributable to your project.. Objective data should be used wherever possible
B. Product (summative) evaluation
This portion of the evaluation measures whether the project was conducted in a manner consistent with your plan.
VI. Commitment and Capacity
Applicants are typically expected to show the importance of the project to them by making in-kind or cash contributions to the project. In-kind contributions may include such things as equipment, facilities, secretarial or administrative support, or staff time. Provide examples of your previous experiences with similar projects and any special expertise or equipment that can be used in support of your proposed project.
A. In-kind match
You need to specify the resources you will bring to the effort. Grant funds are only "seed moneys" that, when combined with other financial resources, can make a change in the existing need
B. Capacity of the organization
What is the capacity of the organization to carry out the project. Also, what is the capacity of the organization to continue the project, if it is successful, after funding ends.
VII. Budget and Narrative
Every proposal must have a specified budget and also a narrative that explains the rationale for each budget line item.
Summary Budget
Budget Narrative
