SOME TIPS ON PROPOSAL WRITING WHICH MAY BE USEFUL TO YOU IN YOUR PURSUIT OF FUNDING FOR YOUR RESEARCH



A. FOR THE SPECIFIC PROJECT:

1. Be sure that your project is relevant to the funding agency if a description of research is needed. If you are in doubt, call the agency directly.
2. Carefully read and follow the program's guidelines. These usually indicate what the funding priorities of the agency are, the specific format desired, criteria by which proposals will be reviewed, and other helpful information.
3. Project descriptions or proposal narratives should usually include the following sections unless otherwise stipulated by the agency or institution:

  • a. The introduction should contain a statement of the problem, its significance, and the proposed solution, if there is one.
  • b. The background should place the problem in perspective and include a review of the pertinent literature.
  • c. Specific objectives should be clearly stated, realistic and measurable, depending on your discipline (or area) and measurability of the research.
  • d. Research design or project methodology should explain the procedures to be used, the results expected, and the means to analyze or interpret the results. In general, the more details given, the better this section is from the referee's viewpoint.
  • e. A report on preliminary results, or pilot project, if one is proposed, can make a big impact on the reviewers.
  • f. A tentative schedule of the major steps ought to be included.
  • g. A description of the facilities available to the project, if necessary.
  • h. Plans for evaluation and dissemination of results.
  • i. A curriculum vitae for investigator(s).
    In general, language needs to be clear, simple, and to the point. Proposals need to be "sold"; that is one must convince reviewers that the research that one is doing is worthwhile. Explain why your research is worthwhile and significant, how it meets the agency's funding priorities, and what specifically qualifies one to carry out this project. In general, as well, do not omit anything of importance. If there is appropriate background information which would be helpful to reviewers, be sure to give it.

    IN SUM, REMEMBER THE FIVE SECRETS OF SUCCESSFUL GRENTSEEKERS!

    1. Get early alerts to the newest funding competitions, so you have plenty of time to prepare your applications.
    2. Follow the basic rules of porposal-writing that most applicants ignore: read application instructions carefully, follow them closely and call with the slightest question.
    3. Know the advanced rules of porposal-writing that help your applications win: a superior application will state a project purpose clearly, document its need compellingly, describe its uniqueness or appropriateness convincingly, set forth its methods competently and discuss anticipated outcomes with conservancy but confidently.
    4. Know that old cliches sometimes work: if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! To have the best odds for success when resubmitting a proposal, scrutinize the comments and criticisms of peer reviewers and program officials. Then revise your proposal accordingly.
    5. Have effective grant management systems in place. Successful grantseekers can learn how to conduct successful evaluations. Do not be caught off guard if grant auditors come to visit. You will have a track record you can point to with pride. The more experience you get, the more you may apply for more grants.

    FOR YOUR LONG-RANGE PROJECTS: (MORE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR EDUCATION GRANT PROPOSALS)

    Long-range planning:
    1. Be absolutely clear about the goals you want to reach.
    2. Establish a committee that involves staff, faculty, students, and board members.
    3. Set up a 5-year plan to give yourself long-range goals.

    Pre-application research:
    4. Get as much information as possible on the funder before applying.
    5. Demonstrate problems serious enough to warrant funding.
    6. Use the emotional approach sparingly.

    Working with the grantmaker:
    7. Locate and verify available funds (this could take up 40% of your time).
    8. Try to talk to the application reviewers if possible.
    9. Submit a 3-5 page summary to make sure you are on the right track.
    10. Manage your time effectively.

    Extra steps that can help:
    11. Obtain a list of grantees.
    12. Try to obtain copies of successful applications.
    13. Talk to previous grant winners if possible.

    Writing the proposal:
    14. Don't ask for more than you need.
    15. Write the proposal in phases, rather than rushing and losing focus.
    16. Never lie.
    17. Don't use the same application to apply to more than one source.
    18. If you have contacts in the funding agency, use them.
    19. Get to the point about what you want, and why.

    Preparing the application:
    20. Read the instructions.
    21. Assume the review committee knows nothing about your organization when writing the narrative.
    22. Prove your need for funding through statistics, testimony and case studies.
    23. Introduction should "grab" the committee.
    24. Be sure the problem statement is in three parts: statement of problem, objectives and methods for achieving objectives.
    25. Be clear about your goals, objectives and methods.
    26. Make sure your budget is realistic. It will probably be looked at first.
    27. Don't use jargon.
    28. Write a thank you letter, even if your application has been rejected.

    Clarifying your goals:
    29. Remember that objectives are end results.
    30. Determine result areas.
    31. Determine measurement indicators.
    32. Determine performance standards.
    33. Determine time frame.
    34. Determine costs.
    35. Use data in first six steps to write objectives for grant proposal.

    Cooperating with funders:
    36. Make sure your idea fits the funder's priorities.
    37. Anticipate what additional information the funder might ask you for.
    38. Review grants management circulars - they contain administrative and financial requirements.
    39. Find out in what format the funder likes to receive proposals.
    40. Don't apply for a grant if you can't complete your application on time.
    41. Request a list of past proposal reviewers.
    42. Consider joint applications- funders like cooperation.

    If application is rejected:
    43. Do not call up reviewers and criticize.
    44. Read review sheet carefully.
    45. Try to contact reviewer for some inside information for next time.

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