Fact Sheet: Guide to Proposal Writing

Fact Sheet: Guide to Proposal Writing

A proposal is a written request for a grant. Although you should carefully adhere to a foundation's specific guidelines, typical proposals will contain the following sections:

Executive Summary

The executive summary gives a brief overview, in one page or less, of the project. It should include the who, what, when, where, why and how of your proposal.

Introduction

The introduction provides information on your organization and its ability to complete the project.

Statement of Need

The statement of need should pique the funders interest in your project. It should provide compelling information about a deficit in your community, and it should also suggest that your project can help to meet this need.

Objectives

Objectives are the specific, measurable outcomes of your program. For example, "with Project Hope we will offer 10 hours of training to 60 members of the Asian community."

Method Statement

The method statement outlines the activities you will undertake to meet your objectives. For example, "Asian American consumers will be recruited at clubhouses and outpatient clinics. They will be trained according to the Copeland WRAP approach."

Evaluation

In this section, you explain how you will measure the success of your program and how you can improve upon your program if necessary.

Future Funding

Funders what to know that a program will continue after the funding period. If your program will become self-sustaining, say so. If not, you should explain frankly your plans to secure future funding.

Budget

The budget must carefully itemize all expenses as well as all sources of income.