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LIS 450RRL: GRANTWRITING AND FUNDRAISING
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Overview. This one page document will provide a summary of one of your ideas for a grant proposal. It should consist of four paragraphs showing the context, the problem or need, the proposed solution, and the total estimated cost.
Paragraph 1 - The Context. This paragraph should define the setting for your project. It can include the name of a specific organization, its geographic location, its mission, and its clientele. It might also include its size and organizational structure, plus any special aspects. Note: This can be a summarized version of your organizational description.
Paragraph 2 - The Problem. This is the most important paragraph. Here you will describe the need that exists or the problem to be solved (or the creative idea that the world is waiting for). Remember it is not the problem or need of your particular organization; rather it is the broader social need. (In other words, the need should arise from outside rather than inside) You may want to include in this paragraph one or two key statistics, or some expert opinion to help document the case that the problem is an important one. Note: This is preliminary so don't spend too much time on it; you will be expanding this in the Needs Statement later.
Paragraph 3 - The Proposed Solution. Here you will describe some criteria for a good solution to the problem outlined above. You might do this by specifying objectives that would satisfy the need. Follow the criteria with a brief description of your own solution which will, presumably, meet your specified objectives and/or satisfy your criteria. Also indicate in this paragraph what method or approach you will use to accomplish your proposed idea. Note: Remember the preliminary nature of this exercise. However, the more you can think through now the criteria, possible alternative ways to satify it, and selected methodology, the more helpful it will be to you later.
Paragraph 4 - Estimated Cost of the Project. In this paragraph, identify existing capabilities in your organization (for example, staff or facility) and then state whether this is a small grant proposal (less than $5,000), medium ($5,000 to $50,000), large ($50,000 to $300,000) or very large grant proposal (over $300,000). Note: You can use the questions below to assist you in calculating a estimate for your project if you wish. You may want to refer back to these questions later in the course when you are developing more precise cost estimates for your budget:
Budget Worksheet Questions.Note: If you are having trouble estimated size of the project, answer some of the questions listed above and I'll help you estimate.
- How much time will the actual project activities take? (select the appropriate time unit (hours, days, months))
- How much time will the evaluative and reporting writing activities take at the conclusion of the project?
- How many and what level of additional staff people will be involved? Will they be full time, half time or for a certain number of hours?
- Will existing staff be involved? For what fraction of their time? Will their time be cost shared (that is, contributed to the project with value of time calculated and stated)?
- Will paid consultants be used?
- What furniture and equipment will be needed? Is any of it available? Will it be rented or purchased?
- What space will be required? Is it available? If rental space is required, how many square feet (or number of rooms, special space requirement) are needed?
- Are any special supplies needed?
- Is travel required? Overnight stays?
- Are there any additional special costs (e.g., advertising, training material, insurance, legal services, etc.)?
