How to write a grant proposal

A grant proposal speaks on behalf of its author, answers all questions that it might generate, and persuades the reader to the author's point of view.

General suggestions for effective proposal writing include:

Be creative and positive, state your idea with excitement
Don't promise too much or too little from your idea
Try to anticipate concerns of the reviewer and address them
Be specific and factual, be sure to avoid unsupported assumptions
Use positive words such as "will" not "would"
Keep reviewers level of knowledge in mind (i.e. don't use jargon)
Error-free: organizationally, grammatically, and typographically
Keep it interesting so your proposal stands out
Describe both the problem and the solution in detail
Don't make the Metz Grant Program the only source of funding for the project

Grant proposals should include the following contents:

Cover Sheet

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is where creativity should be used in order to get the attention of the reader. It will be easier to prepare if it is completed last.

Begin with project title centered as heading
Half page or less in length
Give description of organization—assume the reader has never heard of it
Include overview of the entire project, including proposed outcomes
State the problem without being too negative (don't make it seem as if it can't be solved)
Present total $ amount requested and project duration dates in bold below last paragraph

Table of Contents

Limit to one (1) page
Only necessary if proposal is more than three (3) pages

Needs Statement

Definition of situation or condition the program will address
Prove that the problem exists with quantitative evidence, which may require research
Provide documentation to help build the case
Motivate the reader to read further

Program Description

Objectives

Introduce with this type of statement: "As a result of this award, the following objectives will be attained," followed by a numbered list of specific projected results
Usually between one (1) and five (5) objectives
Objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely

Proposed Solution

Usually the longest section
Should be presented in a chronological, step-by-step format
Prove the feasibility of the project within the time frame
The use of diagrams and charts is recommended (no color)

Rationale

Describe why the proposed solution is logical and deserving of support
Present an argument that addresses the following questions:

Why is it important to get this done?
Why is your organization the best to do it?
How is your organization qualified?
What would be the costs of not doing this project?

Budget

The assignment of a $ value to an idea
Present in a clear and precise format
Divide budget into large categories with subcategories if necessary
Round to nearest whole dollar
Don't pad the budget, make reasonable and defensible estimates
Request what you need, not what you think you can get
Explain amounts that aren't obvious so that no question remains with the amount