Week 8.3 Paper

Hi students,

For 11.2, the proposal: use the template that is provided. It's in a Word document, and you can use the actual document. You'll need to use the Coley & Scheinberg text to help you with some of the sections. Cover page: In addition to the information at the top, list the amount of the request and a sentence (maybe 2, but no more) about the purpose. (4 points)

For the Funding Request Section: (65 points total)

Needs Statement: Begin with the Needs Statement from last week. I provided feedback to everyone, so try to incorporate it into your proposal. Just use the Needs Statement itself, not the information about the organization or the conclusion. The Needs Statement should be less than a page. (20 points)

Project Description: This is where you provide details about your project. (20 points)

Population Served: - who is your target population? Provide some details here. Projects providing services to under-served populations are more likely to be funded. (5 points)

Effect: This section is really about outcomes. What do you expect to happen? Will this project change behaviors, attitudes, beliefs? Again - use the textbook to help you with each of the sections. (5 points)

Work Plan: This is most successful either in a table or a bulleted list by quarters, so the funder can see your plans. It's ok if the first quarter is spent advertising, gathering information, hiring, etc. That is to be expected. (5 points)

Evaluation Plan: This section is to show how you will know when the project has been successful. This often means you may need to do a pre-evaluation or have some data you can use for comparisons once the project has been in effect for close to a year. (5 points)

Sustainability: Some of you are requesting something that is mostly a one-time expense. That will require less information about sustainability. Other on-going projects will require much more explanation. Most grants are for one year, and a few are for 2-3 years, but there are not usually ongoing. Funders want to know how this project will continue without their financial support. (5 points)

The Background Section is pretty self-explanatory - you can use some of the information from the Needs Statement organizational information. (15 points)

The Financial Plan Section: (35 points total) I actually do the budget first, before I start writing my proposal, but not everyone does that. I want to be sure I've included every financial thing I think I'll need in the proposal, and I don't want to write about anything I haven't funded. Most funders have a range of funding. If they only fund $5,000-$10,000 there is no point in submitting a proposal for $25,000. Budget: (25 points)

Every proposal needs to include administrative costs - this is what pays for space, utilities, the HR department, the technology, etc. If it's not included in every proposal, there is no really good way to pay for these costs.

The line items listed are consistent with federal grants. They use these line items, and only these line items. Fringe is usually figured at about 20% of salaries, unless it's an organization with no insurance or benefits. Then it's more like 11% (taxes, unemployment, workers comp).

Budget justification: This explains every item in the budget. (10 points)

Please call me if you have questions about this project - 402-319-2895