Final Grant Writing Project
Assignment 2: Final Project: Writing the Grant Part 2: Methodology and Evaluation Plans
The methodology section is one of the core components of the grant. This section is concerned with addressing the question: “How will you carry out the project?” (Gitlin & Lyons, 2014, p. 92). For example, if your proposal is for a nonprofit-related project, you might identify the population served or indicate who will receive services. Depending on the grant type, you may also include the research sample and associated inclusion criteria. A research proposal may also include the research design strategy, assumptions, validity, reliability, statistical analysis, timeline, and evaluation plans. Finally, in this section you may address human resources requirements and materials or supplies needed to complete the project.
In recent years, evaluation plans have become increasingly important to prospective funders. Competition for grants is intense, and funders must feel confident that money will be well spent and that projects can be appropriately evaluated. This is an important consideration for the grant seeker as well. Your organization will also want to be assured that the time and effort put into a project proves that the objectives are met and if not, why.
For this Assignment:
· Review the Final Project Guidelines provided in this module’s Learning Resources.
· Carefully review your Gitlin & Lyons text, the University of Wisconsin-Extension resource, and the Community Tool Box resource as well as other Learning Resources that focus on methodology and evaluation. You may also find additional online information from reputable grant-related organizations, such as Foundation Center and individual private funders.
· Remember that this content must demonstrate that it addresses funder interests as well as the grantee perspective.
In 3–5 pages, provide your Methodology and Evaluation Plans.
In developing the methodology for your project, keep these thoughts in mind:
· A project should undertake only activities that will move it toward the objectives.
· If any activities are not necessary for reaching the objectives, do not include them in the proposal.
· The methodology includes the day-to-day, week-to-week, and/or month-to-month activities that will be carried out during the project period.
The Methodology includes:
· Program description
· Research design
· Human subjects (sample)
· Study validity and reliability
· Assumptions and limitations
· Time line
· Analysis (and/or see Evaluation below)
· Non-personnel resources
· Facilities, supplies, technology, etc.
· Any non-personnel resources that will appear in the proposal budget should be described
· Personnel resources
· Who will be assigned or hired?
· Management plan (Work plan)
· Who will be responsible for which activities
· What is the timeline associated with activities (first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter, ongoing)?
· How will the project be managed?
The Evaluation Plan includes:
· Description of the specific criteria that will measure the success of the project
· Explanation of data that will be collected
· Verify if your grant application will require an institutional review board (IRB) approval.
· Explanation of the data collection plans at the beginning, mid-program, and final evaluation
· Evaluation instruments that will be used and an explanation of why these instruments were selected
· Plans for writing the periodic reports to keep the funder updated
Constructing a budget requires time and attention to detail. This section of the grant proposal should include the narrative or justification and the financial details associated with funding the project. While the tabulated costs address the financial requirements associated with the budget, the narrative or justification should explain anything that is not apparent in the itemized budget. Be careful not to get redundant with the budget narrative. It is best to review examples to understand the required balance. Finally, as you consider developing your budget, make sure that you have fully examined the requirements of the RFP. Determine the timeline of the grant as well as your activity timeline and management plan to ensure you have covered all the nuances of project work that has associated costs. Ask yourself: Does this budget reflect all activities? Are all the project costs as well as the in-kind donations and volunteer resources documented? Is this budget realistic?
For this Assignment:
· Review the Final Project Guidelines provided in this module’s Learning Resources.
· Carefully review the University of Wisconsin-Extension resource as well as other Learning Resources focused on project budgets. You also may find additional online information from reputable grant-related organizations.
· With consideration to feedback in Discussion 1 that you received from colleagues and your Instructor, and to your continued evaluation of the literature and funder guidelines, finalize your project Budget, Budget Narrative, and Sustainability Plan.
For your Assignment:
Part I: Budget Template
· Use the budget template provided in the Learning Resources.
· Fill in the budget template for your project.
Note: Rationale for costs will be provided in the budget narrative.
Note 2: Budget line items should consider the non-personnel and personnel resources listed in the methodology section.
Part II: Budget Narrative and Sustainability Plan
· The Budget Narrative expands on the line items of the budget, providing a reviewer detail and justification for how you arrived at the projected dollar amounts. For example: If hiring a consultant for $2,000 is a line item, the narrative might explain that this is based on 40 hours @ $50/hour.
· The Sustainability Plan explains how your agency plans to continue operating this program once the funding has run out.
· It also indicates where future funding and other resources might be obtained.
Note: All relevant cost issues from the budget are addressed in the sustainability plan.
Assignment: Final Project: Writing the Grant – Final Submission
Incorporating the cumulative feedback you have received from your Instructor, compile these Assignments into your grant proposal:
· Needs Statement, Goals, and Objectives
· Methodology and Evaluation Plans
· Budget, Budget Narrative, and Sustainability Plan
For this Assignment:
· Review the Final Project Guidelines provided in this week’s Learning Resources.
· Review your RFP. Keep in mind as you complete your grant proposal that you are writing, as much as possible, to reflect the requirements and focus of the RFP.
Note: If any of the Assignments required in this course are not required in your RFP, they are nevertheless to be included in your Final Project submission.
Review feedback you have received from your Instructor on Parts 1–3 of the Final Project. Incorporate this feedback as appropriate or desired into the final product.
The Assignment: 10–15 pages (do not include the APA reference list in your page count)
Compile the following into your grant proposal:
· Title Page
· Part 1: Needs Statement, Goals, and Objectives
· Part 2: Methodology and Evaluation Plans
· Part 3: Budget, Budget Narrative, Sustainability Plan
· Reference Page