i. why proposals do get funded or do not get funded why proposals do get funded –tangible reasons:...
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I. Why Proposals Do Get Funded Or Do Not Get Funded
• Why proposals do get funded
– Tangible Reasons:• Good Idea
• Well thought out program/well structured proposal
• Program matches goals of funder
• Why proposals do get funded (continued)
– Intangible Reasons:• Funder’s unstated priorities (“administrative
priorities”)
• Personal likes and dislikes of staff at funding source
• Current competition
• Why proposals do not get funded – most common reasons
• Problem does not seem significant to reviewer• Problem not properly documented• Client group not involved in planning• Proposal poorly written or unclear• Project objectives do not match funder’s objectives• Budget too large for funder• Program not coordinated with other programs in the
field
• Why proposals do not get funded – most common reasons (continued)
• Capabilities of organization unknown to the funder• Project objectives too ambitious• Guidelines of funder not followed• Little evidence project can sustain itself after grant
ends• Inadequate evaluation procedures• The reviewer has a “headache” while reading your
proposal…
• Qualities of a successful grant seeker• Communications skills
• Sales skills
• Ingenuity and flexibility
• Research skills
• Administrative skills
• Good human relations
• Persistence
II. Contacts With Funding Sources
• Contact Importance
• The initial contact- the first approach to a funder relative to your proposed project. When does the initial contact occur?
• Form of the initial contact – 4 options:• Personal visit
• Telephone call
• Brief letter describing your organization and the project
• A full proposal with details of the project
• Common Mistakes in Approaching Funders• Asking general questions that indicate you’ve not
done your homework• Calling the funder, describing the project over the
phone, asking if it sounds like something they would fund
• Sending a letter or proposal with no call or personal contact
• Failure to follow up phone contact or visit with a letter
• Common Mistakes In Approaching Funders (continued)
• Falling into the category trap
• Making a “cold” office call without prior arrangement
• Going outside proper channels
• Failure to take advantage of technical assistance
III. Technical Assistance
• Technical Assistance – Help provided to the grant seeker by the funder
• Kinds of help funders give:• Guidelines
• Other printed materials
• Administrative priorities shared
• Review process shared
• Kinds of help funders give (continued):• Help with money matters
• Advice about credibility
• New contacts
• Preliminary review of your proposal
• Copies of successful proposals
• Site visit
IV. Credibility
• Kinds of Credibility• Internal (organizational)
• Expertise connected with the project
• External
• Program Design Provides Proposal Structure
WHY - NEED
WHAT - OBJECTIVES
HOW - METHODS
COST - BUDGET
• Complete Proposal Structure• Summary
I. Introduction
II. Need WHY
III. Objectives WHAT
IV. Methods
V. Evaluation HOW
VI. Program’s Future
VII. Budget COST
• Proposal Functions• To sell your project
• To communicate an important idea or concept
• To communicate a plan
• To enter into a contract
• To provide the basis for evaluating the project
VI. Proposal Parts
• Summary – Provide a general overview of the project
• Introduction – Build a link between your project and the funder. Establish your credibility.
• Need – Focus on the specific need or problem of a client group. Document that need or problem.
• Need (continued)• Documenting the need• Needs Assessment• Statistics• Interviews with experts, • Quotes from experts• Interviews with clients• Letters from community leaders• Commissions, investigations, hearings• Books and studies• Projections
• Objectives – State what your program will accomplish (Ideally in terms that can be measured)
[Model for stating objectives: To…(action or accomplishment verb + single measurable result) Ex. To decrease the student drop-out rate at ABC Nursing College by 25%]
• Methods – Describe the activities that will bring about the objectives.
[Ex. Methods for the objective above (to decrease the student drop-out rate at ABC Nursing College by 25%) might be establishing a free tutorial system, personal counseling, and support groups]
• Evaluation – Outline the process to be used in judging the project’s success in bringing the desired change.
• Program’s Future – State how program will continue after funding ends. State how information about the program will be disseminated.
• Budget – Translate your methods into dollar costs.
• Categories: Personnel Costs, Non-personnel costs, Indirect Costs, Requested Funds and Donated Costs (“In-kind Contributions”)
• Some typical personnel costs:• Salaries (by job title, not individual)
• Fringe benefits
• Consultant and contract services (no fringes)
• Volunteer Services (usually donated)
• Travel– Local
– Out-of-town
• Some typical non-personnel costs:• Space costs
• Equipment rental, lease, or purchase
• Telephone
• Supplies
• Printing/graphics/duplication
• Postage
• Title Page• Title of Project• Name of your agency (i.e. agency submitting the
proposal)• Name of funding source receiving the proposal• Beginning and ending date of project• Total funds requested• Name, address, and phone of project director• Name, address, and phone of director of your
agency
• Title Page (continued)• When choosing a title:
– Be sure the title is appropriate to the funding source.
– Choose a descriptive title.
– Keep the title as short as possible.
– Be imaginative; try to make the title memorable.
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