WRITE A GOOD PROJECT PROPOS AL?

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO…

EVALUATE THE OPPORTUNITY

• Two categories of consideration:

I. Organizational & programmatic evaluation

II. Practical considerations and RFP components

Before you even begin to prepare a proposal:“You’re starting with No…”

KNOW YOUR ORGANIZATION…

• Beware of mission creep!• Does this proposal fit w/in our mission?• Do the goals of the proposal fit w/in our projects?• Be careful not to create a project/program just to try and

compete for a grant…

• IF it fits with our mission…• Is the project ready to go? • Designs, permits, environment clearance.

• Can the organization handle the new project? • Staff capacity?

KNOW THE FUNDER…

• Research the Foundation• What have they funded in the past?• What size have most of their grants been?• What are their priorities?

• Remember - Foundations are non-profits too!

• Build a relationship with the funder• Call with good questions• OK to ask for feedback, not opinions

KNOW THE RFP

• Read the entire RFP before starting the application!• Follow all instructions (not just those that are

easy).• Understand exactly what is being asked and what

the program requirements are. • If unclear call for clarification.

• Know what type of funding requests are allowed• Program/project• Admin costs?

• Clearly explain your project – don’t assume reviewers know details you haven’t told them…

WRITING THE PROPOSAL

• It’s an art, not a science…• Have a compelling story to tell.• Why would the foundation want to fund your

organization?• How does it meet their mission, not yours…

• ALWAYS have a second person review the proposal (more if possible/needed)• Spell check; fact check; does story make sense?

• Letters of recommendation – • ONLY if asked for OR there is a compelling need.• Plan time to obtain• Offer to draft

MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS

• The relationship doesn’t end with the ask

• An honest relationship is the best

• Ask for feedback if proposal isn’t funded

• “No” isn’t the end of the relationship – it’s just the

beginning!

QUESTIONS?