Thursday, March 13, 2008

Keys to Writing a Successful Project Grant Proposal

There are various sections that are part of a standard project grant proposal. Project grants are for specific projects, and the grant dollars are to be used within a specific time frame verses a general operating or general purpose grant which can be used to support general expenses to operate the organization.

First of all, I make the assumption that as a grantwriter you have researched your funder to make sure your project fits with the funders mission and funding guidelines, you have made some initial contact with the funder and your project is a good fit. If it is, the next thing you must do find out if they have specific requirements in terms of application forms and documentation, as some funders prefer their own forms and/or cover sheets. Many funders will accept the Minnesota Common Grant Form which you can obtain via the Minnesota Council on Foundations website at www.mcf.org. Make sure you know what your funder prefers.

The various sections include:
1. Summary page or cover sheet
2. Organizational Information
3. Problem/Need/Situation Description
4. Work Plan/Specific Activities
5. Outcomes/Impact
6. Evaluation
7. Funding
8. Attachments

Holly Witt, NRS, Alexandria

No comments: