Developing the Idea
Start with the concept first— what you want to do — and what it will cost. Don’t write the grant just because the funds are available. Talk to your supervisor to get ideas and permission. Questions
Step 1. Complete a preliminary outline. This step is recommended for first-time grant writers and those with no more than a germ of an idea. The outline will help give shape to your proposal and will give the Grants Office and appropriate administrators the facts about your plan. Steps to Developing the Proposal
The outline is important for those who would like assistance from the Grants Office in identifying a potential funder. If your outline answers the following questions you are well on your way to drafting the application.
Answer the questions clearly:
- What is the problem you want to address? (Justifications with data)
- What do you want to achieve?(Goals/ Objectives)
- What do you want to do and why? (Activities)
- Why do you need the funder’s help to do this?
- Who will do what? (Staff structure & responsibilities)
- Who will be helped and how? (Demographics of clients)
- How will you do it? (Action Steps)
- When and where will you do it? (Time line)
- What supplies, equipment and materials will you need to implement it?
- What will it cost at all stages? (Budget)
- How will you know you achieved what you wanted to do? (Evaluation & Outcomes)
For a bigger grant put together a proposal development team and develop a realistic timeline and project outline. Proposals that are developed by a team are easier to write and have better chances of success.
Step 2: Draft a preliminary budget for the expenses you estimate you will have for the project Budget format
Finally: Call us to get help in finding a funder for your project. Ask us for help in locating a potential funder. Often grant announcements come through that are ignored because we don’t know there is anyone interested in funds for that funder’s specific interest. Tell us so we can build a “wish list” that includes you.