Proposal Development

If you have a strong team when developing a new project or redefining a current one it will help strengthen the success of your endeavor. The grant writer may or may not be part of your organization, but should be part of the team as early as possible. This will aid the brainstorming process and provide expert guidance during the development stage. The grant writer can also move things along by providing a concept paper to keep the team on track.

One of the most helpful ways to look at your proposal or project is to break it down into three manageable stages of development.

1. Ideation
2. Development
3. Writing and Submission

Ideation
Before setting your keys in motion, you need to identify the need for your project and the viability of getting support.

• What is the need? Who will benefit?
• What are your goals for the project? Short-term? Long-term?
• Can the organization support this project?
• Does your project have "mission-fit"; does it fit your organizaton's mission?
• Can you achieve the fundraising goals to support this project in the future?
• Is leadership involved? Can you staff this project?
• Is there a similar program elsewhere in your community?

Development
Once you have established that you want to move forward with your project, it is time to develop the framework that will make it winner.

• What is the cost for this project? Create a projected budget.
• Create a list of prospects who fund your type of project.
• Review current donors to see if there is potential for support.
• Who will manage or lead the project?
• What additonal staffing is required?
• Define the project/program goals, costs, evaluation tools, and measures for success.

Writing and Submission
Now that the idea has a few good legs to stand on, the actual writing can begin. Assuming you have found a funder who you want to submit your proposal to, the following should occur:

• Read and re-read the funders guidelines and follow them!
• Gather required attachments: IRS Determination Letter, Annual Report, Letters of Support, etc.
• Craft a well-written and persuasive cover letter.
• Plan time for drafts and reviews among your team and leadership.
• Coordinate signatures from required staff (i.e. Executive Director)
• Follow-up with funder to make sure they received the proposal. (This is a changing practice, as some foundations do not want to hear from you until they make their decision. In this case, leverage your relationship with the program officer or other leadership to inquire about your request. Email is also becoming a more widely accepted form of follow-up.)
• Document your actions and keep a full copy of the proposal for your organization.

~Cheers!