Module Four: Grant Proposal Writing Process

Opportunity Evaluation

  • Assess if the appropriate number of outcomes exists and if they align with planned research methods.

    • Importance of alignment for grant proposals; reviewers identify whether methods yield proposed outcomes.

    • Advisability of consulting with a successful mentor in the proposal process.

    • Need to consider broader impacts of proposed activities by experienced grant writers.

Importance of Planning

  • Planning contributes to a focused approach regarding tasks, resources, and timelines.

    • Grant writers often spend more time planning than writing about the project.

    • Acknowledge that multiple ideas may arise over time during the planning phase.

  • Before engaging in partnerships or writing applications, consider the following questions:

    • Major Challenge: Does the project address a significant issue?

    • Innovation: Is the project novel and original?

    • Achievability: Are the goals and objectives attainable within a reasonable timeframe?

    • Evidence-Based: Is the project informed by research, best practices, or promising strategies?

    • Improvements: Can the project lead to fundamental advancements?

    • Professional Capability: Are competent professionals involved in the project?

    • Resource Support: Is the project backed by sufficient resources and institutional commitment?

Objective Development

  • Define and explain project objectives. Objectives should be SMART:

    • Specific: Clear and well-defined.

    • Measurable: Quantifiable to determine progress.

    • Achievable: Realistically attainable.

    • Realistic: Grounded in actuality, considering available resources.

    • Timely: Bound by a specific timeframe.

  • Well-articulated objectives demonstrate understanding of successful project criteria to potential funders.

Project Summary

  • Summarize the project effectively as reviewers read this section first.

    • Include:

    • Issue or need being addressed.

    • Project description and research methods.

    • Project evaluation processes.

    • Timeline and expected outcomes.

  • Often, grant writers draft the project summary after completing the application to ensure alignment with the full proposal.

  • Ensure that the summary accurately reflects the content of the proposal before submission.

Writing Clarity

  • Use headings in accordance with application guidelines to enhance readability and organization.

    • Disorganization can confuse or irritate reviewers, reflecting poor project planning.

  • Emphasize key points using underlining or boldface to attract attention.

  • Highlight the positive impact of the project on individuals, organizations, and communities.

    • Increasing project visibility is critical due to high competition for funding.

Expectations of Funders

  • Funders are interested in projects that leverage their investments; they seek outcomes that can be replicated.

    • Example: A successful pilot STEM project in one school can be replicated across multiple schools nationally.

    • Funders value evidence-based projects grounded in solid research and thorough evaluation plans.

  • Proposed evaluations should meticulously document project success and glean lessons learned from implementation.

  • Emphasize clear and concise writing throughout the proposal to facilitate understanding.

Funding Criteria

  • Foundations often prioritize projects addressing clear real-world needs.

    • Likelihood of funding increases for organizations demonstrating they can fill gaps in services, reach large populations, and deliver significant outcomes.

  • In the past, anecdotal evidence sufficed (e.g., testimonies), but contemporary funders desire rigorous qualitative and quantitative evidence of impact.

Innovative Approaches

  • Organizations, such as the Ford Foundation, seek innovative solutions for pressing issues.

    • Commitment to monitoring funded projects to hold grantees accountable for achieving innovative goals.

  • Proposals should articulate a compelling narrative detailing the identified need, potential solutions, and anticipated impact on communities.

Terminology Definition

  • Clearly define terms that may have varied meanings to enhance clarity for reviewers.

    • Distinguish between general and specific usage of terminology, particularly in technical or pedagogical contexts.

  • A well-structured definition aids reviewer understanding of proposed outcomes.

Research Integrity

  • Researchers must discuss the reliability and validity of their research methods.

    • Provide rationale for analysis extent planned within the project and summarize research limitations.

  • They may propose one or several expected research outcomes; each outcome should be thoroughly explained regarding its contribution to understanding the research topic.