Grant Proposal Anatomy 101

Here’s a lesson in grant application anatomy 101. A successful grant application is one that is thoughtfully prepared, organized and concise. A solid application has the following components;

1. Project Summary
Describe the overarching goal of your project; including how much money it will cost, how many years it will take to complete and the audience reached

2. Project Description
Describe in detail what your project will achieve (i.e. how your goal will be achieved and how your project meets the goals of the grant program).

3. About Your Organization
Explain the knowledge and experience your organization has to successfully achieve your overall project goal. Include resumes for each key contributor.

4. Project Budget
Provide a detailed spreadsheet with narrative to support the requested items or activities (personnel/salaries, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contract costs, and indirect costs).

5. Project Outreach Strategy
Explain how you will publicize the work you are doing (i.e. via local newspapers, conferences or newsletters).

6. Demonstrated Financial Need
Explain why other funding sources cannot fund all of the proposed work. List all other sources of funding that are or have been sought for the project.

7. Project Evaluation
Explain how you will measure the success of your project through the collection and documentation of information about your project’s outcomes. These outcomes may be the number of students reached or schoolyard habitats installed.

Extras
• Letters of support
• Resumes of personnel
• Examples of products or programs to demonstrate credibility