Transcript Document
How to Write a Successful Grant Proposal PRESENTATION FROM THE SUCCESSBOOM CENTRE 2011 Key Objectives To be able to write an excellent proposal that will win funds 2 Importance of proposals 3 Financing annual operating budgets Raising funds for implementing programmes and services Implement new programmes and projects Communicating the needs 4 Identify the needs Identify potential donors, partners and collaborators Thinking Competitively 5 Planning Designing Writing Thinking competitively contd.. 6 Identify where you do things in a similar manner as your competitor Identify where you will do things differently Identify your strengths and weaknesses Overreaching 7 Don’t just write a good paper…..It should be practical and workable. The three “C’s” 8 Character – More than not having a bad record Credibility - trustworthy Collatoral – Legality and track record Organization Background 9 History Accomplishments Milestones Who does it serve? Demographic information Reputation Fiscal responsibility Mind the act of giving includes… 10 Faith Hope Charity Objective Short-term measurable and specific outcomes related to the problem Who are the beneficiaries? What needs confront the people? What problems are you addressing? What are the challenges faced by the people? How does your organization address these challenges? 11 Deadlines 12 Never leave the delivery of the proposal to the last minute. Always try to apply early within the application period Importance of position 13 What is the message to the prospective donors? What difference to the beneficiaries does your intervention make? How does competing agencies’ work fit with what you’re doing? Distinctiveness of your approach Keep in mind your donor The intended audience of your proposal Why are you writing the proposal? What are the donors hopes and fears, dislikes and needs Are the donors companies, individuals, trusts or foundations? 14 Testimonials and References Creative communications alone don’t convince sufficiently. What you need .. Testimonials 15 They give credibility Sacred cows 16 Never attack your competitor Application Follow procedures 17 Time Method Forms Language Co-Sponsorship of projects 18 It might be wise to apply from different organizations rather than one Double funding 19 If you apply to many agencies for the same need, let each agency know to avoid being seen as a cheater or extorter and ruin your reputation and chances to get funds in the future. People first 20 Donors want to help individuals thus the human value in any proposal should be of utmost importance. Request for Information 21 Request for information when you are not sure about the suitability of a request, the application format, the language to use, or the time to apply. Never beg If your projects are worthwhile, there is no reason for you to beg! 22 Partnerships Often, similar agencies establish a coordinating agency to assist. Example: Many Catholic organizations involved in development are members of CIDSE in Belgium. It is therefore important to know the partners in a given region. 23 Priorities 1. 2. 24 Focus on small-scale community development, training and empowerment Aim at what is called integral development Traditional Partners 25 Agencies that have supported you in the past will normally what to help you again. Getting an appointment with a donor Ask /seek the name of the appropriate person Get a referral Make an appointment (phone) 26 Sound confident Why you will never get project assistance 1. 2. 3. 27 You never applied You didn’t apply correctly You gave up too soon Project Proposal Outline Package to send to an agency must include a cover letter but don’t attach it to the proposal itself. 28 Project proposal outline contd.. Cover letter Title Page Table of Contents Summary 1. Introduction 2. Project context or justification 3. Problem Statement 29 Project Proposal Outline contd.. 4. Objectives 5. Anticipated outcomes or Results 6. Work scope or Implementation Plan 7. Project evaluation 8. Project Budget 9. Reporting 10. Project Sustainability – Future funding 11. Budget 12. Appendices, including time-table for 30 activities Good Luck! 31