Transcript Proposal/Grant Writing Workshop

Day 1
November 6, 2006
Bren School of Environmental Science and Management
Kate Kokosinski
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Proposal Writer – Clipper Windpower Development
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Writing Consultant – Bren Writing Center (now Bren
Communications Center)
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Types of proposal prompts
Group exercise
Document preparation
Group exercise
Idea development
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Request for support to perform work
Includes:
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Why the work needs to be done
What will be done
How it will be done
Why you specifically should do it
How much it will cost
Known?
Unknown?
Needs to be known?
How will you do it?
Why you?
Cost?
Big picture?
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Funding proposals
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Concept proposals
Funding agency:
 issues RFP (request for proposals)
 requests information in specific format
 awards money to recipient to complete scope of work
Examples:
 Fellowship prompts
 RFP from federal government or utilities
 RFI (request for information)
 Conference funding request
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Request for idea or concept
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Reviewing body approves/endorses idea without
necessarily providing funding
Examples:
 Group project proposal
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Although examples structured differently, all typically
request similar information
Sometimes convoluted
Pay attention to detail
Must address everything, including formatting
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Split into groups of five
Read prompt and use highlighters to identify elements
you think are important
Answer following questions:
1. What is your prompt requesting?
2. What are your first reactions after thumbing through
the document?
3. Are expectations clearly outlined?
4. What are important elements/what did you highlight?
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Description of the program
What/whom does it exclude?
Available funds
Page length
Deadlines
Contacts/resources
Review and award criteria
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Now switch prompts with a group sitting next to you.
Take some time to read the new document and highlight
important points.
Answer the following questions:
1.
What is the prompt requesting?
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How is this prompt different from the first?
3.
Are there any similar elements?
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Executive Summary
Who’s eligible
Background Information about Company
Project Descripton
Timeline/Project schedule
Budget/Budget justification
Organization’s Prior experience
Legal constraints
Deliverables
Rights
Contact Information
Methodology/Approach
Break
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Typically come to a point where all proposal elements are
summarized
Important to familiarize with document – will refer back
to RFP numerous times
Do background research – look up terms
When reviewing RFP, think about if you should respond
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If you decide to apply there may be some pre-proposal
activities to complete
◦ Notice of Intent to Bid form
◦ Pre-bid conference
◦ RFI/pre-proposal submission
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Collaborative effort
Track down information from others
Need #s and data as supporting evidence
Time management
Set targets
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Make a checklist
When working with others make an action item chart
Create preliminary word document with placeholders
Section
Description
Responsible Party
Deadline
4.5
Technical Proposal
Form
Kate
11/9/09
4.6.1
Ownership
Arrangement
Matt/Kate
11/9/09
4.6.4
Delivery of Power
Jon/Kate
11/9/09
4.6.5
Environmental
Compliance Plan
Casey
11/9/09
4.9
Project Schedule
Jon
11/9/09
Submission of
Kate
original and three
hard copies with two
electronic copies on
CD-ROM
11/16/09
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Be aware of your audience!
Consider your reader’s needs
Provide appropriate background information
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Get into your same groups and think about the audience for
your prompt.
If you have a laptop, feel free to research the organization.
Answer the following questions:
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Who is your audience?
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What does the organization do/what is its #1 concern?
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What types of questions would you ask when researching the
organization?
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How does this information help you write your response to
the proposal?
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Do a quick internet search
Call the organization and talk to someone
Look at recent projects or programs the organization has
initiated
Look at examples of projects that have recently been
funded
Read its mission or vision statement
Read press materials
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Big picture – selling an idea or product
Evidence is key!
Assume the role of your reviewer
Address the problem
Issue-oriented
Fellowship application
 Agency is concerned with conservation of critical habitat
 Asks about future career goals
Self: I would like to conduct field work with an
environmental NGO, because I have always had a passion
for the outdoors.
Issue: I envision myself pursuing a position with an NGO
similar to the Sierra Club, enacting change via local
participation in habitat restoration projects like those
undertaken in the Santa Ynez Valley.
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Understand what RFP is asking
Do research and audience analysis to set the stage
Get organized
Enlist others
Prepare document
Develop ideas
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Going to look at examples of effective proposals
Using what is known about organization/audience, writer
constructed a convincing issue-oriented argument
Please read GP proposal RFP
Kate Kokosinski
[email protected]