Provides reader with a general overview of the main idea of the project and its importance
Although this section is brief, it is helpful to cite data from sources such as national studies, state/county statistics, or reports and statements from professional groups.
Goals/Objectives
Goal: reflects what will be accomplished as a result of the program. It is a broad statement describing the overarching purpose(s) of the project or what you seek to achieve by conducting the proposed program. Each goal has a specific set of objectives.
Goals may not necessarily be achieved during the project period; they may be longer term/bigger picture.
Objective: a specific outcome of the program that can be evaluated or measured. Should be written in such a way as to reflect a qualitative or quantitative measurement strategy. Usually includes words such as increase, describe, reduce, or enhance. Each objective is accomplished by conducting a number of activities.
Objectives are shorter term than goals and should be accomplished during the project period.
Activity: contributes to obtaining one’s objectives which lead to and define the goal.
Background/Rationale
Background on project team, institution, results of prior support
May cite important research reports, professional literature, local and national data, and other statistics that demonstrate a need for your project
May be justified through concise review of other similar projects or knowledge in the field, the need for further work, and the ways you will address the gap
Shows why your goals and objectives are important
Project Design/Approach
Detailed description of each step you’ll take to carry out project
Organized in a step-by-step, logical manner
Justifies the steps in your plan
Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, numbering, paragraph breaks, etc.
Management Plan/Timeline
Discusses roles and responsibilities of key project personnel
Discusses amount of time each person will devote to project
Provides the time frame in which each task will be carried out (via a timeline or Gantt chart, for example)
Project Personnel
Describes team members’ qualifications/credentials to carry out the work
For TBD collaborators, describes what skills/qualifications are needed and how you will select them
Evaluation
Measures whether/how project objectives were met
Can include formative and summative assessment
Check RFP to see if external evaluation is required.
A good plan usually includes the evaluator as part of the project planning process.
Include cost of evaluation in the budget.
Dissemination Plan/Marketing/Outreach
e., how will you share the results of your research/program? Or how do you involve and communicate with your community?
Presentations
Publications
Workshops
Websites, social media
Keep it up to date, even before proposal submission, in case reviewers check it out!
Always recognize sponsor and funding agencies on websites
Sustainability
Sponsors don’t want to continue funding the same thing year after year or be considered an ongoing source of funds.
Discusses plans for self-sufficiency after grant funding ends