Some top tips in crafting a Project (grant) proposal
Cover letter
People need to be inspired by a vision.
Summary
Write this at the end – repeat your best content
About the applicant
Don’t assume that the funder will have any knowledge of your initiative
Problem definition-justification
The power of evidence of need. it is not sufficient to say: “we know … we think….” back it up with relevant research
Target group/beneficiaries
Who benefits most from the project? Align to funder target groups – research and repeat.
Typical Project (grant) proposal elements
Objectives
Focus on impact – see example to follow
Activities and Methodology- Time Plan
Important to show your capacity to deliver
Evaluation (success measuring)
Shows you are serious about tracking your progress and achieving success
Sustainability
Important to show the funder investment in you will have a lasting legacy
Budget
A balance between getting enough resources to deliver the project and showing great value for money
Annexes
Letters of support, the evidence of need report, financial info
Focus on Problem Solving. How will this grant tackle a challenge?
Problem statement – why is your project important? Justified? What problem does it solve?
How did you find out about the problem, what’s the research, statistics?
Multiple problems? Prioritize and choose!
What are the causes, solutions? Final solution. Evidence is the difference in success and failure
Objectives, Expected Results
Overall objective:
long-term changes
Specific objectives:
reachable, specific, clear
Services or products
that will become available to beneficiaries
Even more specific
than the specific objectives
Examples:
materials printed, people educated, outputs created, events attended
Budget: know your finances
- Prepare your budget
- Quotations and tender process
- Know your people costs
- Know your overhead costs
- Calculate volunteer contributions
- Have your last year’s accounts ready?
- Financial projections – if needed, get a financial mentor or a volunteer to help
Sustainability – an opportunity to shine
- How will impact continue?
- Risks (internal, external)
Implementation:
- monitoring
- evaluation
- reporting
TIP – Usually applicants do not give this section enough attention
Whatever format funding, there is a moment when you will need to present your idea and ask for support. The better your presentation, your pitch, the better the chances are to be granted the funding and get the support you need.
Pitch deck is a set of free templates easily accessible on Canva.com, easily adaptable. They can be adapted to anyone’s needs, to pitch a business idea/project for potential funders.
Some Top Tips: Try a Pitch Deck
A pitch deck is a brief presentation, often created using PowerPoint, Keynote or Prezi, and this time we chose Canva, used to provide your audience with a quick overview of your business plan. You will usually use your pitch deck during face-to-face or online meetings with potential investors, customers, partners, and co-founders.
Some top tips
- Don’t assume that the funder will have any knowledge of your mediation initiative/advocacy, or background. Describe your project truthfully and fully
- Break down the requirements of the application into bite-sized pieces
- Think carefully about presentation; most funders will read many applications and if an application is easy to read and well presented it makes their lives easier
- Do not over-promise – you will one day have to deliver
- It always takes a lot longer to put an application for funds together than you think!
- Remember it is competitive – your best foot forward
- Write in an interesting way that captures the energy & spirit of your project (journalist style)
- The power of evidence of need. It is not sufficient to say: “we know … we think….” back it up with relevant research
- Show that your project is additional – not competing with others
- And last, but not least, definitely talk to the funding agency before you apply
