Key Components of a Proposal

Abstract/Executive Summary

This section provides a capsule description of the entire project. It should include a brief statement of the needs or problem being addressed, the methodology(s) to be employed in accomplishing the tasks outlined, project goals or expected outcomes, the time duration, and the approximate cost.
[2-3 paragraphs, 300 words maximum]

Background/existing base of knowledge

This section should reflect your scholarship and show evidence of a thorough research of the topic, including relevant literature search, and reference to external benchmarks and related measures.
[2-3 pages]

Statement of Need

This is the "why" of the project. One needs to convince the reader that the problem is real and that the proposer's rationale and methods will actually enhance the field, provide the service, or accomplish the stated objectives.
[2 pages]

Project Description

This is the "nitty-gritty" of the body of the proposal. It should include a reasonably extensive explanation of the problem, with sufficient technical background, as appropriate, a statement of objectives, detailed explanation of the methodology or techniques to be utilized, and evaluation measures.
[5-7 pages; longer for technically-intense projects]

Budget

Dependent upon the sponsor's preferred format, this may be incorporated within the body of proposal, submitted as a separate document, or contained within an attachment or referenced appendix. It should include a definitive line-item budget for all direct costs, and administrative or indirect costs, unless prohibited by the sponsor. The extent of individual cost items should match the scope of the project, reflect real or estimated cost burdens, and not be padded. Each major cost item should be accompanied by a narrative explanation of the basis of costs, and avoid jargon terms. Cost contributions, either "in-kind" or real dollars, may be required to be explicitly identified by some sponsors. If a multiple year project, a detailed budget sheet should be provided for each year, plus a consolidated or summary budget page totaling all cost categories.

[1-page/yr, plus narrative]

Organizational Information

This is required for most institutional or program applications; this material may be optional or deleted for some grant requests for individuals or fellowship-type applications. It should include a brief history and profile of major institutional characteristics, including its primary mission, operating activities, audiences, services, etc. Oftentimes accompanied by appendices, such as Board of Trustee lists, Annual Financial Reports, and related.
[1-2 pages]

Conclusion-Statement of Outcomes

This includes a summary of the main points of your project narrative, and a restatement or final reinforcement of the intended project goals or outcomes.
[1 page]

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