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Proposal Writing Basics
What You Will Learn Today
• Getting started• Preparing the proposal • Submitting the proposal
The Proposal is Part of the Process
Planning
Research
Writing
Communication
Part 1Getting Started
• Planning• Researching potential
funders
International Grantmaking
Source: The Foundation Center, Foundation Giving Trends, 2011*Based on a sample of 1,384 larger foundations
International-Overseas Recipients
9.3%
Domestic Recipients
76.3%
International- U.S.-Based Recipients
14.4%
Domestic and International Grant Dollars
International Grantmaking
Health 41.5%
International Development, Relief 20.8%
Environment 10.6%
Subject Distribution of International Grant Dollars
Social Sciences 2%
Religion 2%
Source: The Foundation Center, 2011
Public Affairs/Society Benefit 5.8%
Education 5.4%
Intl. Affairs 4.2%Arts 2.6%
Human Rights 3.4%
Private Foundation Support of International Activities • Make grants only to U.S. 501(c)(3)s
– U.S. organizations with international programs
– “Friends of” organizations– Regranting intermediaries
• Make grants directly to NGOs– NGOs can apply for status– Equivalency determination– Expenditure responsibility
International Grantmaking
Getting Started
• Are you a credible nonprofit?• What kind of support do you need?• Do you have enough time?
• Official documentation in order• Sound fiscal management• Compelling mission• Effective programs and services• Strong leadership and governance• Partnerships and collaborations• Network of references
– Join formal associations of NGO organizations
– Network with groups with international contacts (universities, businesses, media)
– Establish an online profile
Building Credibility for International Organizations
Researching Potential Funders
Establishing the match• What you do: “Field of Interest”• Where you do it: “Geographic Focus”• Type of Support
Researching Potential Funders, continued
• Resources– Print directories– Foundation Directory Online– Grantmaker web sites– IRS information returns – 990 & 990-PF
Part 2Preparing the Proposal
• Proposal contents• Writing the narrative• Packaging the proposal
Proposal Contents
• Title page and table of contents• Executive summary – 1 page• Narrative
– Statement of need – 2 pages– Project description – 3 pages– Organization information – 1 page– Conclusion – 2 paragraphs
• Budget • Appendices and supporting materials
Statement of Need
• Problem or issue to be addressed• Audience/community• Supporting facts and statistics
Project Description
• Goals• Objectives
– S (pecific)– M (easurable)– A (chievable)– R (ealistic)– T (ime-bound)
Project Description, continued
• Methods• Staffing• Collaboration• Replicability
Project Description, continued
• Evaluation– Formative: analyzing the process
– Summative: measuring the outcome or product
Organizational Information
• Mission and history • Programs• Board and staff
Conclusion
• Final appeal for your project – What you will accomplish – Why it’s important– Who will benefit
Executive Summary
• When to write it• What to include
– Statement of need– Goals and objectives– Costs of the project and amount requested– Background on your organization
Appendices & Supporting Materials
• Financial documents• Board and staff• Supporting materials
Packaging the Proposal
• Cover letter • Proposal• Appendices and supporting materials
Variations
• Funder’s own application form?• Initial contact
– Telephone call?– Letter of inquiry?– Full proposal?
Follow the funder’s guidelines!
For More Information
• Resource list is available athttp://foundationcenter.org/course_ materials/free_training/
