What characterizes a good proposal?
Summary:
A close connection with the purposes of the funding is critical. Other factors matter too.
Answer:
Absolute adherence to guidelines. Clarity, simplicity, brevity. For
state and federal programs, you'll probably have to use the jargon they
used in the RFP, for foundations and corporation grant programs, use
plain language and define any specialized terminology you can't avoid
using. Include all documents requested in the guidelines. Make sure your
budget makes sense. Explain any apparent peculiarities in it.
A classic source of practical advice for grantwriters is Getting Funded :
A Complete Guide to Proposal Writing by Mary S. Hall of Seattle
University's Not-for-Profit Leadership program (http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/departments/ips/ipsnfpl.html). (Order
"http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0876780702/internetnonprofi">
Getting Funded
from Amazon.Com. A royalty will be paid that will help maintain
this site.)
Updated 10/5/99 -- PB
