How to Prepare Grant Proposals. Presented by. Kirk Brown, Senior Grant Advisor. September 2011

Transcription

1 How to Prepare Grant Proposals Presented by Kirk Brown, Senior Grant Advisor September

2 Purpose of this session To provide an overview of how to prepare a grant proposal: Grant proposal content: Objectives & Goals Description of project activities & action plan Results / Outputs Methodology / Justification Budget development 2

3 Top Five Reasons Proposals Fail 1. Not adhering to deadline 2. Incorrect application form 3. Project not clearly justified 4. No measurable indicators to quantify project success 5. Budgets not practical and realistic 3

4 How Do you Prepare a Grant Proposal? Review the proposed guidelines for the grant facility, to ensure that you determine eligibility and types of projects that can be funded. Review the application form to ensure that you have the relevant information available to complete the document. Determine the deadline and location to submit applications, as well as the number of copies to be submitted. 4

5 How Do you Prepare a Grant Proposal? Review the proposed guidelines for the grant facility, to ensure that you determine eligibility and types of projects that can be funded. Review the application form to ensure that you have the relevant information available to complete the document. Determine the deadline and location to submit applications, as well as the number of copies to be submitted. 5

6 General Proposal Format Generally proposals usually include all of the following topics: Project Title Project objectives Project Description Project results or outputs Methodology Justification Project budget 6

7 Project Title A general description of the activity that is to be undertaken or the intended result. The project title should be a end result of the proposed activities. 7

8 What are Objectives A plan to achieve a desired or tangible result. A detailed or specific activity that leads to improvement. Objectives shall be S.M.A.R.T: S specific M measurable A attainable R realistic T Timely 8

9 Objectives Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each objective you set. To determine if your objective is measurable, ask questions such as...how much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished? With no time frame tied to objectives there is no sense of urgency. 9

10 Objectives Objectives are precise. Objectives are tangible. objectives can be validated Example: Increase 2010 annual sales by 10% for 2011 Increase 2010 production output by 50% for 2011 Train five (5) personnel in quality management 10

11 Project Description The following approach should be undertaken in defining a project: A brief description of entities (i.e. firms or BSO) business including the type of products and services, clients, markets, number of employees, etc. A clear but concise description on the importance of the project and the need to undertake the proposed activity. Specifics on what the project will seek to achieve. 11

12 Action Plan An action plan illustrates the activity to be undertaken, the required resources and duration. See Example below: 12

13 Results / Outputs Why are results or outputs required for projects? Results or outputs are essential to validate the success of the project; specifically those that are measurable or tangible. Results demonstrate that proposed project activities are completed or beneficial. 13

14 Methodology What is a methodology? An approach or rules employed by a particular discipline to explain how a process is undertaken or information will be gathered. A particular procedure or set of procedures that outline how a action may be undertaken. 14

15 Methodology Why is methodology important for projects? It is a statement of intent on how the project will be undertaken, inclusive of the resources (i.e. financial, capital and human). The methodology will provide a clear insight to observers on whether or not the approach taken is the most appropriate one. 15

16 Justification / Relevance Why is justifying a project important? It can explain or illustrate that an project / action that is necessary. This should be supported by but not limited to market information, market research, consumer demands, market trends, etc. It provides detailed information on the importance of the project, its target audience or groups and most importantly the final beneficiaries. 16

17 Why is a Budget Necessary? A budget provides a clear indication of the goods and services to be procured for the project in achieving its primary objectives, as well as results. The budget must be credible or realistic in terms of costing of items The budget must reflect or support the proposed actions 17

18 Why is a Budget Necessary? No budget means that the project can not be considered or approved. The budget must reflect or support the proposed actions to be undertaken for the project. Inaccurate budgets can have serious implications for beneficiaries as the amounts allocated or stated for each item is final. 18

19 THANK YOU CONTACT: Kirk Brown Senior Grant Advisor Tel: (246) Fax: (246)

20 QUESTION & ANSWERS 20