The Framework Of A Successful Grant Proposal

This is the time of year when most organizations are gearing up for the submission of grant proposals.  Your lists of possible funders are prepared, suggested dollar amounts inserted, an outline of what you will be asking for is created, and a rough draft is being developed.  The list is prepared according to "likely" to "less likely" as you determine where is the best place to spend your time.  This prep work is crucial to getting the biggest bang for your buck.  Let's face it,
one of the things we realized again this past year is that we just don't have enough time to do it

all.  So we have to work not harder...but smarter.  Efficient.  Effective.

As you prepare your lists, please find below a summarized list of seven items in an effective grant proposal.  Space does not allow me to go into great detail so please feel free to e-mail me your questions and comments. 

· Cover page - tell the funder what is enclosed
· Summary Page - One page - summarizes the proposal with pertinent information such as who, what, where,
when, how, and how much $.
· Organization Mission/Vision/History - briefly tell them who you are - less than one page.
· Statement of Need - Why do you need the funds? What will it do for the targeted population?  Demonstrate it
is truly a need with hard data. - one page.
· Project Description  - What are the project goals? Objectives? (Objectives make up the overall Goal
(purpose)) Who are you collaborating with? Other possible funders?  Here is where you put in the detail.  2-3 pages.
· Evaluation - What will it look like when you hit your goals/objective and how will you be able to prove that? 
Excellent evaluations are key. Must have measurable results. Evaluations must be objective.  One page.
· Conclusion - re-summarize the proposal. Where will future funding come from?  Less than one-page. 

Ten Things to be sure you do...

Follow the funders guidelines to the letter
Don't miss deadlines and expect an exception
Do your homework about the foundation
Be unique/creative - separate yourself from the pack of proposals they receive
Be sure you are meeting a legitimate need
Provide all information that is requested
Be passionate
Provide hard data with anecdotal (stories) information
Be clear and concise
Be professional

To help you in your search, we have put together a directory of foundations that support Christian organizations.  If you
would like to order of a copy of this directory, please go to www.christiangrants.com.  You will see stories on the
website of some organizations that have ordered the directory and have been successful in receiving funding for their
ministries.  God Bless you in the work you are doing.  If you have been successful in obtaining a grant using the
directory I encourage you to let us know so we can share your testimony with others.  We can be reached at
chrgrants@aol.com --- thank you.