INTRODUCTION:
For this project, you will identify a societal or industry need and create an innovative solution that requires great financial backing and support. Thus, you must request the help of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates of The Gates Foundation for development and funding.
Choose an issue you see in one of your communities. What is the need? Is it a non-profit start up who provides fresh veggies in your city? Is it funding for supplies to make cots for the homeless? Maybe resources are needed to bring music to a certain school in your neighborhood? Perhaps the students at UM-D need……. Do some initial basic web research and BE ORIGINAL.
A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Generally, a research proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the process and include sufficient information for the audience to evaluate the proposal (Wong).
HELPFUL:
Do spend time on The Gates Foundation website [http://www.gatesfoundation.org] to become familiar with their giving process, parameters, the previous awards and what they want to see in a proposal/request.
Most of your questions can be answered by the data on their website
Example: They will not fund individuals, nor contribute to a company’s profits
Consult the “Grant Seeking Resources” and “What we do not Fund” pages of The Gates Foundation’s web site and follow those parameters.
Show that you know your audience. They review hundreds of proposals, so you must stand out for positive reasons.
This is not an essay.
PLANNING WORKSHEET:
I have posted to Canvas a proposal worksheet that will help you think about the design of this document. Use it in the planning stages of your proposal.
SOURCE MATERIAL:
The librarians at Mardigian Library have created a subject guide for us specifically for this assignment. Check it out for developing a topic, doing research and for presenting your work. If you need assistance, contact our business librarian, Natalie Hagopian ****************** She knows all about this project and is ready and willing to answer your research questions.
REQUIRED:
Your proposal must include research.
Data from one already “Awarded Grant” as found on The Gates Foundation web site.
Secondary research of at least one professional source: (WSJ, The Economist, documents from the American Institute of Architects, etc)
A reasonable dollar amount for your request, based on industry norms. Research it. Don’t just say, “We need five million dollars.” Call on actual people, retailers, classified listings, and institutions in the field to gather accurate numbers.
Your proposal must include 1 or more images.
Your proposal must include one graph, diagram or chart.
Your proposal should be in labeled sections of your own design that reflect the content of your proposal data. Design them yourself.
Your proposal must include (in this order)–
cover page,
an executive summary (hint: write this last)
three middle pages consist of text
final page is reference page.
All documented sources must be in APA style in the proposal and on a reference page.
STUDENT SAMPLE:
One is posted to Canvas.
SAMPLE FORMAT:
A chapter from Strategic Writing will serve as guides to the structure and format of the proposal. Use the student sample to see what a finished product looks like. You can always refer to the Style Guide for this class (Week 2 Canvas).
RUBRIC:
50% Content: summarizes situation/problem clearly and with correct tone. Detailed explanation as to how a grant will correct a situation. Thoughtful discussion.
20% Research: Mentions one Awarded Grant. Includes professional source material. Source is well-synthesized and integrated into your essay. Cited in-text and on a reference page.
15% Funding: Presents honest, itemized and detailed break-down of resources needed. Specifically, identifies resources, equipment or support. Funding amount seems reasonable and can possibly be supported by research.
15% Components and Graphics: Includes cover page, exec summary, and an APA Reference page. Organized in labeled sections. Features appropriate image, quality graph/diagram/chart which help to clarify request.
GRADING:
It will be graded on a 100 point scale and it’s worth 25% of your overall course grade.
FORMAT:
Typed, double-spaced text (yes, double spaced for this particular document, making it easier to skim)
Length: 6 pages total. 3 pages of body
1 Title Page
1 Executive Summary page
3 Body pages (includes image, graph/chart, source material, one past awarded Gates grant)
Intro
Current Situation/Issue
Project Plan
Organization Description/Qualifications
Costs
Conclusion
1 Source page
12 Point Times New Roman or 10 point Arial font
APA formatting for paper set up
APA style Reference Page which lists your sources (including The Gates Foundation web page)
