information about the proposal in attachment
Required
Format of Proposals:
·
Cover Letter
Although
it is suggested that you write your cover letter last, you want to give it
good critical thought. Think of it as the front porch of your grant proposal.
How the Toomer Foundation feels about your nonprofit depends on this first
impression.
You’ll
want to address your letter to Ms. Shanell Toomer, MSW and briefly state
what your proposal asks for, and summarize your program. Keep in mind that this
will be your first opportunity to connect with the foundation who can fund your
grant. Make them care about your mission. This should be no longer than
one page.
·
Executive
Summary
The executive summary comes after
your cover letter. It helps the grantor to understand at a glance what you are
asking. The summary can be as short as a couple of sentences, but no longer
than one page. Aim to be complete but brief. The summary gives a taste of the
proposal to come and should entice the reader to keep reading.
·
Need Statement (3-4 pages)
The
statement of need is the meat of your grant proposal. You must convince
the funder that what you propose to do is important and that your organization
is the right one to do it.
Never assume that the reader of your
summary knows much of anything about the issue. Use your expertise to explain it, but
make it simple to understand.
Explain
why the issue is important, and what research you did to learn about possible
solutions.
· Evaluation Section(1-2 pages)
How will you
assess your program’s accomplishments? The Toomer Foundation wants to know that
their doll s did some good. Decide how you will evaluate the impact of your
project. Include what records you will keep or data you will collect, and how
you will use that data. If the data collection costs money, be sure to include
that cost in your budget. Many organizations hire an outside evaluator to get
an objective assessment.
· Other Funding or
Sustainability(1-2 pages)
Have you
received dedicated funds from other sources? Or have you asked other sources?
Most funders do not wish to be the sole source of support for a project. Be
sure to mention in-kind contributions you expect, such as meeting space or
equipment. Is this a pilot project with a limited timeline? Or will it go into
the future? If so, how do you plan to fund it? Is it sustainable over the long
haul?
· Information About You or Your Organization(2-3 pages)
In a few paragraphs explain why the funder
can trust you to use its funds responsibly and efficiently. Give a short
history of you or your organization, state your mission, the population
you serve (or plan to serve) and provide an overview of your track record.
Describe or list your programs.
Be complete in this part of your proposal
even if you know the funder or have gotten grants from this organization
before. Never take for granted that the person reading this proposal knows your
history.
