Developing
a
grant
proposal
Preparation
A
successful
grant
proposal
is
one
that
is
well
prepared,
thoughtfully
planned,
and
concisely
packaged.
The
potential applicant
should
become
familiar
with
all
of
the pertinent
program
criteria
related
to
the
Catalog
program
from
which
assistance
is
sought.
Refer
to the
information
contact
person
listed in
the
Catalog
program
description
before
developing
a
proposal
to
obtain
information
such as
whether
funding
is
available,
when
applicable
deadlines
occur,
and
the process
used
by
the
grantor
agency for
accepting
applications.
Applicants
should
remember
that the basic requirements,
application
forms,
information
and
procedures
vary
with
the
Federal
agency
making
the
grant
award.
Individuals
without
prior
grant
proposal
writing
experience
may
find
it
useful
to
attend
a
grant
writing
workshop.
A
workshop
can
amplify
the
basic
information
presented
here.
Applicants
interested
in
additional
readings
on
grants
and
proposal
development
should
consult
the
references
listed
at the
end
of
this
section
and
explore
other
library
resources.
Developing
Ideas
for
the
Proposal
When
developing
an
idea
for
a proposal
it
is
important
to determine
if
the
idea
has
been considered
in
the
applicant's
locality
or
State.
A careful
check
should
be
made with legislators
and
area
government
agencies
and
related
public
and
private
agencies,
which
may
currently
have
grant
awards
or
contracts
to do
similar
work.
If
a similar
program
already
exists,
the applicant
may
need
to
reconsider
submitting
the
proposed project,
particularly
if
duplication
of
effort
is
perceived.
If
significant
differences
or
improvements
in the proposed
project's
goals
can
be clearly
established,
it
may
be
worthwhile
to
pursue
Federal
assistance.
Community Support
Community
support
for
most
proposals
is
essential.
Once
proposal
summary
is
developed,
look
for
individuals
or
groups
representing
academic,
political,
professional,
and
lay
organizations,
which
may
be
willing
to support
the
proposal
in
writing.
The
type
and
caliber
of
community
support
is
critical
in
the
initial
and
subsequent
review
phases. Numerous
letters
of
support
can
be persuasive
to
a
grantor
agency.
Do
not
overlook
support
from
local
government
agencies
and
public
officials.
Letters
of
endorsement
detailing exact
areas
of
project
sanction
and
commitment
are
often
requested
as
part
of
a proposal
to
a Federal
agency.
Several
months
may be required
to develop letters
of
endorsement
since
something of
value
(e.g.,
buildings,
staff,
services)
is sometimes
negotiated
between
the
parties
involved.
Many
agencies
require,
in
writing,
affiliation
agreements
(a
mutual
agreement to share
services
between
agencies)
and
building
space
commitments
prior
to
either
grant
approval
or
award.
A useful
method
of
generating
community
support
may
be
to
hold
meetings
with
the
top
decision
makers
in the community
who
would
be
concerned
with
the
subject
matter
of
the
proposal.
The
forum
for
discussion
may
include
a
query
into
the
merits
of
the proposal,
development
of
a contract
of
support
for
the
proposal,
to
generate
data
in
support
of
the proposal,
or
development
of
a strategy
to create
proposal
support
from
a large
number of
community
groups.
Identification
of
a
Funding
Resource
A
review
of
the Objectives
and
Uses
and
Use
Restrictions
sections
of
the Catalog
program
description
can
point
out
which
programs
might
provide
funding
for
an
idea.
Do
not
overlook
the related
programs
as
potential
resources.
Both
the
applicant
and
the
grantor agency
should
have
the same interests,
intentions,
and
needs
if
a proposal
is
to
be
considered
an
acceptable
candidate
for
funding.
Once
a potential
grantor
agency
is
identified,
call
the
contact
telephone
number
identified
in
Information
Contacts and
ask
for
a grant
application
kit.
Later,
get
to know some
of
the grantor
agency
personnel.
Ask
for
suggestions,
criticisms,
and advice
about
the
proposed
project.
In many
cases,
the
more
agency
personnel
know
about
the
proposal,
the
better
the
chance
of support and
of
an eventual
favorable
decision.
Sometimes
it is
useful
to
send
the
proposal
summary
to
a
specific
agency
official
in
a separate
cover
letter,
and
ask
for
review
and comment
at the
earliest
possible
convenience.
Always
check
with
the
Federal
agency
to
determine
its preference
if
this
approach
is
under
consideration.
If
the
review
is unfavorable
and
differences
cannot be resolved,
ask
the examining agency
(official)
to suggest
another
departm
