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Employment Programs | Business Enterprises | Transition/Internship Programs | Grant Writing | Research

Demystifying the Grant Proposal Process

Many folks worry about how to apply for a grant. They may feel that it is beyond their reach to put together a proposal. Let’s face it; most of us have not had much experience in writing a formal proposal. It is not a format usually taught in English classes, and it is sometimes offered only as a one-day review in a college business or public administration curriculum. So who knows how to put together a grant proposal? You do. Anyone can assemble the parts of a grant proposal. Break the process into sections, assemble your Agency plans into the proposal parts and altogether you have a proposal.

A Grant Proposal is:

• Several sheets of paper upon which words and numbers are written that fully explain a project

Don’t make it hard! Just remember this is a forum to communicate all the details about an exciting project your Agency is starting.

2+4= Proposal
It is important to remember that the Proposal is just several sheets of paper arranged to explain a project. For the Grant Process at The Able Trust this means a proposal no longer than six pages. The Cover Page and the Budget Page each count as a page, so you are left with a Proposal Narrative of four pages. These two pages plus the four pages equal the proposal.

How to get started

Identify a Program – for some, this is the hardest part. Most agencies have so many quality projects or ideas that need some program planning and grant writing attention it is hard to know which one to do first. But a selection must be made. Pick a project about which the grant will be written. This is especially important for The Able Trust, as only one proposal for one project can be considered during a Grant Committee Meeting. It is up to you to pick the project that needs to be created or expanded to meet the needs of your agency.

Project Planning – once a project selection has been made it is time to plan for the creation or the growth of the program. This is the heart of your proposal and the place to make your program shine. Don’t forget to include:

• Need – identify the need that the program will be addressing. How has this come to the attention of the agency? What recent data or experience or knowledge do you have to substantiate the stated need. State your facts and figures, but don’t overdo it. Also, an important component is to state clearly the geographic area the agency will be serving and for individuals with what types of disabilities.
• How does it work? Create a picture of what the client will do as they transition through the program. Where will the client come from? What are the steps they will they be engaged in during the program? How will they graduate from the program? What will they obtain by completing the program?
• Evaluation – evaluation is important, but keep it simple. How will the Agency know the quality of work they are proposing to be engaged in for the grant year? What are the milestones? How will they record the completion of activities?

Budget – The project narrative and the budget are documents that support each other. Activities listed in the project narrative should be financially supported by the budget. The budget should contain all sources of definite and probable funding. Don’t forget to show how your agency is supporting the project with in-kind support such as office space, paper, pens, utilities, additional staff – in whatever way the agency is projected to support the project. The budget should not contain items not mentioned in the project narrative. For The Able Trust it is important to remember that we cannot consider the purchase of vehicles, real estate, capital improvements, fellowships, travel and scholarships.

Writing
It is very important to follow the grant program guidelines pertinent to wherever the Agency is applying. For The Able Trust grant program it is important to download the Grant Program Information Booklet , and follow the format listed in the book. Use the guidelines to develop the proposal in the correct format.

Once a draft is completed circulate it among at least 3 reviewers. These reviewers should be Agency staff that would possibly be working on the grant program and at least one person completely unfamiliar with the program. If your reviewers understand the program then your Draft is ready. But if your reviewers have many questions, try to incorporate further explanation into your draft. During your review, make sure that items mentioned in the proposal are listed in the budget and items from the budget are in the narrative. Also, add the numeric columns to see if the totals listed are correct.

Companion to the Proposal – Supplemental Materials
Don’t forget to include in the Grant Proposal Package all of the items listed as Supplemental Materials. Only submit 1 copy of each of the items.

Submit the Completed Proposal – The Able Trust has no deadlines, and that means whenever you complete the proposal send it in. Once it is received it is reviewed for eligibility and placed on the agenda for the next Grant Committee meeting. The committee meets four times a year so an answer to your proposal is just 1 to 3 months away, depending on when it was received.

Questions? – If you have questions, ask! Email: guenevere@abletrust.org or in the state of Florida call toll-free: 888-838-ABLE (2253).