Grants for Technology

1. Grants for Technology Writing a Winning Proposal Cindy Collins ETEC 665

2. Writing a Technology Proposal The following guidelines are appropriate for all types of proposals including those related to technology. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will contain the specifics that need to be considered when writing your technology proposal. Cindy Collins ETEC 665

3. What is a proposal? • A written statement about a project you would like to undertake • A request for financial resources from a funding source • A commitment to funding agency that • certain things will occur • during a specified time period • at a certain cost • An instrument of persuasion Cindy Collins ETEC 665

4. Types of Proposals • Program – services • Research - study or evaluate • Training - education • Planning - coordination • Technical Assistance - developing, implementing & managing programs • Capital Improvement - build, remodel or acquire equipment Cindy Collins ETEC 665

5. Getting Started!!! • Identify funding sources • Refine your ideas • Write proposal – individual or team Things to Consider: Time and Competition Cindy Collins ETEC 665

6. Pre-proposal Contacts • Obtain application forms & guidelines – READ THOROUGHLY! • Talk with past grantees • Talk with prior reviewers • Talk with program officer Cindy Collins ETEC 665

7. Writing: Need/Problem Objective Method Evaluation Dissemination Budget Future Funding Introduction Summary Abstract Title Page Attachments Cover Letter Proposal Sequence Cindy Collins ETEC 665

8. Introduction - credibility statement Allows you to: • establish who you are • describe organizational goals • build your credibility in project topic area • lead into problem statement Cindy Collins ETEC 665

9. Need/Problem • The reason behind the proposal • States conditions you want to change - support with evidence (experience, stats, lit review) - can be realistically accomplished - quickly summarizes problem shows familiarity with topic, credibility, and justifies why problem should be investigated Cindy Collins ETEC 665

10. Objectives Specify outcome of project Sponsors who fund a project are literally “buying” the objectives Include: who what when where how measured/performance criteria Cindy Collins ETEC 665

11. Methods • how objectives will be accomplished • sequence & flow, of activities, & planned staffing • time & task chart • information on data collection Cindy Collins ETEC 665

12. Sample Timeline Cindy Collins ETEC 665

13. Evaluation Some grants do not request an evaluation section - to include one can give a competitive edge • Each project objective should have evaluation component • Identify what is to be evaluated & what information is needed • Describe where info will be obtained & instruments used to get info Cindy Collins ETEC 665

14. Dissemination • Journal article • Conference paper/poster presentation • Book or manual • In-service workshop • CAI, CD ROM • Commercial Agreement Cindy Collins ETEC 665

15. Budget • Good place to start • Specific with detailed justification • Divide into years • Include raises • Use realistic figures • Can demonstrate that project is well-planned Cindy Collins ETEC 665

16. Budget Items • Salaries – PI, staff • Fringe Benefits - FICA, Retirement, Insurance • Equipment • Supplies Cindy Collins ETEC 665

17. Budget Items • Travel - field & conference • Contractual/Consultants • Other • Indirect Costs - F&A rates (facilities & administrative costs) Cindy Collins ETEC 665

18. Keys to Successful Grant Funding Identify proper source for funding Present evidence of need Provide evidence of your suitability to meet goals Demonstrate uniqueness of you & your project Talk to funding agencies & review previously funded proposals Develop networks Cindy Collins ETEC 665

19. Keys to Successful Grant Funding Demonstrate high quality writing skills Provide details – the reviewers need to evaluate the “whole” picture Propose realistic budget & justification Use timelines, graphs, & charts to enhance Proofread for both content & form Follow agency guidelines & provide all requested information Cindy Collins ETEC 665

20. Proposal Writing Tips • Guidelines • Paper size, color, weight • Type style/Type size • Bold type/Headings and subheadings • Commas • Documentation • Graphs & charts/Illustrations/Lists • White space • Margin width & ragged right margins Cindy Collins ETEC 665

21. Proposal Writing Tips • Sentence length • Paragraph style • Sexist language • Wordy phrases/“Iffy” words • Transitional words & sentences • Verb choice • Proofreading & editing • Printing/Binding Cindy Collins ETEC 665

22. Common Problems with Proposals • does not fit criteria • no clear plan or mechanism for measuring progress • too long & essential items are missing or difficult to find • poorly edited (syntax & spelling errors) • poorly explained or justified budget • letters of support are unconvincing, poorly documented or missing Cindy Collins ETEC 665

23. After Submission • Get reviewers comments whether funded or not. • If funded, get ready to complete the deliverables. • If not funded, don’t give up. Many excellent grant proposals are not funded. Consider submitting the proposal to another funding agency or reworking for resubmission. Cindy Collins ETEC 665

24. How To Write A Winning Proposal - Recap • First – Carefully read the Request for Proposal (RFP). • Second – Plan and develop your proposal so that all requested information is provided. • Third – Review/proofread and confirm that all areas have been addressed. Cindy Collins ETEC 665