Session 3: Writing the proposal

1. Session 3: Writing the proposal Becky Bowers-Lanier, EdD, MSN, RN bowerslanier@gmail.com

2. This session’s outcomes • Use a logic model to organize the proposed project. • Fit the proposal puzzle parts together into a cogent whole. • Explore the components of an RFP

3. Logic model glossary of terms • Activities • Assumptions • External factors • Goal (long-term objective or impact) • Impact • Inputs • Outcomes (objectives) • Outputs (deliverables) • Problem statement • Series of “if-then” relationships • SMART • Specific • Measurable • Action-oriented • Realistic • Timed

4. Assumptions • What do you know about the problem, the target population, the goal, and the activities that will influence the end-state? • Mission of the organization • Beliefs about change • Organizational culture

5. Begin with the intended end-state and back up (using if-then thinking) • If your project is successful, what will be its impact? • Describe the outcomes you hope to achieve: if we do all of these things, will we have achieved the impact we are seeking? • Enumerate the outputs (deliverables) that will measure whether you have achieved your outcomes. • Design series of activities aimed at outcome achievement.

6. Elements influencing program achievement Inputs • Staff • Volunteers • Time • Money • Research • Equipment • Technology • Partners External factors • Other stakeholders • Agency policies • Money • Unforeseen circumstances such as changes in organizational priorities, staffing, and so forth

7. The RFP • Description of the applicant (that’s your organization) • Description of the project purpose • Goals and outcomes • Objectives • Activities • Deliverables • Plan for sustainability • Plan for evaluation • Plan for dissemination of outcomes • Project personnel • Budget

8. Sustainability • How will you keep the project going after the funding ceases? (catch 22: if you had the money to begin with, you wouldn’t be asking for it) • Are your stakeholders willing to help? • Revenue? Dues? • In-kind contributions? • You must say something about this.

9. Evaluation • Types • Context evaluation • Input evaluation • Process (formative) evaluation • Product or summative evaluation

10. Evaluation questions to be answered • Does the grantmaker require that a percentage of the grant funding be allocated to evaluation? • Is there are requirement for an external evaluator? • Will you be required to follow a certain evaluation model? • Hint: Look for key words that you will need to evaluate (deliverables, outputs, timeline, responsible persons, and so forth)