Pre-Award Online Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Welcome and Introduction
2. Module 1: Introduction to Sponsored Funding
3. Module 2: Funding Tools
4. Module 3: Proposal Development
   1. Pre Test
   2. Common Flaws
   3. Abstract/Executive Summary
   4. Introduction
   5. Problem Statement
   6. Goals and Objectives
   7. Work Plan
   8. Evaluation Plan
   9. Developing Your Budget
   10. Common Budget Categories
   11. Budget Justification
   12. Other Relevant Information
   13. Post Test
   14. Frequently Asked Questions
   15. Glossary
   16. Resources
5. Module 4: Submitting Your Application

Common Flaws

There are instances in which a well conceived, written, and packaged proposal did not get funded and instances where the opposite was true. Occasionally, that may be the fickle nature of the "grants-making business." However, below are some common "flaws" which decrease, if not eliminate, the chances of a proposal being funded:

• Writer had no prior contact with the agency Program Officer.
• Writer did not follow guidelines provided in the Request for Proposal.
• A mismatch exists between the project goals and objectives and the priorities of the funding source.
• Proposal is poorly written, hard to understand, and includes excessive use of jargon, buzzwords, and acronyms.
• Problem hasn't been properly documented; review of the literature is
• inadequate and/or outdated.
• Project goals are too ambitious.
• Project objectives do not flow from the goals and are not attainable,
• measurable, and time-limited.
• Project methodology inadequate: insufficient detail; tasks are not related to
• the objectives; tasks are not justified by needs; time and task charts are not
• included; responsibilities are unclear.
• Prospective client groups not involved in planning and determining project
• goals.
• Proposal budget is not within the range of funding available, is unrelated
• to the project activities, shows little or no institutional contribution, is
• inflated or unrealistic based on the activities being proposed, or cannot be
• sustained after the project ends.
• Budget justification is missing.
• Project evaluation is unrelated to the objectives or uses outmoded or
• inaccurate methods.
• Proposed project shows no evidence of coordination or collaboration with
• other individuals and organizations working in the same area.
• Capability of applicant organization is non-existent or unclear.
• Proposal contains no plan or clear evidence that the project can sustain
• itself beyond the life of the grant.
• Applicant missed the deadline.

Probably the best place for one to begin when contemplating developing a proposal for externally funded support is with an idea, preferably one that is unique and innovative. However one must remember that sponsoring agencies do not support ideas, but rather, project activities that translate those ideas into ways to contribute to, or make a difference in, the life of a nation, a community, or an individual. Therefore, in order for your proposal to be competitive, it typically will contain all of the following key elements:

• Abstract/Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Problem Statement
• Goals and Objectives
• Work Plan
• Evaluation Plan
• Developing Your Budget
• Common Budget Categories
• Budget Justification
• Other Relevant Information