<p>I work for a non-profit youth incubator and my manager has asked me to compose a one-page grant proposal. </p>
<p>As this is my first time writing an application for such a formal matter, I am wondering what funders typically look for in a one-pager. I know the reason it needs to be concise is that it shows respect for their schedule and recognizes that they already know the state of non-profits, etc. </p>
<p>What are some do’s or don’t dos? </p>
<p>I’m having a hard time finding the balance between highlighting past accomplishments and informing them of the current situation (which is quite desperate). </p>
<p>Do funders like bullet-points? numbers and statistics? Specific examples of past partnerships?</p>
<p>I both write grants for a small non-profit and read grant applications for both state and federal programs. The number one mistake that I see people make is that they don’t seem to read the prompt. This is elementary. Read the material the funders provide and then answer the questions they ask and nothing else. Use that one page to tell them why your proposed program fits their funding program EXACTLY. Don’t leave anything out and don’t add extraneous details. AND if your program doesn’t fit their funding criteria, don’t waste your time and theirs by filling out an application that will get booted at the first cut. (ie. if they say they do not fund endowments, don’t ask for cash for investments, if they say they don’t fund salaries don’t include salaries, etc. you get the idea.)</p>
<p>I agree 110% with lololu and I have a similar background. If you are new at this, make sure you understand the words that foundations use – like “we don’t fund operations” or capital projects only, etc.</p>
<p>Many funders, especially if they aren’t going to be funding the entire cost of a program or project, like to see where the additional funding will come from.</p>
<p>Actually, this one-pager is not for any specific prompt or dollar amount. Some policy and analysis guy in the government told my manager to submit a somewhat generic one-pager so that he could recycle it among his colleagues and see if anyone shows interest. I guess it’s sort of like a “foot in the door” type of thing, where if they like this one-pager, they’re going to ask for a more complete proposal.</p>
<p>I don’t really understand what your manager wants, but as someone who reads grants, I hate vague proposals that require me to ask for more details. If you’re asking for scholarship money to send autistic kids to summer camp, for instance, then for goodness sake tell me how much it costs per kid and how many kids you’re looking to fund!</p>
<ol>
<li>Concise but compelling description of the problem or need. 2. Precise and persuasive description of your organization’s plan to address that need. Be as quantitative and descriptive as you can. “over a period of X months, we will construct Y wizards to deflect Z squadrons of bedbugs.” 3. Make the case for why your program is likely to be effective 4. Outline a plan to assess and improve the effectiveness of the funded program and measure its impact. 5. State estimated total budget requested and categories of cost (salary, supplies, fees, etc.) Good luck!</li>
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<p>One more question - is it typical for my manager to sign her name on my writing? I guess so, since I’m working for her. Should I write my typist initials, though? or is that unnecessary…</p>