How to develop your idea into a successful proposal

The proposal narrative or project description

Follow instructions

Follow any instructions given by funding agencies, using their vocabulary and organizational scheme.  Read instructions often during the planning/writing process.

Templates
Ask the grants coordinator for general proposal planning and writing guidelines and budget worksheet templates.

Federal rules
If your project involves research on human subjects, you must follow federal rules (Title 45, Part 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations).  Consult with the Institutional Research Board of Goshen College or the grants coordinator if you have questions about these rules.

Numbers needed for government grants:   
DUNS  114419521
CAGE  3UKH1      
Tax exempt # 709-149-04    
Federal Employee ID (EIN) 35-2158366
State taxpayer # 0113870922-001
FICE  001799    
     
Description of Goshen College
Goshen College promotional print pieces and the college catalog contain information that you can use to describe Goshen College.  Include facts and statistics that would be especially compelling to the funder that you are soliciting.

Typical sections in a proposal narrative

Cover page	- Granting organization or program, proposal title, amount, contact person info, date
Summary/abstract	- One page: engaging, convincing
Introduction	- History, review of the literature, and how these relate to the current project
Problem/Opportunity	- Why is the project is needed, and why are you positioned best to carry it out?
Goal/Objectives	- Who will be changed? How? (or what product will result?)
Method/Activities	- How will you accomplish the goal?
Obstacles	- What obstacles do you anticipate and how will you address them?
Evaluation	- Assessment plan. How will you know you have accomplished the goal?
Personnel	- Key people who will be involved. Job description. Attach vita, if allowed.
Timeline	- Estimated timetable for grant activities
Results/Significance	- What impact will this project have on Goshen College and the wider world?
Budget	- See detailed guidelines on separate page.
Budget narrative	- Explain items in each budget category. May be in table format.
Appendices (if allowed)	- Related data, articles, brochures, curriculum vita, etc.

Writing tips
Follow the application instructions closely, carefully and completely. Do not begin writing until the guidelines have been read several times. Provide all information and materials requested.

Devote significant time to the summary/abstract at the beginning and the end of the writing process. Some upper-level reviewers at some agencies will read only this part.
 
Write in clear English.  Write succinctly. Avoid jargon. Your audience will typically include both experts and non-experts.  Grammar and spelling must be error-free.  Have the application proofread by others.  Do academic peers and non-experts understand what you are trying to accomplish in the proposal?