Museum Methods: Grant Application: Master Document

Grant Application: Master Document

Outline (adapted from Geever and McNeil 1993)

I. Executive Summary (1 page): Umbrella statement of case and summary of the entire proposal
II. Statement of Need (2 pages): Why this project is necessary
III. Project Description (3 pages): Nuts and bolts of how the project will be implemented
IV. Budget (1 page): Financial description of the project plus explanatory notes
V. Organizational Information (1 page): History and governing structure of the nonprofit; its primary activities, its audiences, its services
VI. Conclusion (2 paragraphs): Summary of proposal's main points

Detailed Outline

Front material

Cover letter

Cover page

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary [easiest to write last]

a. problem/need (1-2 paragraphs)
brief statement of problem or need you're prepared to address

b. solution (1-2 paragraphs)
short description of project: what will take place and how many people will benefit from the program; how and where it will operate; for how long and who will staff it

c. funding requirements (1 paragraph)
explanation of the amount of grant money required for the project and what plans are for funding it in the future

d. organization and expertise
brief statement of name, history, purpose, and activities of organization, emphasizing its capacity to carry out this proposal

II. Statement of Need

III. Project/ Program Description

a. objectives
measurable outcomes: behavioral, performance, process, product

b. methods
how, when and why -- what will occur

c. project timeline

d. staffing/administration

e. evaluation

IV. The Budget

a. expense budget [give budget period as part of heading]
item, description, cost; use categories and subcategories as desired

b. budget narrative
narrative to explain any unusual line items; not always needed; can be done as notes tied to line items or straight text

V. Organizational Information

a. mission statement
demonstrate how the subject of the proposal fits within or extends the mission

b. structure

c. programs

d. special expertise

VI. Conclusion

Reiterate main points; can call attention to the future

Appendix