The structure and general appearance of proposals included in the class readings vary widely and tend to reflect the interests of the intended audience; often, proposals must follow strict guidelines outline in grant application instructions or a call for proposals. For this class, your proposal should include the following information:

Abstract. This brief summary, about a half-page long, should clearly describe the proposed project.
Needs statement. This describes the situation or problem the proposal addresses, including supporting evidence. It should focus on the problem that will be solved with the grant money (Links to an external site.) and make the case that the problem is fixable and that the problem is significant enough to warrant funding
Project description. This part of the proposal describes the project, explaining how it will solve the problem. It should convince the reader that this is the best way.
Goals. This section should describe the desired outcome of the project. Discuss both long-range goals and specific, short-term objectives, as well as the precise effect to be achieved and how it will be achieved. It should be reasonable, measurable and bound to a specific time frame.
Evaluation. This describes how the project will be monitored and its results evaluated. It should cover the criteria for measuring progress, say who will be conducting the evaluations, and tell when evaluations will be held.
Budget. This describes where the money received will be spent. It should be within the amount asked for and be relatively realistic. Make it detailed enough to satisfy anyone’s curiosity on the question of how the money will be spent and make sure everything adds up.