Abbreviated grant proposal

Task: To write a grant proposal based on the issue you identified in your policy brief. ( i have attached the policy brief and a sample grant proposal)
Specific Assignment:
You will be representing a real or fake organization requesting funding for your project. The proposal should include four sections: 1) problem identification; 2) proposed achievements; 3) design of the program; and 4) funding sources. The beginning of your proposal should include the name of your proposed program, the name of your organization, and to whom (what organization) you are requesting funding from.
Step 1: Problem Identification
Define the Problem or Issue
Develop a clear, concise description of the problem or situation. When describing the problem, avoid using subjective terms like “ugly” or “outrageous.” Instead, using the most current information available and, giving credit to the source, describe the problem objectively. Avoid attributing blame.

Describe the Impact of the Problem
Use the same clear, objective language to describe the problem’s impact, both in social and economic costs. It is a shame if pollution in a river harms wildlife, but it’s more compelling to show that people can no longer fish or swim in the river because of pollution. Show how the situation has changed the way people live.

Investigate Possible Causes of the Problem
The amount of detailed evidence you will need to present to a grant-making agency will vary. When describing the problem, avoid technical terms and jargon wherever possible. Instead, use layman’s terms. All stakeholders should clearly understand what is being said.
Step 2: Proposed Achievements
You’ve described a problem and identified the most likely causes. Now you need to focus on the solution or desired outcome of your proposed activity. What will occur as a result of your project? How will a situation improve? If the problem is a polluted river, will people be able to swim in the river again? Will they be able to eat the fish?

Measuring Success in Outputs and Outcomes
Be careful not to confuse these terms. Outputs are measures of a program’s activities; outcomes are changes that result from the activities. Outputs matter because they lead to outcomes. Note that in our example, an output might be an increase in the size of a stream-side vegetative buffer. An outcome might be the resulting increase in the oyster harvest that occurs because the buffer stops pollutants from reaching the river.

Identify the Key Outcomes
Some projects will have a long list of outcomes. Here are some possible outcomes resulting from a river clean up:

* People will be able to swim in the river.
* People will be able to fish and eat their catch.
* Boating on the river will be more popular.
* A clean river will create momentum for a riverfront revival.

Develop a consensus on two or three primary outcomes.

Set Realistic and Achievable Outcomes
Your projected outcomes must be realistic. Some pollution will always exist within the river. Reducing the pollutants to an acceptable level in one year or even five years might be impossible. Consult with experts—local ones are fine—and determine what is realistic for your situation. If the river clean up will take ten years, say so. Failing to meet goals will make getting additional funding in the future more difficult. It is far better to promise less and exceed your goals than to over-promise and under-deliver. However, don’t seriously underestimate what can be achieved. Promise too little, and the project may not appear cost-effective.

Measure and Record the Result of Your Work
State what measurements you hope to achieve and when you hope to achieve them. If you are going to reduce pollutants in a river, to what level will they be reduced? Use specific numbers or a range. (For example, a pollutant will be decreased by 15 to 20 parts per million, or ppm).

If you cannot measure or count an output, do not include it. Perhaps your stakeholders agreed on the following key objective: People will be able to fish and eat their catch.

You can make this objective measurable and observable by stating it this way: “Pollutants in the river will decrease by 15-20 ppm. At this level, people will be able to eat from the river at least once a week.”

Focus on End Results
Always keep in mind your goal(s). Every activity should be evaluated on how it helps to achieve the ultimate goal(s).
Step 3: Design of the Program
Now that you know where you are and where you want to go, your next step is determining the best path to get there. The best path is not always the shortest, quickest, easiest, or cheapest.

So, how do you decide the best path for your project?

Research What Others Have Done
There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Try to find organizations that have developed projects similar to yours. Look at the failures as closely as the successes. Knowing what does not work is often more valuable than knowing what does. You may also get information from the popular press and from professional journals.

Clearly Describe Your Solution
With your key stakeholders’ and experts’ assistance, clearly describe your solution. What will be done, and by whom? It is important that both technical experts and the general public understand your plan.

A clear description of how you plan to achieve your desired outcomes, with a timeline and detailed workplan, can further your goals considerably.
Step 4: Locate Funding Sources
Now that you’ve determined a solution and program design, you need to find the resources—the people, the equipment, and the money—to get your project done. Locating funding requires an investment of time and careful planning.
Determine a budget. How much is the program going to cost and what will be needed to accomplish the program? Think about staffing, trips to/from location, office/equipment, as well as any cost to engaging the community and host government.
Abbreviated Grant Proposal Requirements:
The top of the grant should include to whom you are requesting funding, who you are, and how much money you are requesting. The grant should be approximately 1,500 words, with a maximum length of 2,000 words. Include APA citations and be sure to include at least 2 academic sources (journals/books).

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