Most proposals contain the elements described here. If a prospective grantor prescribes a format, follow it. If a format is not given, the following is a good guide.

Cover Page/Title Page

Include Grantor’s Name and program name and/or number
Applicant Organization (name, address)
Submission Date
Project title
Proposed Project Period
Amount Requested
Name, Address, Contact Info of Project Director
Signature of Project Director and/or Organization Representative (OSP)

Very helpful if a long proposal.

Project Summary / Abstract

Briefly state the problem, significance, objectives, method, and anticipated outcome of your project. Typical length is about 150 to 250 words. This may be the only section the reviewer reads! The information here should be a self-contained description of the research or benefit that would result if the proposal is funded.

Project Description / Narrative / Research Plan

Introduction: Introduce the applicant (institution) establish credibility, particularly in the area funding is being sought.

Problem: State the condition to be changed, hypothesis to be tested, experiment to be conducted.

Significance: Discuss the condition the applicant wishes to change; give evidence of the problem; explain why solving the problem is important to the grantor, the applicant, and the broader implications.

Background of Problem/Condition: Briefly review scientific background of the proposed investigation, including relationship to the present state of knowledge in the field; briefly describe work already done by the applicant and others.

Objectives/Specific Aims: State concisely and in measurable terms the project’s specific desired outcomes; relate the outcomes directly to the stated problem.

Methodology/Work Plan/Experimental Design: Discuss in detail activities to be performed and procedures to be used to meet the stated objectives; discuss and defend choice of activities. Describe new methodology and advantages over existing ones. Discuss who will perform activities and include a timetable. This is the overall intellectual merit of the project.

Personnel and Facilities/Qualifications: Describe in detail the qualifications of key project personnel and describe any facilities and/or laboratories that are already available or promised for performance of the project.

Evaluation: State plans to evaluate the project; indicate who will conduct and how results will be disseminated.

Long-Term Project Plans: If applicable, describe plans for the project after the requested funding period; plans to ensure continued support or self-sustaining aspects.

References / Literature Cited

Be consistent in style and check to see that the sources cited in the narrative are all included.

Budget

In most cases this should be shown on a separate budget sheet; use grantor’s form if provided. Items commonly included are: salaries and wages; fringe benefits; equipment; travel; supplies; publication charges; consultants; subcontracts; indirect costs. Determine if cost sharing is required.

Budget Justification

This is a narrative explaining how the cost were determined and justification for certain pieces of equipment, travel expenses, supplies, and indirect cost rates.

Resume / Biographical Sketch

Include a resume/vitae for the project director and any other senior or key personnel. If not otherwise specified, limit to 2-3 pages.

Appendices

Depending on your particular project attach special documents at the end. Examples of these are letters of support, diagrams, illustrations, or anything not included in the main narrative, but should be/would be available to reviewers.