Face it.  The last grant proposal you submitted wasn’t the best piece of prose.  You weren’t surprised when you received the rejection letter a few weeks later.  Something was just missing!  Most unsuccessful grants lack clear goals and objectives.  These grants try to throw in a lot of statistics and organizational information but lack what’s most important: a clear, well-written project description.  After all, if you can’t effectively describe what you’re using the money for, why would a funder give you any?  Learn how to write a stellar Project Description, the third section in our series on “Writing a Successful Grant Proposal.”

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Project Description is often the third major piece in a grant proposal.  We’ve broken it down into three subsections: 1) Goals and Objectives, 2) Project Methods, and 3) Evaluation.  Even if the funder doesn’t specifically ask for these three components, you want to include them in your description.  Just make sure you stay within the word / length limit if there is one!

Subsection 1: Goals and Objectives

Goals and objectives are two different ideas, but both should be included in this section of your proposal.

·         Goals: This section is conceptual, “bigger,” and more abstract.  Create the setting and describe what you hope to accomplish with your project. 

Objectives: This section outlines the measurable outcomes of your project.  Objectives are tangible, concrete, and specific.  Clear objectives are especially important, as they form the basis for the project’s activities and serve as a basis for the evaluation of your project.  Be realistic and do not promise what you can’t deliver.  In a subsequent funding report, funders will want to see that you have achieved your objectives.

Examples:

Goal:  To provide children with a safe, fun, and accessible space to play

            Objective 1: To build a playground that will serve (number) children in (name of your community)

Goal: To strengthen our community             

            Objective 1:  To get the support of at least (#number) community volunteers to      build the playground

            Objective 2:   To attract local business investment and involvement in our project

Subsection 2: Project Plan/Methods

In the goals and objectives section above, your proposal outlined what you hope to achieve by the project--the “what.” Think of this section as the “how,” “who,” “when,” and “why” of your playground project.  By outlining your action plan, this part of your proposal will allow a funder to visualize the implementation of your project.

·         How:   The “how” should include a fairly detailed description of what will occur from the time the project begins until it is completed.

Think chronologically.  Consider describing your plans for an initial community meeting to promote general interest, describe plans for Design Day, mention how you have (or will) select a play equipment company, describe how the children will be  involved in the entire process and be sure to give your build date.

·         Who:  Let the funder know what agencies or other organizations you’re working with.

This is a good place to refer to KaBOOM! as a source of help and inspiration for the community-built playground model.  Funders love to know that they are not the sole source of funding, so list other funders. It is important also to list the number and kinds of volunteers you will work with, including your playground committee. You may want to create a table of committees and their primary responsibilities.

·         When: The “when” presents the order and timing of tasks.  A timetable often helps “walk” the reader through this section.

·         Why: Finally, a brief “why” should answer why you have chosen your particular method/plan, especially if it is unconventional.  You may want to include testimonies here, or examples of similar projects that have worked.

Reiterate the importance of the community built model.  What new resources have you already uncovered in your community?  How will this experience personally affect the volunteers?  Emphasize that community built projects foster community pride, which will contribute to better maintenance in the long run. 

Subsection 3: Evaluation
Evaluation is an important management tool that funders often look for in determining thoroughness and professionalism.  Inclusion of an evaluation section indicates that you are taking your objectives seriously, and that have a serious approach to project implementation.  You may want to outline any reports you will draw up after the playground is built, to whom you will send these reports, and emphasize that you will evaluate both the product (the playground) and the process.

Questions you may want to consider in your evaluation report are:

1.      Did the playground project meet the organizations vision, missions, and goals?  Why or why not?

2.      Did the playground project meet the foundation’s giving area? Why or why not?

3.      What lessons did I learn from our project?

4.      What successes did I encounter on the project?

5.      What tangible and intangible impact did I feel this playground has made on the community?

6.      With the momentum created from the playground project, what project are you planning to undertake after the playground project is completed?

7.      Who will be impacted by this project? (Include the number of children impacted)

8.      What need did this project fulfill?