Reference Guide on Proposal Writing for Individuals

Many foundations that give grants directly to individuals provide their own application forms and detailed guidelines. If you are applying to one of these foundations, be certain to follow their instructions to the letter. However, some funders provide very general application guidelines. The following information will be useful in constructing a proposal for these funders.

Each proposal is a unique document written with a specific funder in mind. The purpose of your proposal is to present you and your ideas in a positive and compelling manner and to establish a link between you and the funder. Your proposal should suggest that you are a potential partner in helping to accomplish the funder's mission, not just a person asking for money.

There are certain characteristics common to most successful grant proposals:

1. They deliver an important idea and address a significant issue.
2. They indicate that the applicant has chosen an innovative approach to that issue and has a reasonable plan to implement it.
3. They assure the funder that the applicant is capable of success.
4. They show how the grant will advance the funder's goals.
5. They set forth anticipated results.

The standard elements of a proposal are:

A Cover Letter addressed specifically to the appropriate contact person at the foundation.	1 page
An Abstract (sometimes called an executive summary) that describes very concisely the information that will follow.	250 words or fewer
An Introduction that helps to establish your credibility as a grant applicant.	1 sentence to 2 paragraphs
A Statement of Need that describes a problem and explains why you require a grant to address the issue.	1 page
Objectives that refine your idea and tell exactly what you expect to accomplish in response to the need.	1 page
Procedures that describe the methods you will use to accomplish your objectives within a stated time frame.	1 page
An Evaluation method for determining how you and the funder will measure your results and effectiveness. This should closely correspond to the objectives you set forth.	1 page
If the project is ongoing, a section about its Future Funding, with specific plans for feasible, continuing support.	1 paragraph
A separate Budget page depicting in dollars precisely how much money will be required and how and when it will be spent in order to accomplish your objectives. Typical components of the budget include: wages for personnel (usually your own salary is "donated"), space and equipment costs, travel expenses, telephone, printing, postage, and other direct costs.	1 page

Important Considerations

In general, proposals from individuals do not exceed five single-spaced pages, in addition to the cover letter and the budget. Writing an outline as you compose your thoughts will help you to achieve clarity and conciseness. Good grammar and accurate spelling are important. The text should be divided into short paragraphs, with headings and sub-headings used for clarification. It's always good advice to ask someone else to read and critique your proposal before you submit it.

Funders' deadlines are very strict, so allow yourself enough time to do your research and to produce your most polished effort. Creating a checklist will help to ensure that your submission includes all the requested items in the proper order.

If you are applying to more than one funder (which is common), you should mention this fact in your cover letter. Stating this up front helps to reinforce your personal integrity and really cannot hurt your chances.

Remember one important rule of thumb: "If you don't qualify, don't apply." The ultimate success of your effort, like that of nonprofit grantseekers, will rest on the quality of your research. Take your time in using Foundation Grants to Individuals – available in both online and print formats – to ensure that you approach only foundations that have stated an interest in your field and that give grants in your geographic area.

More information about proposal writing for individuals is available in Chapter 7 of Judith B. Margolin's The Individual's Guide to Grants, which can be found in Center libraries under call number 200 MAR, and our Frequently Asked Question, "Where can I find information on proposal writing for individual grantseekers?" You may also wish to take advantage of the Center's many training opportunities. Online Training on the Center's Web site offers courses that may be useful: "Finding Foundation Support for Your Education" and "Grantseeking Basics for Individuals." We also offer the courses "Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts" and "Finding Foundation Support for Your Education" regularly in our Library/Learning Centers.