[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":500},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-writing-the-grant-proposal-D371":3},{"document":4,"label":21,"preview":11,"thumb":22,"thumb600":23,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":24,"breadcrumb":28,"related":36,"customDescModule":182,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":183,"mdProseHtml":499},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":15,"keywords":20},"Writing the grant proposal The Basic Components of a Proposal There are eight basic components to creating a solid proposal package: (1) the proposal summary; (2) introduction of organization; (3) the problem statement (or needs assessment); (4) project objectives; (5) project methods or design; (6) project evaluation; (7) future funding; and (8) the project budget. The following will provide an overview of these components. The Proposal Summary: Outline of Project Goals The proposal summary outlines the proposed project and should appear at the beginning of the proposal. It could be in the form of a cover letter or a separate page, but should definitely be brief - no longer than two or three paragraphs. The summary would be most useful if it were prepared after the proposal has been developed in order to encompass all the key summary points necessary to communicate the objectives of the project. It is this document that becomes the cornerstone of your proposal, and the initial impression it gives will be critical to the success of your venture. In many cases, the summary will be the first part of the proposal package seen by agency officials and very possibly could be the only part of the package that is carefully reviewed before the decision is made to consider the project any further. The applicant must select a fundable project which can be supported in view of the local need. Alternatives, in the absence of Federal support, should be pointed out. The influence of the project both during and after the project period should be explained. The consequences of the project as a result of funding should be highlighted. Introduction: Presenting a Credible Applicant or Organization The applicant should gather data about its organization from all available sources. Most proposals require a description of an applicant's organization to describe its past and present operations. Some features to consider are: A brief biography of board members and key staff members. The organization's goals, philosophy, track record with other grantors, and any success stories. The data should be relevant to the goals of the Federal grantor agency and should establish the applicant's credibility. The Problem Statement: Stating the Purpose at Hand The problem statement (or needs assessment) is a key element of a proposal that makes a clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed. The best way to collect information about the problem is to conduct and document both a formal and informal needs assessment for a program in the target or service area. The information provided should be both factual and directly related to the problem addressed by the proposal. Areas to document are: The purpose for developing the proposal. The beneficiaries -- who are they and how will they benefit. The social and economic costs to be affected. The nature of the problem (provide as much hard evidence as possible). How the applicant organization came to realize the problem exists, and what is currently being done about the problem. The remaining alternatives available when funding has been exhausted. Explain what will happen to the project and the impending implications. Most importantly, the specific manner through which problems might be solved. Review the resources needed, considering how they will be used and to what end. There is a considerable body of literature on the exact assessment techniques to be used. Any local, regional, or State government planning office, or local university offering course work in planning and evaluation techniques should be able to provide excellent background references. Types of data that may be collected include: historical, geographic, quantitative, factual, statistical, and philosophical information, as well as studies completed by colleges, and literature searches from public or university libraries. Local colleges or universities which have a department or section related to the proposal topic may help determine if there is interest in developing a student or faculty project to conduct a needs assessment. It may be helpful to include examples of the findings for highlighting in the proposal. Project Objectives: Goals and Desired Outcome Program objectives refer to specific activities in a proposal. It is necessary to identify all objectives related to the goals to be reached, and the methods to be employed to achieve the stated objectives. Consider quantities or things measurable and refer to a problem statement and the outcome of proposed activities when developing a well-stated objective. The figures used should be verifiable. Remember, if the proposal is funded, the stated objectives will probably be used to evaluate program progress, so be realistic. There is literature available to help identify and write program objectives. Program Methods and Program Design: A Plan of Action The program design refers to how the project is expected to work and solve the stated problem. Sketch out the following: The activities to occur along with the related resources and staff needed to operate the project (inputs). A flow chart of the organizational features of the project. Describe how the parts interrelate, where personnel will be needed, and what they are expected to do. Identify the kinds of facilities, transportation, and support services required (throughputs). Explain what will be achieved through 1 and 2 above (outputs); i.e., plan for measurable results. Project staff may be required to produce evidence of program performance through an examination of stated objectives during either a site visit by the Federal grantor agency and or grant reviews, which may involve peer review committees. It may be useful to devise a diagram of the program design. For example, draw a three-column block. Each column is headed by one of the parts (inputs, throughputs and outputs), and on the left (next to the first column) specific program features should be identified (i.e., implementation, staffing, procurement, and systems development). In the grid, specify something about the program design, for example, assume the first column is labeled inputs and the first row is labeled staff. On the grid one might specify under inputs five nurses to operate a child care unit. The throughput might be to maintain charts, counsel the children, and set up a daily routine; outputs might be to discharge 25 healthy children per week. This type of procedure will help to conceptualize both the scope and detail of the project. Wherever possible, justify in the narrative the course of action taken. 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We are enclosing our catalog and price list for your review and are confident that this literature will provide many of the answers you have requested. If there is additional information you would like to have regarding our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be most happy to be of assistance. Thank you for the very kind words you used to describe our line of products. We look forward to having the opportunity to serve you soon. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR TITLE] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUREMAIL@YOURCOMPANY.COM] [IF SENT BY EMAIL YOU MAY INCLUDE THIS NOTICE] This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and/or otherwise authorized personnel. The information contained herein and attached is confidential and the property of [SENDER]","Standard Cover Letter in Response to Inquiry","1",513,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/standard-cover-letter-in-response-to-inquiry-D1309.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1309.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#1309.xml",{"title":94,"description":6},"standard cover letter in response to inquiry",[96,99,102],{"label":97,"url":98},"Sales & Marketing","sales-marketing",{"label":100,"url":101},"Customer Service","/customer-service",{"label":103,"url":104},"Customer Relationships","customer-relationships","/template/standard-cover-letter-in-response-to-inquiry-D1309",{"description":107,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":108,"pages":109,"size":110,"extension":10,"preview":111,"thumb":112,"svgFrame":113,"seoMetadata":114,"parents":115,"keywords":120,"url":121},"Confidentiality Agreement The undersigned reader acknowledges that the information provided by [YOUR COMPANY NAME] in this business plan is confidential; therefore, reader agrees not to disclose it without the express written permission of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] It is acknowledged by reader that information to be furnished in this business plan is in all respects confidential in nature, other than information which is in the public domain through other means and that any disclosure or use of same by reader may cause serious harm or damage to [YOUR COMPANY NAME] Upon request, this document is to be immediately returned to [COMPANY NAME] ___________________ Signature ___________________ Name (typed or printed) ___________________ Date This is a business plan. It does not imply an offering of securities. 1.0 Executive Summary 1 Chart: Highlights 2 1.1 Objectives 3 1.2 Mission 3 1.3 Keys to Success 3 2.0 Organization Summary 4 2.1 Legal Entity 4 2.2 Start-up Summary 5 Table: Start-up 5 Chart: Start-up 5 3.0 Products 6 4.0 Market Analysis Summary 7 4.1 Market Segmentation 7 Table: Market Analysis 8 Chart: Market Analysis (Pie) 8 4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy 9 4.3 Service Providers Analysis 9 4.3.1 Alternatives and Usage Patterns 10 5.0 Web Plan Summary 11 5.1 Website Marketing Strategy 11 5.2 Development Requirements 11 6.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary 12 6.1 SWOT Analysis 12 6.1.1 Strengths 13 6.1.2 Weaknesses 13 6.1.3 Opportunities 13 6.1.4 Threats 13 6.2 Competitive Edge 14 6.3 Marketing Strategy 14 6.4 Fundraising Strategy 14 6.4.1 Funding Forecast 15 Table: Funding Forecast 16 Chart: Funding Monthly 16 Chart: Funding by Year 17 6.5 Milestones 17 Table: Milestones 18 Chart: Milestones 18 7.0 Management Summary 19 7.1 Personnel Plan 19 Table: Personnel 19 8.0 Financial Plan 19 8.1 Start-up Funding 21 Table: Start-up Funding 21 8.2 Important Assumptions 22 8.3 Break-even Analysis 22 Table: Break-even Analysis 22 Chart: Break-even Analysis 22 8.4 Projected Surplus or Deficit 23 Table: Surplus and Deficit 23 Chart: Surplus Monthly 24 Chart: Surplus Yearly 24 Chart: Gross Surplus Monthly 25 Chart: Gross Surplus Yearly 25 8.5 Projected Cash Flow 26 Table: Cash Flow 26 Chart: Cash 27 8.6 Projected Balance Sheet 28 Table: Balance Sheet 28 8.7 Standard Ratios 29 Table: Ratios 29 Table: Funding Forecast 1 Table: Personnel 2 Table: Surplus and Deficit 3 Table: Cash Flow 4 Table: Balance Sheet 5 1.0 Executive Summary [YOUR COMPANY NAME] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR CITY], [YOUR STATE/PROVINCE], [YOUR ZIP/POSTAL CODE] Phone: [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] Fax: [YORU FAX NUMBER] Email: [YOUREMAIL@YOURCOMPANY.COM] Website: [YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS] Introduction [YOUR COMPANY NAME] is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization formed in 2010. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] was the vision of [NAME]. The Foundation was formed to purchase distressed homes that might otherwise have been destroyed and hiring unskilled workers to remodel the homes while teaching the workers a new skill. Location [YOUR COMPANY NAME] was formed on X/XX/XXXX in the State of Missouri and located at [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR CITY], [YOUR STATE/PROVINCE], [YOUR ZIP/POSTAL CODE]. The Company The Foundation will sell or rent renovated homes to people who are trying to re-establish their lives with assistance with down payment money or reduced rents. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] sees this as \"paying it forward\" by helping to beautify the community; giving people a new career to help them financially and helping those who can't afford to buy or rent a home. Our Services [YOUR COMPANY NAME] specializes in identifying, investigating and purchasing distressed and foreclosed residential homes in [YOUR CITY]. Such properties will be readied for resale and sold in a short period of time, usually within eight months. The Foundation will work with the local community organizations to identify families in need with the Foundation subsidizing up to 50% of the down payment needed to purchase a renovated home. Additionally, the Foundation will also rent to families in need at a subsidized rate. The Market [YOUR COMPANY NAME] is located in [YOUR CITY]. The Company will purchase distressed properties, renovate and resell or rent in [YOUR CITY]. Financial Considerations The current financial plan for [YOUR COMPANY NAME] is to obtain grant funding in the amount of $1,200,000. The grant will be used to purchase distressed homes, renovate homes, purchase office and construction equipment, purchase a work van and pickup, hire employees, subsidize down payments for families and working capital for the first year of operations. The major focus for grant funding is as follows: 1. Non-Profit organization 2. Purchase and renovate distressed homes to beautify and upgrade communities 3. Subsidize down payments and rents for families in need due to economic conditions 4. Renovate homes using \"green\" and pre-used materials 5. Renovate homes using energy savings applications 6. Employ and train unskilled workers during renovation Chart: Highlights 1.1 Objectives [YOUR COMPANY NAME] has the following objectives: 1. Revitalize neighborhoods and increase property values by performing renovations on distressed properties 2. Perform renovations with \"green\" and pre-used materials in an effort to minimize future utility costs and reduce the use of our natural resources 3. Assist local communities and needy individuals with proceeds obtained from grant funding and the resale of the distressed properties 4. Build an organization which is community oriented and is respected by our industry 5. Hire employees; the Foundation will look to hire veterans, minorities and the unemployed 1.2 Mission The mission of [YOUR COMPANY NAME] is to help people and families to re-establish their lives and give security of a home to their children. In carrying out our mission the Foundation will purchase distressed homes and renovate these homes using recycled materials. We strive to be environmentally friendly by doing our own Lead Based Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing. Additionally, all homes will be renovated with energy saving \"green materials\" and applications. The Foundation will provide jobs for ambitious people who because of the economy have found themselves without resources. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] creates jobs and housing that will help the economy recover and grow. 1.3 Keys to Success [YOUR COMPANY NAME] keys to success are: 1. Highly experienced and community passionate Director's of [COMPANY NAME] 2. Lack of competition in the renovation market for our area 3. Inordinate amount of distressed properties available for purchase 4. Hiring and training our construction crews 5. Energy savings and environmental issues in renovating homes 2.0 Organization Summary [YOUR COMPANY NAME] [YOUR NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR CITY], [YOUR STATE/PROVINCE], [YOUR ZIP/POSTAL CODE] Phone: [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] Fax: [YORU FAX NUMBER] Email: [YOUREMAIL@YOURCOMPANY.COM] Website: [YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS] [YOUR COMPANY NAME] is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization formed in 2010. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] was the vision of [NAME]. [NAME] has been in construction for over 40 years and wanted to help people in [YOUR CITY] who have been affected by the economic downturn. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] was formed to purchase distressed homes that might otherwise have been destroyed and hiring unskilled workers to remodel the homes while teaching the workers a new skill. The Foundation will then sell or rent these homes to families who are trying to re-establish their lives with assistance with down payment money or reduced rents. [YOUR COMPANY NAME] sees this as \"paying it forward\" by helping to beautify the community; giving people a new career to help them financially and helping those who can't afford to buy or rent a home. 2","Non-profit Organization Business Plan","39",993,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-profit-organization-business-plan-D12024.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12024.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12024.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[116,119],{"label":117,"url":118},"Business Plan Kit","business-plan-kit",{"label":117,"url":118},"non profit organization business plan","/template/non-profit-organization-business-plan-D12024",{"description":123,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":123,"pages":124,"size":89,"extension":125,"preview":126,"thumb":127,"svgFrame":128,"seoMetadata":129,"parents":131,"keywords":130,"url":136},"Project Plan","6","xls","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/project-plan-D12775.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12775.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12775.xml",{"title":130,"description":6},"project plan",[132,133],{"label":97,"url":98},{"label":134,"url":135},"Marketing Plan","marketing-plan","/template/project-plan-D12775",{"description":138,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":139,"pages":88,"size":89,"extension":10,"preview":140,"thumb":141,"svgFrame":142,"seoMetadata":143,"parents":145,"keywords":144,"url":149},"PROJECT STATUS REPORT PROJECT SUMMARY Report Date: Project Name: Prepared By: STATUS SUMMARY ","Status Report","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/status-report-D13043.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13043.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13043.xml",{"title":144,"description":6},"status report",[146,147],{"label":117,"url":118},{"label":31,"url":148},"business-administration","/template/status-report-D13043",{"description":151,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":152,"pages":124,"size":89,"extension":10,"preview":153,"thumb":154,"svgFrame":155,"seoMetadata":156,"parents":158,"keywords":157,"url":165},"VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT This Volunteer Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is effective on [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME], (the \"Company\"), a Company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [NAME OF THE VOLUNTEER], (the \"Volunteer\"), an individual with their main address located at OR a Company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] Collectively, the Company and Volunteer shall be referred to as the \"Parties.\" WHEREAS, the Company performs certain work related to [SPECIFY DETAILS OF WORK] (defined herein as the \"Company's Work\"); and WHEREAS, the Volunteer is desirous to donate their Services to the Company, and the Company is willing to accept the Services, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration and as a condition of the Parties entering into this Agreement and other valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: DEFINITIONS \"Services\" shall mean the Services willingly provided by the Volunteer as described under this Agreement. \"Volunteer\" has the meaning of a person or company entering into this Agreement. SERVICES The Volunteer shall render the following Services to the Company: [SPECIFY THE SERVICES] WARRANTIES BY PARTIES The Volunteer represents and warrants to the Company that the Services shall be performed by suitably qualified and experienced personnel, using all reasonable skill and care, and in accordance with all laws and regulations in force from time to time which are applicable to the Company as it pertains solely to the delivery of the Services. The Company warrants that they have full legal authority and capacity to enter into this Agreement with the Volunteer. Parties will only use the Services in accordance with the obligations under this Agreement. Parties shall at all times during the term of this Agreement comply with and shall cause each of its affiliates to comply with the policies and standards of the Agreement for delivering the Services. Each Party warrants that it has the right to enter into this Agreement and that its performance will not violate any agreement between it and any third party. OBLIGATIONS OF THE VOLUNTEER Before commencing the role of Volunteer, the Volunteer shall provide its identification proof, curriculum vitae, and police proof to the Company. The Volunteer authorizes the Company to perform a background check on the Volunteer before permitting the Volunteer to provide its Services. The Volunteer shall provide Services to the Company as described in this Agreement at Section 2.1. The Volunteer agrees to follow the supervision and direction of any personnel, employee, or volunteer to whom the Volunteer has been assigned to perform the Services, and to participate in any training required by the Company in order to perform the voluntary Services. RELATIONSHIP It is understood by both the Parties that nothing in this Agreement will be construed as creating a relationship of partnership, joint venture, agency or employment between the Parties. The Volunteer understands that it shall not receive any employee benefits provided by the Company. PAYMENTS For the performance of the Services and any Additional Services, the Volunteer understands that the Services provided will be a donation and under no circumstances will expect wages, salary or any other benefits from the Company. TERM AND TERMINATION TERM: The term of the Agreement is from the Effective Date of this Agreement until [DATE]. The Volunteer has agreed to provide [NUMBER OF HOURS] hours per week during the term of this Agreement. TERMINATION: In the event of a noncompliance with any material term or condition of this Agreement by either Party, the other Party, in addition to any other remedies it may have, may terminate this Agreement by a written notice to the breaching Party specifying such non-compliance. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in [NUMBER OF DAYS] days unless the breaching Party cures the breach within such [NUMBER OF DAYS]-day period. The present Agreement shall be automatically terminated at the expiration of the period of the present Agreement unless the Agreement is renewed at the end of the mentioned term. However, both the Parties shall have the right to terminate the present Agreement by providing each other with a prior written notice of [NUMBER OF DAYS] days. Termination of this Agreement shall release either Party from its obligations arising under this Agreement prior to the Effective Date of termination. Termination by any Party shall not affect the rights and obligations of either Party which accrued before the Effective Date of termination and does not affect any obligations of confidentiality covered by this Agreement. The Company may decline to accept the Volunteer's time and may terminate this Agreement without prior notification. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION The Volunteer agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless against any damages related to the Volunteer's activity. The Volunteer further understands that if the Volunteer is responsible for injuries to third parties or damages to their property while acting outside the scope of assigned Volunteer duties, said Volunteer may be held personally liable for any monetary damages a court may award to the injured party. It is further understood and agreed to by the Volunteer that the Services rendered to the Company shall apply only in the case of liability arising out of the ordinary negligence that occurs during the scope of the Volunteer's Services agreed to herein, and that in no way do any of these provisions apply for the benefit of the Volunteer, his/her heirs, executors or administrators in any action arising out of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other conduct on the part of said Volunteer, which causes or may give rise to criminal liability. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND NON-DISCLOSURE The Parties understand that some information may be of a confidential and sensitive nature. The Parties agree not to discuss or disclose information associated with this Agreement. Definition: \"Confidential Information\" means any proprietary information, technical data, trade secrets or know-how of the Company, including, but not limited to, research, business plans or models, product plans, products, services, computer software and code, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, volunteer lists and volunteers (including, but not limited to, volunteers of the Company on whom the Volunteer called or with whom the Volunteer became acquainted during the term of his performance of the Services), markets, finances or other business information disclosed by the Volunteer either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or inspection of parts or equipment","Volunteer Agreement","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/volunteer-agreement-D13436.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13436.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#13436.xml",{"title":157,"description":6},"volunteer agreement",[159,162],{"label":160,"url":161},"Human Resources","human-resources",{"label":163,"url":164},"Company Policies","company-policies","/template/volunteer-agreement-D13436",{"description":167,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":168,"pages":169,"size":89,"extension":10,"preview":170,"thumb":171,"svgFrame":172,"seoMetadata":173,"parents":175,"keywords":180,"url":181},"MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING This Memorandum of Understanding (\"MOU\"), is made and entered into as of [EFFECTIVE DATE], BETWEEN: [PARTY A] (the \"Company\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [PARTY B] (PARTNER/RESELLER], an individual with his main address located at [SPECIFY] OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this MOU is to clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of each party as they relate to [ SPECIFY]. In particular, this MOU in intended to [SPECIFY OR DESCRIBE THE WAY IN WHICH THE PARTIES WILL COLLABORATE]. BACKGROUND [Brief description of the parties involved in the MOU with mention of any current/historical ties to this project] [PARTY A] RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS MOU [PARTY A] shall undertake the following activities: [SPECIFY AND EXPLAIN] [PARTY B] RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THIS MOU [Party B] shall undertake the following activities: [SPECIFY AND EXPLAIN] UNDERSTANDINGS","Memorandum of Understanding","2","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/memorandum-of-understanding-D12548.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12548.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12548.xml",{"title":174,"description":6},"memorandum of understanding",[176,179],{"label":177,"url":178},"Legal Agreements","business-legal-agreements",{"label":177,"url":178},"memorandum understanding","/template/memorandum-of-understanding-D12548",false,{"seo":184,"reviewer":197,"legal_disclaimer":182,"quick_facts":201,"at_a_glance":203,"personas":207,"variants":232,"glossary":256,"sections":286,"how_to_fill":330,"common_mistakes":366,"faqs":391,"industries":419,"comparisons":444,"diy_vs_pro":459,"educational_modules":472,"related_template_ids_curated":475,"schema":487,"classification":489},{"meta_title":185,"meta_description":186,"primary_keyword":187,"secondary_keywords":188,"family":187,"is_canonical":182},"Writing Grant Proposal Template (Free Word)","Free grant proposal template for nonprofits, researchers, and small businesses. Covers needs statement, project goals, budget, and evaluation. Free Word and PDF download.","grant proposal template",[189,190,191,192,193,194,195,196],"grant proposal template word","grant proposal template free","nonprofit grant proposal template","grant writing template","grant application template","research grant proposal template","how to write a grant proposal","grant proposal sample",{"name":198,"credential":199,"reviewed_date":200},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":202,"legal_review_recommended":182,"signature_required":182},"advanced",{"what_it_is":204,"when_you_need_it":205,"whats_inside":206},"A Grant Proposal is a structured written document submitted to a funding organization — a government agency, foundation, or corporate sponsor — to request financial support for a specific project or program. This free Word download gives you a complete, professionally formatted starting point covering every required section, from the executive summary through the budget justification and evaluation plan, ready to edit online and export as PDF.\n","Use it when applying for funding from a foundation, federal or state agency, or corporate giving program. It is also the required submission format for most academic research grants and nonprofit program expansions.\n","Executive summary, organizational background, needs statement, project goals and objectives, program design, evaluation plan, budget narrative and justification, and sustainability plan — structured to meet the expectations of most major funders.\n",[208,212,216,220,224,228],{"title":209,"use_case":210,"icon_asset_id":211},"Nonprofit executive directors","Applying for foundation or government grants to fund programs","persona-nonprofit-exec",{"title":213,"use_case":214,"icon_asset_id":215},"Grant writers and development officers","Drafting consistent, funder-ready proposals across multiple applications","persona-grant-writer",{"title":217,"use_case":218,"icon_asset_id":219},"Academic researchers","Submitting proposals to federal agencies such as NIH, NSF, or NEA","persona-researcher",{"title":221,"use_case":222,"icon_asset_id":223},"Small business owners","Applying for SBIR, USDA, or state economic development grants","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":225,"use_case":226,"icon_asset_id":227},"Community organizations","Requesting local government or corporate sponsorship for community programs","persona-community-org",{"title":229,"use_case":230,"icon_asset_id":231},"Social enterprise founders","Securing blended-finance grants to launch or scale mission-driven ventures","persona-startup-founder",[233,237,240,243,246,249,253],{"situation":234,"recommended_template":235,"slug":236},"Applying to a private or family foundation","Foundation Grant Proposal","grant-proposal-D12615",{"situation":238,"recommended_template":239,"slug":236},"Submitting a federal research grant (NIH, NSF, NEA)","Research Grant Proposal",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":242,"slug":236},"Requesting a corporate sponsorship or giving grant","Corporate Grant Proposal",{"situation":244,"recommended_template":245,"slug":236},"Applying for a small business innovation grant (SBIR/STTR)","SBIR Grant Proposal",{"situation":247,"recommended_template":248,"slug":236},"Seeking a government community development block grant","Community Development Grant Proposal",{"situation":250,"recommended_template":251,"slug":252},"Sending an initial funder inquiry before a full proposal","Letter of Inquiry (LOI)","standard-cover-letter-in-response-to-inquiry-D1309",{"situation":254,"recommended_template":255,"slug":236},"Reporting outcomes to a funder after grant funds are spent","Grant Report",[257,260,263,266,269,272,275,277,280,283],{"term":258,"definition":259},"RFP (Request for Proposals)","A formal document issued by a funder specifying the scope, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements for a grant opportunity.",{"term":261,"definition":262},"Needs Statement","The section of a grant proposal that uses data and evidence to demonstrate the problem or gap the project will address.",{"term":264,"definition":265},"SMART Objectives","Goals written to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — the standard format most funders require.",{"term":267,"definition":268},"Logic Model","A visual framework mapping a program's inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes to show how resources will produce results.",{"term":270,"definition":271},"Budget Justification (Budget Narrative)","A written explanation of each line item in the grant budget, detailing how costs were calculated and why they are necessary.",{"term":273,"definition":274},"Indirect Costs (Overhead)","Administrative and operational costs — rent, utilities, shared staff time — not directly tied to a single project but necessary to run it.",{"term":251,"definition":276},"A brief pre-proposal document (1–3 pages) sent to a funder to gauge interest before investing time in a full proposal.",{"term":278,"definition":279},"Sustainability Plan","A section explaining how the project or program will continue to be funded and operated after the grant period ends.",{"term":281,"definition":282},"Evaluation Plan","The section describing how the organization will measure whether the project achieved its stated goals, including data collection methods and reporting timelines.",{"term":284,"definition":285},"In-Kind Contributions","Non-cash resources — donated goods, volunteer hours, or free space — included in the budget to demonstrate community support and cost-sharing.",[287,292,297,302,307,312,316,321,325],{"name":288,"plain_english":289,"sample_language":290,"common_mistake":291},"Executive Summary (Abstract)","A 1–2 paragraph overview of the entire proposal — the problem, the proposed solution, the funding amount requested, and the expected outcomes.","[ORGANIZATION NAME] requests $[AMOUNT] from [FUNDER NAME] to [PROJECT DESCRIPTION] serving [TARGET POPULATION] in [GEOGRAPHY]. Over [TIMEFRAME], this project will [KEY OUTCOME].","Writing the executive summary before completing the rest of the proposal — it will contradict the body sections and force a second rewrite.",{"name":293,"plain_english":294,"sample_language":295,"common_mistake":296},"Organizational Background","Establishes credibility by summarizing the organization's mission, history, track record, relevant programs, and qualifications to carry out the proposed work.","[ORGANIZATION NAME], founded in [YEAR], is a [ENTITY TYPE] with a [X]-year history of [MISSION AREA]. We have served [NUMBER] individuals annually through programs including [PROGRAM NAMES], with outcomes such as [SPECIFIC RESULT].","Including generic history that has no connection to the grant topic. Every sentence in this section should reinforce why this organization is the right one to execute this specific project.",{"name":298,"plain_english":299,"sample_language":300,"common_mistake":301},"Needs Statement (Problem Statement)","Presents data-backed evidence that the problem the project addresses is real, significant, and unmet by existing resources in the target community.","According to [SOURCE], [X]% of [POPULATION] in [GEOGRAPHY] experience [PROBLEM]. Currently, only [NUMBER] organizations serve this population, leaving an estimated gap of [X] individuals without access to [SERVICE].","Using national statistics to describe a local problem without localizing the data. Funders want evidence that the need exists in the specific community the proposal targets.",{"name":303,"plain_english":304,"sample_language":305,"common_mistake":306},"Goals and Objectives","States the overarching program goal and breaks it into 3–5 SMART objectives with specific numbers, timelines, and measurable outcomes.","Goal: Reduce [PROBLEM] among [POPULATION] in [GEOGRAPHY] by [YEAR]. Objective 1: By [DATE], [ORGANIZATION] will [SPECIFIC ACTION] serving [NUMBER] participants, as measured by [METRIC].","Writing activity-based objectives ('we will hold 12 workshops') instead of outcome-based objectives ('75% of workshop participants will demonstrate [SKILL] by Month 6'). Funders fund outcomes, not activities.",{"name":308,"plain_english":309,"sample_language":310,"common_mistake":311},"Program Design (Methods)","Describes exactly how the project will be implemented — activities, timeline, staffing, partners, and the evidence base or model underpinning the approach.","The project will be implemented in three phases: Phase 1 ([DATES]): [ACTIVITIES]; Phase 2 ([DATES]): [ACTIVITIES]; Phase 3 ([DATES]): [ACTIVITIES]. [STAFF TITLE] will lead implementation, supported by partner organization [PARTNER NAME].","Describing activities without connecting them to the stated objectives. Every activity in this section should map directly to at least one objective listed in the previous section.",{"name":281,"plain_english":313,"sample_language":314,"common_mistake":315},"Explains how the organization will measure success — what data will be collected, by whom, at what intervals, and how results will be reported to the funder.","Program outcomes will be measured using [TOOL/METHOD] administered at [BASELINE, MIDPOINT, ENDPOINT]. Data will be collected by [STAFF ROLE] and analyzed quarterly. A final evaluation report will be submitted to [FUNDER] within [X] days of project close.","Treating evaluation as an afterthought with no named staff responsible for data collection. Funders treat a weak evaluation plan as evidence the applicant does not intend to be accountable for results.",{"name":317,"plain_english":318,"sample_language":319,"common_mistake":320},"Budget and Budget Justification","A line-item budget covering all project costs (personnel, supplies, travel, indirect costs) paired with a written narrative justifying each expense.","Personnel: [STAFF TITLE], 0.5 FTE × $[SALARY] = $[AMOUNT]. Supplies: [ITEM], [QUANTITY] × $[UNIT COST] = $[AMOUNT]. Indirect Costs: [X]% of direct costs = $[AMOUNT]. Total Grant Request: $[TOTAL].","Submitting a budget with round numbers and no justification narrative. Reviewers flag unsubstantiated line items as padding, which can disqualify an otherwise strong proposal.",{"name":278,"plain_english":322,"sample_language":323,"common_mistake":324},"Explains how the program will continue after the grant period ends — through earned revenue, other funders, government contracts, or integration into the organization's core budget.","Following the grant period, [ORGANIZATION] will sustain [PROJECT NAME] through [REVENUE SOURCE 1] (estimated $[X]/year), an application to [FUNDER 2] in [YEAR], and integration of [COMPONENT] into our annual operating budget by [DATE].","Stating 'we will seek additional grants' as the entire sustainability plan. Funders recognize this as circular dependency — they want evidence of a diversified post-grant revenue strategy.",{"name":326,"plain_english":327,"sample_language":328,"common_mistake":329},"Appendices and Supporting Documents","Collects required attachments — IRS determination letter, audited financials, board list, letters of support, resumes of key staff, and any logic model or program charts.","Appendix A: IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter. Appendix B: Most Recent Audited Financial Statements ([YEAR]). Appendix C: Letters of Support from [PARTNER ORGANIZATION]. Appendix D: Resumes of Key Personnel.","Submitting appendices the funder did not request. Extra attachments signal that the applicant did not read the RFP carefully — and some funders disqualify proposals for non-compliant submissions.",[331,336,341,346,351,356,361],{"step":332,"title":333,"description":334,"tip":335},1,"Read the RFP or grant guidelines in full before writing","Download the funder's full RFP or guidelines and highlight every requirement — page limits, font size, required sections, and ineligible expenses. Build a checklist before you write a single word.","Create a compliance matrix: a two-column table listing every RFP requirement in column one and where your proposal addresses it in column two. Reviewers use a similar checklist to score proposals.",{"step":337,"title":338,"description":339,"tip":340},2,"Research the funder's priorities and past grantees","Review the funder's website, annual reports, and IRS Form 990 (for US foundations) to identify their funding priorities, geographic focus, and average grant size. Search publicly available grant databases for recent awards in your issue area.","Match the language in your needs statement and objectives to the funder's stated priorities — use their terminology, not your organization's internal jargon.",{"step":342,"title":343,"description":344,"tip":345},3,"Draft the needs statement with localized data","Gather statistics from peer-reviewed sources, government databases, and local needs assessments. Every data point should be cited and specific to the population and geography the project serves.","A single compelling local statistic — from a county health report or a local university study — carries more weight with a regional funder than a national figure from a federal database.",{"step":347,"title":348,"description":349,"tip":350},4,"Write SMART objectives tied to measurable outcomes","For each goal, write 1–2 objectives specifying who will do what by when, measured how. Test each objective: if you cannot draw a straight line from the objective to a data collection method in your evaluation plan, rewrite it.","Limit yourself to 3–5 objectives per goal. A proposal with 12 objectives signals scope creep and makes the evaluation plan unmanageable.",{"step":352,"title":353,"description":354,"tip":355},5,"Build the budget from actual cost estimates","Get real quotes or salary ranges for every line item. Calculate personnel costs as FTE fractions (e.g., 0.25 FTE × annual salary). Confirm the funder's indirect cost rate cap before including overhead.","Many federal and foundation funders cap indirect costs at 10–15% of direct costs. Exceeding the cap without a negotiated rate agreement is grounds for automatic budget revision or rejection.",{"step":357,"title":358,"description":359,"tip":360},6,"Write the program design with a timeline","List every major activity in chronological order with a responsible staff member and a completion date. Include a Gantt chart or milestone table in an appendix if the funder allows supplemental materials.","Reviewers check whether the timeline is realistic. A 12-month grant that schedules hiring, training, and full program delivery all in Month 1 immediately loses credibility.",{"step":362,"title":363,"description":364,"tip":365},7,"Write the executive summary last","Pull the strongest data point from the needs statement, the most compelling objective, the total funding request, and the key expected outcome into a tight 150–300 word summary.","Many program officers read only the executive summary before deciding whether to pass the proposal to a full review panel. Every sentence must carry weight.",[367,371,375,379,383,387],{"mistake":368,"why_it_matters":369,"fix":370},"Activity-based objectives instead of outcome-based objectives","Funders award grants to produce results, not to run activities. A proposal promising '12 workshops' with no outcome measurement gives reviewers no basis to assess impact.","Rewrite every objective to state the change in knowledge, behavior, or condition the activity will produce, with a number and a date: '75% of participants will demonstrate X by Month 6.'",{"mistake":372,"why_it_matters":373,"fix":374},"Using national data to describe a local need","A regional foundation focused on a single county will not fund a proposal that cites only national statistics. It signals the applicant has not done local research.","Localize at least 60% of your needs statement data to the specific county, city, or community the project serves. Cite local health departments, school district reports, or community surveys.",{"mistake":376,"why_it_matters":377,"fix":378},"Budget with round numbers and no justification narrative","Line items like '$5,000 — Supplies' with no explanation read as padding to reviewers and trigger budget cuts or disqualification.","Write a one-to-three sentence justification for every budget line showing the calculation: quantity × unit cost = total, or FTE fraction × salary = personnel cost.",{"mistake":380,"why_it_matters":381,"fix":382},"Sustainability plan that only references future grants","Funders do not want to create dependency. A plan that says 'we will apply for more grants' signals that the program ends the moment this grant runs out.","Identify at least two non-grant revenue sources — earned income, government contracts, major donor campaigns, or fee-for-service — and provide a realistic timeline for each.",{"mistake":384,"why_it_matters":385,"fix":386},"Submitting attachments not requested in the RFP","Non-compliant submissions are disqualified by some funders automatically, and all reviewers interpret them as evidence the applicant cannot follow instructions.","Submit only the attachments the RFP lists. If you have a compelling piece of evidence that was not requested, reference it briefly in the narrative and offer to provide it upon request.",{"mistake":388,"why_it_matters":389,"fix":390},"Writing the executive summary before the rest of the proposal","A summary written before the body sections will contradict the budget total, objectives, and timeline that emerge during the drafting process — forcing a second rewrite.","Complete all body sections and finalize the budget first. Draft the executive summary as the final step, pulling the strongest elements from each completed section.",[392,395,398,401,404,407,410,413,416],{"question":393,"answer":394},"What is a grant proposal?","A grant proposal is a formal written request submitted to a funding organization — a government agency, private foundation, or corporate giving program — asking for financial support to carry out a specific project or program. It documents the need being addressed, the proposed solution, the budget required, and the outcomes the funder can expect. Most funders use proposals as the primary basis for awarding grants.\n",{"question":396,"answer":397},"What sections should a grant proposal include?","A complete grant proposal typically includes an executive summary, organizational background, needs statement, goals and SMART objectives, program design and timeline, evaluation plan, budget with justification narrative, and a sustainability plan. Required appendices commonly include an IRS determination letter, audited financials, a board list, and letters of support. The exact sections required vary by funder and RFP.\n",{"question":399,"answer":400},"How long should a grant proposal be?","Page limits are set by the funder and must be followed exactly — exceeding them is grounds for disqualification at many agencies. Foundation proposals commonly run 5–15 pages of narrative plus attachments. Federal grant proposals can run 25–50 pages or more. Always check the RFP for the specific page or word limit before you begin writing.\n",{"question":402,"answer":403},"What is a needs statement in a grant proposal?","A needs statement — also called a problem statement — is the section that uses data and evidence to demonstrate that the problem the project addresses is real, significant, and unmet by existing resources. It answers the question: why does this work need to happen, in this community, right now? Strong needs statements cite localized, current data from credible sources rather than national averages.\n",{"question":405,"answer":406},"What is the difference between a grant proposal and a letter of inquiry?","A letter of inquiry (LOI) is a brief 1–3 page document sent to a funder before a full proposal to gauge interest in funding the project. If the funder responds favorably, they invite a full proposal. A grant proposal is the complete, detailed submission covering all required sections. Some funders skip the LOI step and accept full proposals directly — always check the funder's guidelines.\n",{"question":408,"answer":409},"How do I write a budget justification for a grant proposal?","Write a one-to-three sentence explanation for every budget line item showing how the cost was calculated and why it is necessary for the project. Personnel lines should show the FTE fraction, annual salary, and resulting cost. Supply and service lines should show quantity multiplied by unit cost. Indirect costs should state the rate applied and the base it was applied to. Reviewers use the justification to verify that costs are reasonable and allowable under the funder's guidelines.\n",{"question":411,"answer":412},"What makes a grant proposal competitive?","Competitive proposals share four characteristics: a well-documented, localized needs statement with cited data; outcome-based SMART objectives with measurable targets; a realistic, justified budget with no unexplained round numbers; and a credible evaluation plan naming the staff responsible for data collection. Proposals that align their language directly to the funder's stated priorities consistently outscore those that use generic language.\n",{"question":414,"answer":415},"Do I need professional grant writing experience to use this template?","No. The template provides the structure, standard section headings, and sample language you need to draft a complete proposal. The research — localizing your needs data, building your budget from real cost estimates, and identifying your measurable outcomes — is what requires time and organizational knowledge. For high-stakes federal grants or first-time applicants, a one-hour review with a professional grant writer can significantly improve a template-based draft.\n",{"question":417,"answer":418},"How long does it take to write a grant proposal?","A complete foundation grant proposal typically takes 20–40 hours for an experienced writer working from an organizational template with existing program data. First-time proposals or federal applications with complex requirements can take 60–100 hours or more. Using a structured template reduces the formatting and structural work by roughly 50%, concentrating your time on the research and narrative sections that require original thinking.\n",[420,424,428,432,436,440],{"industry":421,"icon_asset_id":422,"specifics":423},"Nonprofit and Social Services","industry-nonprofit","Foundation and government grants fund core program delivery; proposals must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status, audited financials, and measurable community impact metrics.",{"industry":425,"icon_asset_id":426,"specifics":427},"Healthcare and Public Health","industry-healthtech","Federal grants (NIH, CDC, HRSA) require detailed logic models, IRB approval references, and health outcome metrics such as reduction in hospitalizations or disease prevalence rates.",{"industry":429,"icon_asset_id":430,"specifics":431},"Education","industry-education","School districts and universities pursue Title I, Department of Education, and private foundation grants; proposals must align to academic achievement standards and student outcome data.",{"industry":433,"icon_asset_id":434,"specifics":435},"Research and Academia","industry-research","NSF and NIH proposals follow strict formatting requirements (Specific Aims, Research Strategy, Broader Impacts) and are evaluated by peer review panels scoring scientific merit and innovation.",{"industry":437,"icon_asset_id":438,"specifics":439},"Small Business and Economic Development","industry-small-business","SBIR, USDA Rural Development, and state economic development grants require commercialization plans, job creation projections, and documentation of the technology or innovation being funded.",{"industry":441,"icon_asset_id":442,"specifics":443},"Arts and Culture","industry-arts","NEA, state arts council, and private foundation grants prioritize community access, artist diversity, and audience reach data — often requiring work samples and artist statements as appendices.",[445,449,452,456],{"vs":446,"vs_template_id":447,"summary":448},"Letter of Inquiry","letter-of-inquiry-D13645","A letter of inquiry is a 1–3 page pre-proposal that tests funder interest before investing time in a full application. A grant proposal is the complete submission with all required sections, budget, and attachments. Use an LOI when the funder's guidelines allow or require it; proceed directly to a full proposal when the funder accepts unsolicited applications.",{"vs":58,"vs_template_id":450,"summary":451},"project-proposal-D13622","A project proposal is an internal or client-facing document requesting approval and resources for a new initiative within an organization. A grant proposal is an external funding request submitted to a funder according to their specific RFP requirements. Grant proposals require a budget justification, evaluation plan, and sustainability section that most internal project proposals omit.",{"vs":453,"vs_template_id":454,"summary":455},"Business Plan","business-plan-canvas-(one-page)-D12527","A business plan is a comprehensive strategic and financial document designed for investors, lenders, or internal leadership planning. A grant proposal is a targeted funding request structured around a funder's specific requirements and review criteria. A business plan demonstrates commercial viability; a grant proposal demonstrates community need, program design, and measurable impact.",{"vs":74,"vs_template_id":457,"summary":458},"sponsorship-proposal-D13547","A sponsorship proposal targets corporations seeking brand exposure, community goodwill, or employee engagement benefits in exchange for funding. A grant proposal targets philanthropic funders — foundations and government agencies — whose decision is based on program merit and alignment with their mission rather than marketing return. The two documents have different audiences, motivations, and required content.",{"use_template":460,"template_plus_review":464,"custom_drafted":468},{"best_for":461,"cost":462,"time":463},"Nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses applying to foundation or local government grants under $100K","Free","20–40 hours",{"best_for":465,"cost":466,"time":467},"First-time grant applicants or organizations applying for grants of $100K–$500K from state agencies or national foundations","$300–$1,500 for a professional grant writer review or coaching session","3–5 weeks",{"best_for":469,"cost":470,"time":471},"Federal grants (NIH, NSF, DOE), multi-year grants over $500K, or organizations with no prior grant writing capacity","$2,000–$10,000+ for a professional grant writer","4–10 weeks",[473,474],"how-to-write-a-needs-statement","grant-budget-basics",[252,476,477,478,479,480,481,482,483,484,485,486],"project-proposal-D12678","sponsorship-proposal-D12680","non-profit-organization-business-plan-D12024","project-plan-D12775","budget-proposal-D13607","status-report-D13043","volunteer-agreement-D13436","memorandum-of-understanding-D12548","funding-request-letter-D13697","strategic-planning-template-D13857","board-meeting-minutes-D13904",{"emit_how_to":488,"emit_defined_term":488},true,{"primary_folder":148,"secondary_folder":490,"document_type":491,"industry":492,"business_stage":493,"tags":494,"confidence":498},"business-plans","proposal","non-profit-organizations","all-stages",[495,491,496,497],"fundraising","nonprofit","grant-proposal",0.75,"\u003Ch2>What is a Grant Proposal?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>Grant Proposal\u003C/strong> is a formal written document submitted to a funding organization — a private foundation, government agency, or corporate giving program — requesting financial support to carry out a defined project or program. It systematically documents the community need being addressed, the applicant organization's qualifications, the proposed program design, the budget required to execute it, and the measurable outcomes the funder can expect. Unlike a business plan or investor pitch, a grant proposal is evaluated primarily on mission alignment, evidence of need, and the credibility of the implementation and evaluation plan rather than on financial return.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Submitting a grant application without a structured proposal is the most reliable way to be declined. Program officers at foundations and government agencies review dozens to hundreds of applications per cycle using a standardized scoring rubric — proposals that are missing sections, use vague objectives, or present unjustified budgets are eliminated before peer review. A well-structured grant proposal forces you to localize your needs data, translate program activities into measurable outcomes, and demonstrate a realistic path to sustainability — the four factors that separate funded proposals from the majority that are not. This template gives you the section structure, sample language, and budget framework that meet the expectations of most major funders, so you spend your limited time on the research and narrative that requires your organizational knowledge rather than formatting decisions.\u003C/p>\n",1781186013516]