What do I need to keep in mind as I continue develop my grant proposal?

The program needs to have a clear workable solution that addresses the statement of needs that was previously outlined during the planning stage of the project. Importance of team work. It is important that the project manager, coordinators, and other stakeholders work together as they have a clear understanding of the different needs to be addressed, the possible limitations of the problems, and the benefits that the target population will received. Realistic and measurable goals are key to success in the grant writing process. It is extremely important to have supportive evidence (data) to convince that grant funders that the program being drafted will be become an innovative solution to the assessed needs Details, details, details. Every objective needs to be supported by data, show how it is going to be used in the achievement of goals, and include a quantitative tool that allows its measure. Grant funders are very interested in knowing how the money is going to be spent and if any money will be left over. Grant writers need to ensure that the goals and objectives of the proposal are related to the mission, vision, and core values of the organization or institution they represent. A description of how this task is going to be accomplished needs to be explained in the proposal. Documented problem and measurable objectives, as well as a compelling purpose, are key elements in the grant writing process. A program plan is important as it contains the timeline (by month preferably) in which the project is planning to be accomplished and the different staff members (and their responsibilities) that will participate in the discernment and deployment of the program.

It is pertinent to include a job description of the individuals that need to be hired to perform the different tasks that the project entails, and a proposal on how the hiring process will be handled. It will be a wise idea to check with Human Resources to see how the hiring process can be expedited. As one prepares to sell an innovative idea to a grant funder, it is recommended that the grant writer spends some time in designing a campaign that will convince community members that the program will address their needs to a certain extent. Community members are interested in fast and easy results. So, a succinct yet comprehensive marketing plan is the way to go. In a culturally diverse society, advertisement materials in more than one language will show a true commitment to community

engagement/diversity. Again do not forget to include at least two activities for every objective covered in the grant proposal. The more details, and the more partners who have signed on, the more likely the program is to receive funding.

Miguel Llovera Da Corte