Grant Proposal (60 points)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Read Chapter 22 (Proposals) before completing this project.

Part I: Background

Premise: You have been hired as the grant writer for Workshop Houston, a local after-school
program that is seeking funding to expand the organization and support its young student
members. Using the background information provided below, write a persuasive grant proposal
asking for the Community Arts Challenge grant (CAC grant) from the National Endowment for
the Arts.

Workshop Houston was built on the belief that learning is more than just what happens in a
classroom. Founded by four Oberlin College graduates in 2003, Workshop Houston has grown
into a well-established youth development agency and important neighborhood resource. Using a
hands-on, arts-based educational philosophy to respond to the needs of our community, your
program hasserved thousands of youth through after school and summer programs that help
students to build technical skills, develop a meaningful creative practice, and gain academic
confidence.

Workshop Houston website: https://www.workshophouston.org/

 Who You Are | The Mission

Workshop Houston’s goal is to provide youth with creative, technical and educational
resources. Our vision is to lay the groundwork for a just society by creating a community
that provides youth with support, expanded opportunities and alternative definitions of
success.

 What You Do | The 4 Workshops

Workshop Houston offers innovative youth development programs through four
studio/classrooms: 1. Beat Shop (music production), 2. Discovery Shop (computer
programming and robotics), Scholar Shop (academic enrichment), and the Style Shop
(fashion and graphic design.)

Review the more detailed description of the 4 workshops provided by Workshop Houston:
https://www.workshophouston.org/pages/the-shops/

National Endowment of the Arts RFP (request for proposals)

 CAC Grant Award Criteria

The Community Arts Challenge grant is the National Endowment for the Arts’ education and
community-based grant award. The NEA is requesting proposals from after-school programs that
make an impact on underserved communities in the United States. Programs that meet the CAC
grant criteria will seek to close the opportunity gaps for children from lower-income
neighborhoods. Chosen programs awarded the CAC grant offer activities that involve art,
education, culture, and design, while seeking to enhance the creativity, critical thinking, and
independence of its student members.

Part II

Assignment Instructions:
The Workshop Houston campus (located on 3039 Holman Street) has served at-risk youth from
underserved communities for nearly two decades. The tutors at Workshop Houston are dedicated
to offering students an artistic, educational, and skills-based outlet in the form of its 4 Workshop
Programs. But now the organization wants to expand and make an even greater impact on the
community’s youth.

You, as the grant writer for Workshop Houston, have been hired to draft a grant proposal
applying for the CAC Award—a financial grant awarded in a monetary between $20,000 to
$200,000 dollars.

Here is the problem you will be addressing in your proposal: Workshop Houston currently
offers 4 workshops (Beat Shop, Discovery Shop, Design Shop, and Style Shop). The popularity
of these workshops, however, has resulted in a waiting list of new students seeking to enroll.

Grant Proposal Options:

1) Propose the development of a fifth workshop based on any artistic or educational subject
that interests you. Your shop will be taught on the Workshop Houston campus. Whatever
new shop you propose must be aligned with the values and mission of Workshop
Houston (study their website).

2) OR: Write your proposal as if you want to expand an existing workshop. Review the
workshops closely and then suggest creative and original (to the best of your ability)
additions to that program—new lessons, skills, materials, technology, projects, or events,
fairs, or showcases that you believe would complement what is already offered.

Required Parts:
Your proposal will have these following sections, and each section is defined in detail at the end
of this assignment sheet. 1) Cover Page 2) Overview 3) Background 4) Statement of Problem 5)
Plan/Method 6) Staffing 7) Budget 8) Conclusion 9) References.

Length: 2-3 pages single spaced text, but this does not include any optional images, graphics, or
charts you might include (approximately 1,000 to 1,250 words)

Textbook Proposal
You may use the funding proposal for the SMU Torch on p. 561 (Chapter 22: Proposals) as a
basic model for your own project. However, you have creative flexibility for the design and
organization of your document.

Funding Amount
Your budget will request a targeted funding amount that will fall between the range of $20,000
to $200,000 dollar range.

PARTS OF YOUR GRANT PROPOSAL: Write your proposal to match the description and
values of the Community Arts Challenge Grant—the NEA is the organization who will be
offering you the funding, and your proposal will likely reference the criteria stated in the CAC
grant award description.

1) Cover Page
a. See SMU Torch example

2) Overview
a. An effective overview is a relatively brief introduction. (5-8
sentences). It offers a concise and persuasive statement of the key
participants and problems addressed in the proposal—it should be
engaging and persuasive and hook your audience. In this section, you
will quickly identify your organization, the community, the problem,
the purpose of your organization.

3) Background
a. Provide relevant background on Workshop Houston. Review the
website and persuasively describe who they are, their values, mission
statement, and goals. Do not simply copy the text—that’s plagiarism.
However, you can use some of the same key terms or concepts. [I will
review the plagiarism rules in a video lecture].

4) Statement of Problem
a. The statement of problem and plan are closely connected. For
example, if you proposed a Physics Workshop as your plan, then your
argument about the problem could focus on the importance of science
education. You could research the American education system, and
low-test scores in science—and/or research the importance of physics
as a foundation in many careers.
b. You might also discuss the audience—teenagers from the Houston
community (Houston youth) who come from low-income
 neighborhoods, or attend low-income public schools where after
school programs are often non-existent.

5) Plan
a. Introduce the concept for the workshop you want to propose. Educate
your audience on the subject, sell them on your enthusiasm for it. Why
do you believe the lessons or skills or outcomes from your workshop
are valuable to students?

6) Method
a. How will your workshop function? What’s the curriculum? Be creative
and remember your audience—how do you make it fun and engaging?
Perhaps you combine a mix of traditional lessons with practical
workshop? Maybe you include end of the semester contests, fairs, or
showcases?

7) Staffing:
a. Part of your budget will be used to pay for the tutor who will run your
workshop. What are their qualifications and required background?
Write a brief description of their qualifications.

8) Budget:
a. Make up the numbers.
b. You’ll have to decide how specific to be. Is this the kind of project that
needs line-by-line budgetary information, tables, pie charts, or can you
group tasks into categories and discuss how much each category will
cost? Remember, the staffing section must also be included.
c. Review the SMU Torch Example and any other budget example from
the textbook you prefer.

9) Conclusion:
a. Unlike some business proposals, grant proposals should NOT include
a deadline date for a business offer. Rather, you should remind the
reader of the key benefits of your plan and try to motivate them to
offer you the CAC grant award. This is the last opportunity to compel
your audience to action—the conclusion is typically short, concise,
and persuasive.

10) References:
a. Your proposal will have a research component that will include at
least 4 outside sources to support your argument. Online sources are
allowed. Sources should be documented using correct APA format for
in-text citations and work cited page.
 b. Your textbook includes information APA format, but below I have
also included links to the North Carolina Writing Center:

APA Citation Links:

How to Insert a quote in the text:

http://guides.lib.unc.edu/citing-information/apa-intext

List of “signal phrases for introducing quote:

http://www.capella.edu/interactivemedia/onlineWritingCenter/downloads/handoutSignalP
hrases2009.pdf

Documenting Online Sources:

http://guides.lib.unc.edu/citing-information/apa-online

Sample References Page:

http://guides.lib.unc.edu/citing-information/apa-sample

GRADING CRITERIA:
Your proposal will be graded according to the criteria by which proposals are typically accepted
or rejected. A successful grant proposal will:
 Demonstrate an understanding of Workshop Houston’s values and mission statement.
 Be organized into clear sections with proper headings.
 Illustrate the soundness/practicality of the plan being offered.
 Identify a relevant problem in the community and a feasible approach to its solution.
 Illustrate the quality of the project’s organization and management.
 Demonstrate an ability to control costs.
 Include a research component with correct citations.
 Demonstrate the qualifications of the staff to be assigned to the project.
 Use persuasive techniques (including a clear focus on audience needs and benefits,
honest and supportable claims, appropriate detail, readability, convincing language,
accessible and attractive page design, proper citations of any sources or contributors,
etc.).
 Display correct grammar and mechanics. Demonstrate concision, clarity, and fluency.
Grant Proposal Requesting Funding for Houston Chapter
Non-Profit Organization
Project Cougar

Prepared for: Community-Campus Partnerships for Health

By

Simon Busari

The University of Houston- College of Technology

Table of Contents
1. Overview:............................................................................................................................................8
2. Community Background:.....................................................................................................................8
3. Statement of Problem:........................................................................................................................8
4. Plan:.....................................................................................................................................................8
5. Methods:.............................................................................................................................................9
5.1. Sports Programs:.........................................................................................................................9
5.2. Mentoring Program:....................................................................................................................9
5.3. UH Games:...................................................................................................................................9
5.4. Junior Councilor Program:.........................................................................................................10
6. Timeline:............................................................................................................................................10
7. Budget:..............................................................................................................................................10
8. Conclusion:........................................................................................................................................11
9. References:........................................................................................................................................11
 1. Overview:
Project Cougar is seeking a grant to begin our sports programs in the Third Ward area with the
goal of keeping at risk students away from gang violence. The objective is to foster a competitive
spirit and a motivation that can be used in their academic lives. The program has a focus of using
sports to foster a joy for learning with children and continuing higher education. The sports
program is based on the University of Houston’s sports management program with a focus on
development of determination through sports. Funding in the amount of $150,000 is requested to
hire permanent coaches, transportation, advertising and purchase required equipment for
participants.

2. Community Background:
Third Ward is the area surrounding the University of Houston. The area has been a historically
black area with about 60% of the population being of African American descent (US census).
The area still suffers from high rates of poverty and rampant gang violence. With a median
income of $24,000 the entire area lives well below the nation level (Houston.gov). With as much
as 25% of the population being homeless or have been homeless. Those most at risk are the
children with nearly 15% of the population being under the age of 18 (Houston.gov). The
Median income has slowly been increasing due to gentrification in the north side of the ward;
however this has forced many tenants being forced to move or become homeless. The homeless
population has in turn increased, with nearly a 10% increase in the past 20 years (US census).
This area is also not deemed safe by the Houston police after a certain time due to burglary and
homeless roaming the streets at night. The area is home to both Bloods and Crips who are found
in the Texas Southern University and Ryan Middle School area. Even with a large police
presence at these schools, violent crimes occur frequently and many of the casualties either
children or single parents.

3. Statement of Problem:
With the resource center being vastly underfunded (Houston chronicle) sports and arts programs
in the area are nonexistent. One of the best ways to keep kids out of danger is occupying their
time (Keeping Children). If a child gets access to an education and extracurricular activities that
they enjoy, they will be too occupied to be on the street looking for something to do. Due to the
poverty levels in the area, paid programs are not viable due to sports programs costing nearly
$3000 per semester (USA Today). Transportation is seemly also an issue with nearly 20% of the
population without access to transportation (Houston.gov). A suitable training area for the
program is need as many of the public parks are frequented by the local gangs and would be
unsafe for participants and staff alike.

4. Plan:
Project Cougar program is an after-school sports program to keep kids away from gang violence
in the Third Ward area. With 30% of Third Ward families living under the poverty line
(houtontx.gov), many cannot afford extracurricular activities for their children. This program
provides free sports to underprivileged elementary and middle school children in high risk
neighborhoods such as Ryan Heights and Emancipation Ave. With the help of University
students and staff in tandem with the University Recreational Center, we plan to host a year
around program along with summer tournaments that fosters teamwork and determination among
the participants. We are working with Lockhart Elementary and Ryan Baylor Middle School to
begin the program there and expand to other schools in the area such as Blackshear Elementary.
Project Cougar and the UH Chapter are dedicated to building a program that keeps Third Ward
children off the streets and learn life skills through sports.

We will be offering free transportation to our participants to and from the University as well as
snacks. We are planning to provide alternative transportation to get students to their homes if
their parents are unable to pick them up to lessen the burden on the parents. We will be doing
periodic evaluations with our own staff and administration of the schools to ensure participant
satisfaction and growth of the program throughout the years. The growth quotas we will be
looking at is participant numbers, schools participating, and returning volunteer and participant
numbers.

5. Methods:
5.1. Sports Programs:
In our first five years of operation, we will be offering indoor soccer, basketball, and volleyball
to our participating schools. We chose these sports to accommodate the Hispanic populations,
and appeal to both the male and female demographic. These sports are to be held indoors at the
University of Houston Melcher Gym due to its proximity to all the high risks areas of the ward.
We believe by hosting it at the Melcher Gym we would be exempted from payments due to
being affiliated with the University. Scheduling would not be an issue as there are two-hour
blocks from 4 to 6 that vacant and available for use. Games will be played in an intermural
bracket with different teams from different schools and age groups will be mixed and compete
for a trophy at the end of the year. During the summer, kids can continue to play in the summer
league and if there are not enough student volunteers, we will be gathering high school
volunteers to compensate.

5.2. Mentoring Program:

By having a mentoring program, we will have UH student volunteers conduct trainings and day
to day activities of the program. During the school year, students will be tasks with arrival of
students to the gym and directing bus traffic. In practices, they will be conducting the training
alongside the full-time coaches and clean up after practices. Mentors will also oversee team
building activities outside of the program and be a support group for their group members.

5.3. UH Games:
UH Games will be a one-day tournament that will be held at UH for the youth of the city. This is
open to all students who make a team. Those within the program will have a chance to test their
skills against other teams. The tournament also allows more people to see the firsthand work of
Project Cougar and one day expands to other wards within the Houston area. The event is an
opportunity to get extra funding either from sponsors or angel donors who will be coming to this
This competitiveness spirit allows students to learn life skills that they can use in their academic
life and foster determination so they can continue to follow a path that leads them out of the
poverty they grew up in.

5.4. Junior Councilor Program:

During the summer we will be calling on High School students in the area to volunteer at the
summer as referees and coaches. Further down the road we will be asking former participants in
the program to foster the next generation of Project Cougar. In exchange for helping in the
summers, we are will offering free lunch as well as certified training to become referees and
coaches. This training can be used to get a job during the school year as the training is certified
and can be used in other programs in the city.

6. Timeline:
Activities
Submit Grant Proposal July, 2019
Expected Grant Notification September, 2019
Obtain Additional Equipment December, 2019
Set up Blue Bird Bus Route December, 2019
On Campus Recruitment January, 2020
Program Introduction January, 2020- March, 2020
Hiring Fulltime coaches March, 2020
Initial Program Start August, 2020
Begin First 4 Month Phase August, 2020- December, 2020
End of Season Evaluation December, 2020
Prepare Results Report January, 2021

7. Budget:
Price Quantity Cost Total
Equipment (Nets, 5,000 1 5,000
Balls, Uniforms,
Etc.)
Full Time 10,534.4 3 31,603.2
Coaches
Blue Bird Bus 25,200 2 50,400
Rental Cost
Snack Cist 2,500 1 2,500
Referee Cost 5,440 9 48,960
Volunteer 10,000 1 10,000
Lunches
Misc. Cost 5,500 1 5,500
 153,963.2

Funds Raised $4000

Funds Requested $150,000
The budget includes funds for an equipment cost for participants as well as professional staff
salaries for a full year. The bus rental is placed at the high end of estimation as bus rental is
subtilized by the city of Houston. Referee Cost and Full Time Coaches have hours already set
aside for training of volunteer staff and rates of cost is based on hourly rate of payment.

8. Conclusion:
Project Cougar aims to provide an escape for at risks students in the Third Ward by providing a
program that advocates physical fitness, determination, education and preventing gang escalation
in the area. We plan to help student escape poverty and learn the love of learn through our sport
programs and development. We also want to give our councilors and mentor a chance to grow in
leadership by giving them a chance to lead a new generation of kids.

9. References:
1. Greater Third Ward Demographics. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/TX/Houston/Greater-Third-Ward-
Demographics.html

2. Welcome to the City of Houston eGovernment Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://houstontx.gov/

3. Think yellow for your next event. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.firstcharterbus.com/

4. How Houston's Third Ward is fighting gentrification. (2018, June 07). Retrieved from
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/local/gray-matters/article/houston-third-ward-
gentrification-community-trust-12972879.php

5. Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Texas Household Income. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.deptofnumbers.com/income/texas/houston/

6. Average Youth Coach Salary. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Youth_Coach/Salary

7. Smith, J., & Smith, J. (2017, November 18). Paying to Play: How much do club sports cost?
Retrieved from https://usatodayhss.com/2017/paying-to-play-how-much-do-club-sports-cost

8. Keeping Children off the Streets. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://keepingchildren.org.uk/services/

9. US Census Bureau. (2019, April 04). Data. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data.html