Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal

4. Project Detail

a. Goals and Objectives
* Try and differentiate between your goals and your objectives - and include both.

* Goals are the large statements of what you hope to accomplish but usually are not very measurable. They create the setting for what you are proposing.

* Objectives are operational, tell specific things you will be accomplishing in your project, and are very measurable.

* Your objectives will form the basis for the activities of your project and will also serve as the basis for the evaluation of your project.

* Try to insure that there is considerable overlap between the goals and objectives for your proposal and the goals and objectives of the funding organization. If there is not a
strong overlap of goals and objectives then it might be best to identify a different funding organization.

* Present measurable objectives for your project. If you are dealing with "things" it is easier for them to be measured than if you are dealing with abstract ideas. Your proposal
is easier for a prospective funding organization to understand (and the outcomes are much more clear) if you describe your objectives in measurable ways.

b. Clientele
* Include specific information about the population or clientele on which your project is focused.

* Exactly who are the clientele? Who is included in the clientele group?

* In what ways have you already had contact with the clientele group?

* Can you show that you have the support of the clientele group to move ahead with the project?

* In what ways have members of the clientele group been involved in the preparation of the proposal?

* What other agencies are involved with this clientele group (and have these other agencies been included in your proposed project)?

* It is important for the funding agency to see how much the clientele group has been involved with the project and the preparation of the proposal. (Sometimes a project is funded and then the director finds that the clientele group does not want to be involved!! Do not let that happen to you.)

* Be sure to clarify why it is important for the funding organization to be concerned about your clientele. Your proposal should clearly indicate how assisting your clientele is in the best interests of the funding organization.

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