| Once you have identified your need; gathered your stakeholders and solicited their support; and identified and contacted potential funding sources, it is time to begin crafting your proposal.
First, determine what kind of proposal the granting organization(s) want. Foundations will have unique guidelines for proposals, so make sure you have the most updated guidelines and any forms they may require. Federal and state agencies will have strict content and format guidelines. It is very important to work with the program officer to make sure you meet eligibility requirements and have all required forms and content. Tips on submitting proposals to federal and state agencies are supplied in a separate section below.
Second, identify a proposal manager. This person will be responsible for organizing and managing the entire proposal effort from your first kick-off meeting to the delivery of the application.
Third, identify a writer, who also may be the proposal manager. If you do not have grant development funds, ask a skilled staff member or stakeholder with expertise in the area of the proposed project to be lead writer. If you do have grant development funds, you may want to consider hiring a grant writer to serve as a lead writer or a reviewer of your proposal.
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