PLAN YOUR PROJECT

Before you can write a strong proposal, you need to have a strong project plan.  You should think about things such as:

• What needs or problems (in my environment, in my field, in my school) does this project address? 

• What activities or program will I develop to meet these needs? 

• What resources will I require (staffing, equipment, time, materials) to carry out those activities?

• What do I expect the outcome of my program to be?

• How will I measure the success of my activities? 

• What is my overall goal?

• What change do I hope to make--amongst my clients, in terms of knowledge available or in response to community needs--as a result of my project?

The grid below will help you to think about each of these project components.  Funders like proposals where each of these elements-- the needs or problems to be addressed; the activities or methodology; the resources required; and the outcomes to be achieved-- all connect logically together.

Needs/ Problems	Activities/Strategies	Resources	Outcomes	Assessment/Success Measures
Ex: Low-income students in our district graduate at much lower rates than the population overall.	Start a free after-school program for low-income students that will provide concentrated opportunities for academic support and completing homework.	Two staff members; room; computers; pen, pencils, and calculators; publicity/contact with families	75% of students in program will achieve GPA increases of 10% or more.	GPAs of participating students.

 

 

Last Modified: July 22, 2010