Fordham

Grant submission and writing checklist

grant writing

• In the overall proposal:

• The project purpose is clearly described

• The need for the project is convincing

• The work done to date is summarized

• The project goals & objectives are clear -  the objectives are listed in a logical order,  the objectives are specific & measurable, each objective supports a specific goal, the outcomes can be realistically achieved

• The impact of grant funds is fully explained

• Plans are presented for sustaining the project after the grant period

• Plans are presented for publicizing the grant & its accomplishments (if required)

• The work plan contains:

• A timetable, with adequate time for the accomplishment of goals

• A description of the work to be performed by key personnel

• A schedule for consultant visits/advisory meetings & explanation for their necessity

• A demonstration of PI’s experience with techniques to be used, or examples of their successful use by others. Confirmation that generally accepted standards will be followed.

• An assessment of potential problem areas & ways to address them during the grant

• A confirmation that the necessary parties will cooperate & support the goals 

• An awareness of similar projects & reasons for their success or failure

• A description of any follow-up to occur after project completion

• Samples of forms, finding aid formats, etc., to be used or created 

• The personnel section:

• Includes the names, qualifications & duties of all known key personnel 

• Explains that staff qualifications are appropriate for the duties assigned

• Includes job descriptions & qualifications for all positions to be filled

• Describes how a wide search for the most qualified candidates will take place 

• Notes the names & qualifications of paid or non-paid advisors to the project

• The proposal budget:

• Indicates the uses for grant funds

• Includes costs to be met by applicant or other institutions

• Explains budget figures (e.g., breakdown of travel costs or consultants’ daily rates) 

• Accounts for all expenditures in the proposal narrative

• Includes a separate budget form for each year of a project lasting 18 months or longer & a grand total at the end of the budget form used for the final year (when applicable)

• Includes appropriate cost-sharing or matching funds (when applicable)

• Demonstrates efforts to achieve maximum economy in achieving project goals 

• Adds up!

• The section on project outcomes/evaluation includes:

• An evaluation plan that matches the list of measurable objectives & goals

• A description of how data will be gathered, by whom & release date for final report

• Evidence of careful consideration as to the purpose, audience, scope, & content of any intended product

• Descriptions & justification of the format, content & distribution plans for publications 

• Descriptions of methods to be used in preparing & microfilming/digitizing records