NOTE: Always frame your proposal to align as closely as possible to the stated mission, without compromising the needs of the constituents. Further, you should always determine who would be appropriate to review your proposal and check their availability. Try to compose your proposal so that it piques the interest of all the expertise on your review team.
Abstract/Summary
Abstract/Summary
- The abstract is the most important component of the proposal. Spend time developing the best possible title and explanation for your project.
- What will be done, by whom, how, over what period of time? What is the problem/need? Who will the outcomes benefit?
- The rest of your proposal will elaborate on these points.
- What is the issue that you are addressing and why does it matter?
- Why is what you propose necessary? What is the void in Knowledge?
- Who benefits? Indicate the public good, not just the effect on campus.
- Who else is working in this field, what have they done, and why isn't that enough? Demonstrate your knowledge of the field with other project examples.
- Provide convincing evidence that what you are proposing does not duplicate other work. Include your own sketches and photos of prototypes.
- Why did you choose to address the issue in the manner that you have?
- What are the specific activities involved? Who will do them?
- Why are you/your team members the best ones suited for their specific roles?
- Present a timeline of activities. Tables and charts can work well to convey extensive information well in a limited space.
- Show your budget in table form with vendors, items, quantities, amounts, and overall total. Use a line beneath each item to explain its use.
- A communication strategy should be linked to your project goals and objectives. If you are trying to affect change, your dissemination plan should address all affected populations.
- Be creative! Sending an email or making an announcement is only one of many options. Consider spreading the word both in and outside of this community. You should gather photos of your process and finished project and conduct interviews and consider multimedia presentations. You can launch a web site or blog and even convene with groups of your peers to celebrate your project.
- This is an essential piece to your proposal, and should address both quantitative and qualitative data, if feasible.
- Outline clearly the methodology that you will use to assess the project's success.
