Grant Proposal Structure
| Section | Purpose |
|---|
| Executive Summary | 1-page snapshot: who you are, what you want, why it matters, how much |
| Needs Statement | Problem you're solving — data-backed, specific, human-centered |
| Project Description | Goals, activities, timeline, who will do what |
| Budget + Narrative | Line items with justification — show every dollar's purpose |
| Outcomes/Evaluation | How you'll measure success — SMART objectives |
Needs Statement Formula
| Component | Content |
|---|
| Scope | How many people affected? What geography? |
| Data | Cite reputable sources — Census, CDC, peer-reviewed research |
| Human Story | One specific anecdote — data persuades, stories move |
| Gap | What's missing? Why can't existing resources solve this? |
Budget Essentials
| Category | Include |
|---|
| Personnel | Salaries + benefits — % FTE allocated to this project |
| Direct Costs | Supplies, equipment, travel, consultants |
| Indirect/Overhead | Admin costs — 10-20% is standard, check funder limits |
Pro Tip: Grants are not about what you need — they're about what the funder wants to achieve. Frame your proposal as an investment in their mission, not a donation to your cause.