Qualities of Successful
Proposals
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The SSJCF is interested in programs or projects with outcomes that will make a measurable difference among the population served.
The SSJCF also seeks to
support projects and organizations that are collaborative in nature. In
your proposal, be specific about the roles of other individuals and
organizations with whom you will be collaborating....
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| What are these individuals and
organizations committing to your project in terms of financial resources, human
resources, and/or donated goods/services?
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Letters of commitment from
collaborators should be more than simply letters of support (i.e. letters
indicating that others think your project is a "good idea").
Rather, they should indicate the specific commitment that collaborators are
making to your project. In discussing collaboration in your proposal, also
describe how your organization's project will benefit other individuals and
organizations. In other words:
what will your project add to the
community?
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| Therefore, consideration is given to projects that... |
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...On a conceptual level:
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Address more than one issue listed in the focus areas. |
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Target a population that is demonstrably vulnerable and/or underserved. |
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Involve
collaboration among appropriate agencies and groups. |
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Include documentation of the group/agency’s ability to carry out the purposes of the grant. |
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Maximize the use of existing resources within the organization and community |
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Represent development, growth, or movement for the organization as opposed to a request solely for funding on-going activities. |
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| ...On a practical
level:
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State clear, realistic and significant objectives as well as an evaluation plan proportional to the size and complexity of the project. |
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Contain a practical budget appropriate for the level of development of the program. |
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Seek
the support of other funding sources in a realistic manner. |
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Demonstrate a serious plan for addressing the issue of program sustainability over time, particularly after support from the SSJCF ends. |
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Present an efficient cost/benefit ratio. |
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Are
carefully formatted in accordance with the directions for grant proposals
given by the SSJCF.
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| General
Proposal Writing Tips:
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Study the SSJCF annual report and other materials to
get a clear sense of the types of projects typically funded and at what
amounts.
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Be realistic
about the amount of funding you
request. The average grant awarded by the SSJCF is $17,000.
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Follow
all
directions, carefully.
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The key to a strong proposal often is simplicity.
Avoid repetition. Avoid using jargon. Don’t waste words. Be clear,
factual, and professional.
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Don’t assume
that the person who is reading and
evaluating the grant request has any prior knowledge of your organization or
project. Explain everything as though he/she knows nothing about this type
of project.
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Keep your proposal neat, clean, and easy to read.
Emphasize important points by using indenting or bullets.
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Have someone who is unfamiliar with your
organization and project read your proposal prior to submission to give you
feedback on the content (i.e. is the proposal clear; does it convey a full
understanding of your organization and project?).
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Proofread.
It is usually difficult to proofread your own work;
therefore, seek out someone skilled at proofreading to review and edit your
proposal.
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