Proposal Preparation for Students

General Proposal Format

The proposal is a comprehensive description of the project and usually consists of two main parts: technical or narrative section and budget. Almost all funding organizations have guidelines which must be followed.

Contact OIR, who will assist you in your proposal preparation and submission. Grants are given to institutions, not to individuals. Therefore, we need to adhere to Olin’s policies and procedures.

Some basic elements of a proposal

• Proposal summary or abstract
  Provide a concise summary on a cover sheet or a cover letter. Explain the purpose of request for fund, the amount you will need, and how the project relates to the goals of the funding agency.
• Introduction
  Establish your credibility and your idea. What are you seeking to do and what are your qualifications to do so? What are your accomplishments in your field? Provide relevant background information about your institution.
• Statement of need
  Why does this project need to take place? What issues are you planning to address? What is the broader significance of your project? Why is this granting agency the best source of funds for the project?
• Objectives and methods
  This is the core of your proposal. Be clear and straightforward. Try to think about your work in a broader context. What is your research plan? Methodological approach? What activities will take place? Where? Who else will be involved? What is the timeframe? What space, equipment, supplies, etc. will you need? Are your plans ambitious but realistic?
• Evaluation
  How will you be accountable for the project? How will you monitor progress or impact? How will you report and/or disseminate results?
• Future funding
  Will the project continue beyond the grant period, and will there be institutional or other support?  

  Budget Preparation

  Prepare project budget outline by identifying:

  • Project personnel costs
  • Student assistance or clerical services costs
  • Equipment costs
  • Travel costs
  • Materials supply costs or publications costs
  • Consulting services cost