Search online for examples of grant proposals, and compare the goals and
objectives of at least three proposals using the following criteria (Tip: Use
the term “sample grant proposal” when you conduct your search):
- How well do the goals and objectives address the identified need
Grant Proposal
Often, for-profit, non-profit organizations, and individuals write grant proposals to fund agencies, persuading the latter to offer support to meet a particular goal. This essay explores three grant proposals written by different entities– Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Kennett Area Senior Center and New York University School of Medicine- requesting for financial support to fund their projects. While all the proposals aim at meeting a valuable cause, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ proposal appears to be the best because its activities are related to the interests of the funding agency, and it exhibits clarity and brevity, which is likely to convince the reviewers to offer the necessary support.
Comparison of the Grant Proposals
Criteria
Organizations |
How well the goals and objectives address the identified need | Measurability of the objectives (Target population, time, place, and anticipated increase or decrease) | Availability of Concrete ways of measuring progress | Likelihood of the activities resulting in progress toward the stated objectives |
Association of Zoos and Aquariums | Adequately.
The organization’s need is to help control the high mortality rate associated with bird-glass collisions. This need correlates with the goal and objective of identifying practical solutions to the issue of bird/glass collisions by testing commercially and affordable materials used on windows. |
Effectively Measurable.
The target population of the project is various bird species netted during spring and fall migration. The project is planned to take place at the Powdermill Nature reserve within eight weeks. Bird/glass collision is expected to decline. |
Yes.
The progress will be measured through an analysis of benchmarks established before the project starts. |
Yes.
The objectives and activities are adequately aligned. |
Kennett Area Senior Center | Adequately.
The need of the entity is to bridge the gap between the expenditure of providing quality programs and revenue received from funding agencies. This need aligns with the objective to meet the needs of low-moderate income older residents living in the area. |
Yes.
The project targets adult residents within and outside of Southern Chester County. The project has an infinite time-frame and will take place in the Kennett Area Senior Center. The initiative is anticipated to enhance the dignity and well-being of adults living in the area. |
Yes.
The progress will be evaluated through a comparison of the program’s current and previous participation levels. Feedback solicited from individuals will also be a metric of measuring the growth of the project. |
Yes.
The objectives and activities are adequately aligned. |
New York University School of Medicine | Adequately.
The needs of the organization are to reduce mortality from tobacco use in Vietnam. This need correlates with its objective to fill the research-to-practice gap that compares the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of strategies for the treatment of tobacco use. |
Yes.
The target population is Vietnamese adult smokers and healthcare providers. The project will take place for six months in 26 public health clinics in rural and urban districts. The expected outcome is increased smoking abstinence. |
Yes.
The progress will be measured through a comparison of baseline study site assessment and progressive outcomes during the research. |
Yes.
The objectives and activities are adequately aligned. |
Analysis
While all the grant proposals meet the four criteria, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ proposal appears to be the best because its activities are related to the interests of the funding agency, and it exhibits clarity and brevity, As noted by Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2008), the actions of a good proposal must relate to the interest or purposes of the funding agency. The grant proposal is oriented to the protection of the lives of bird species, which correlates to the interest of the Conservation Endowment Fund. Furthermore, Gemayel and Martin (2017) opine that a grant application should be clear and concise to enable the reviewers to grasp the objective and rationale of a project. Similarly, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ proposal is written clearly and concisely, which is likely to take reviewers a shorter time to read and understand. Conversely, the other two proposals are not concise, and one lacks adequate information about its cost budget.
References
Gemayel, R., & Martin, S. (2017). Writing a successful fellowship or grant application. The FEBS Journal, 284(22), 3771-3777. Retrieved from https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/febs.14318
Kirst-Ashman, K., & Hull, G. (2008). Generalist practice with organizations and communities. Massachusetts, U.S: Cengage Learning