GENERAL PROPOSAL OUTLINE 

This outline is to be used as a guide for grant writing.  Your proposal does not have to follow this exact format, nor must you include all of the information listed if it is not available.

I.  INTRODUCTION

1. Mission & History of Organization

II.  STATEMENT OF PROBLEM AND/OR NEED

1. Explain the situation, location, the people, government, religion, etc.
2. Include statistics, if known, related to this problem
3. Who are the children that will benefit?  (ages and number of children)

III.  GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Include your experience with other projects in this area or similar projects in other locations. 
2. Who is in charge of this project? 

IV.  STATEMENT OF SOLUTION

1. How is this measured?  (examples…track record, statistics, staff on location, etc.)
2. What are the methods/activities to carry out the objectives?
3. How will this project improve the lives of children? 

V.  FUNDING REQUEST

1. What will Ross Foundation money be used for?
2. This amount must be included on the project budget.
3. When is grant money needed?  (Project start date/completion date)
4. Include other sources of funding for this project, if applicable
a.  Funds already received
b.  Other funding sources pending

VI.  BUDGETS (include with your proposal)

1. Project Budget (list each item that needs to be purchased and its $)    
2. Organization Income & Expenses  (see last page for sample)

VII.  PLAN FOR EVALUATION AND REPORTING

1. How will you measure the success of this project?

VIII.  PLAN FOR BECOMING SELF-SUSTAINING

IX.  SUPPORT MATERIAL

1. One copy where applicable:  501(c)(3) document or Catholic Directory page, letters of recommendation (2 letters if applying internationally…one local and one U.S.), audited financial statement, list of Board of Directors.  For more information, please refer to Grant Seekers, Who Can Apply, on the website. 

X.  OTHER ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL)

1. Newspaper articles, newsletter, annual report, photos

OTHER NOTES:

Construction/Renovation projects:  Please include a quote from the company doing the work.  How will you equip/furnish the finished project?  How will you pay staff and other expenses if this is new construction?

Equipment/Supplies:  Please include vendor quote(s).  Where will it be purchased?  How will it arrive to the project site (if not purchased locally)?  Explain security once in place.

Education/Vocational Training projects:  What will the children do after obtaining their education or vocation?  Are jobs available?  What (approximate) % of children will be successful?  What is your criteria for selecting students who will go on to higher learning?

Water projects:  See construction/renovation. As a children’s foundation, we can only fund water projects specifically for children.  These include storage tanks, bore holes and water wells for schools and orphanages. We also want to know when and how water was discovered at the site and if it was discovered during the wet or dry season.  We will also want to know how it will it be maintained/serviced?