Grant Proposal Research Paper

Steps to Writing a Grant Proposal
Theresa Alcorn
HSM/270
BONITA COMER

Grant proposals differ from program to program however they have the same process that makes the difference in whether it is supported financially. It is very important to be aware of the dates that agencies specify for applying for a grant as to when they are accepting applications.
In the case of PEACE, a Domestic Violence Agency, the grant starts by identifying the program’s critical needs within the targeted community. In their case they have been experiencing an increase of domestic and youth violence, spousal and child abuse, assault, and reports of incidences of road rage over the last 5 years. It has established that clients with poor characteristics and background tend to live in unsafe conditions resulting in having problems caused by forms of violence. Often time’s clients are blocked from solving these problems because they suffer from a lack of support. If this problem is not dealt with correctly it becomes related to other
problems such as murder and suicide which have long term consequences. The impact of their problems within the community is important to acknowledge because it transforms through our children. Others have addressed their needs by doing putting up funds, but the results have been minimal change. The most promising strategy for change is to support through counseling and housing. This will help to reduce incidence of sexual assault and domestic violence through education.
To address the problems they are adhering, the grant proposal must discuss the targeted objective. When writing the proposal, the first area to cover is an abstract which discusses the organizations information, purpose, targeted population as well as specifications related to the intentions. The idea behind having the abstract is to characterize the organization and the purpose it has. The next step to the proposal is to write up the table of contents so the proposal can establish the direction it will go.
Funding is the focus of the organization in a grant proposal so a budget must be formed and applied to the means of the financing looking to acquire. Being direct, to the point and letting the grantor know what problem the agency is attempting to solve along with what funds are needed and how the funds will be used so their anticipated outcome of the proposal fits into the grantor’s mission. A very well identified budget, defining where the funds are meant to go and what is needed to move forward is vital to the approval of the grant.
The PEACE agency has many needs that must be addressed so in the following area a statement supporting what is happening that requires attention, attempts to explain why it is happening as well as what currently is being done to address it. It is always the best idea to research the facts before stating information for evidence will speak volumes. Because the agency providing the funds will be used for the goals stipulated by the organization as stated in a proposal, the less risk they feel there will be in the achievement, the more likely they will fund. This is why it is important to cover all aspects of the possible risks. With any organization that deals with people who are at harm there is risk, however the ability to secure their life with knowledge and therapy can be seen. PEACE has long term goals and the proposal must ensure the funds are going to meet these goals. Stating them fully contemplating the process of therapy and education is ongoing. Goals have a process to get an outcome therefor stating the objectives and their impact along with the time frame it will take to accomplish is important in the proposal process. When PEACE reaches this point it must be reviewed to seek out imperfections. Evaluation is an important aspect to a proposal for there is only one chance. Looking things over, let someone look at it or even send it to a professional for review is what can make or break their decision.
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Grants should be written in a straight forward and easy to understand manner.
Write from the perspective that the reviewer doesn’t know anything about your problem or your organization. If your RFP is formatted, then your proposal should follow the format.
Start with your budget first, then write your proposal.
* Use time wisely to turn in the application without waiting for the last minute. * Create a Grant Checklist and check it off as I go. * Distinguish between real and perceived needs. * Follow the grantor’s budget guidelines. Don’t ask for things that are not allowed and don’t “pad” the budget. * Show how arrived at all budget figures by detailing the calculations. * Recheck figures to make sure the addition is correct and the match is sufficient. * Research data about the problem and collect information on the impact of the problem remaining unsolved as well as evidence-based strategies for solving the problem. * Identify the targeted population and get to know it inside and out. * Articulate an overall goal for the project. * Consider both process and outcome measures—how well you did what you did and what impact it had

Problem statement for
PEACE;
Each year, hundreds of people experience or are affected by domestic violence and the situation has gotten worse over the past 5 years. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, loss of job and stress are the main reasons for the current conditions in the target area and of the target populations. In addition to the significant impact that the problem has on the individual, the problem costs millions in remediation, services, and prevention efforts. Others affected by this problem are tax payers, educators, and service providers like emergency personnel. These factors are similar to the state data. The consequences for not addressing the problem are increased rate in murder and suicide rates. The benefits of taking appropriate actions to address the problem are decrease in crime and support of independency. There have been some successful and effective intervention strategies.