Questions to Consider

Following are questions which may help you organize your thoughts to make a clearer, more thoughtful proposal to whomever it may be addressed.

Significance / Worthiness

1. How important to society is the problem? Is it of local or wider scope?
2. Is the proposal a critical priority for the organization?
3. Is the proposal consonant with the objectives of the granting organization?
4. How does the project compare with and build upon related ones?
5. Does it get at root causes of the problem rather than dealing with symptoms? Will it solve or prevent a significant problem?
6. Are there elements of creativity and innovation?
7. Are the goals well-defined and will achievement be measurable? Who and how many will benefit?
8. Will the solution produce impact or a multiplier effect on others?
9. Is the anticipated benefit commensurate with the cost?
10. How is the proposal rated by others who are qualified to judge?

People

1. Are they qualified for and capable of accomplishing what is proposed? What is their track record and/or potential?
2. Is there a critical mass of persons for getting the job done?
3. Are people with needed skills available to you?
4. How are they regarded by others who are able to judge?

Organization

1. Does it have a clear and important mission?
2. What are its distinctive features or outstanding characteristics?
3. Is the Board strong, knowledgeable and committed to the project?
4. Is the operating leadership able, dedicated and energetic?
5. Is it well supported and administered?
6. If a new organization, does it have the potential to thrive?
7. How is it regarded by others who are able to judge?

Plan

1. Is it carefully thought-out and organized?
2. Is it sensible and realistic?
3. Does it proceed directly to the heart of the matter?
4. If a departure from orthodoxy, is it well-reasoned?
5. Does it make use of resources effectively and efficiently?
6. Has a way around possible obstacles been foreseen?
7. Do other donors or review agencies have to act first? Is the proposal premature?
8. What is the opinion of others who are able to judge?

Results / Evaluation

1. How will accomplishments be evaluated qualitatively and/or quantitatively?
2. What use will be made of results?
3. Will results be disseminated? How? What effects might be anticipated?

Financing

1. Is the budget appropriate, cost-effective and commensurate with needs?
2. What internal support is being offered?
3. What other external support is available, has been and is being sought? Is the fund-raising plan well reasoned, likely to succeed and sustain the project?
4. Are other sources of funds more appropriate or possibly available?
5. What is the potential for generating other funding and attaining increased self-sufficiency?
6. Is the request for picking up support which has been lost or for filling a gap between other funding?

Other Considerations

1. Has the granting organization made other grants to this organization? If so, what were the results?
2. Is this such a special situation as to call for suspension of any of the granting organization guidelines?