Explanation:
Private foundation proposals differ greatly from most federal proposals. While foundations often outline the general format that they prefer, there is more latitude regarding the structure of the narrative. Always frame your proposal to align as closely as possible to the funders programs' stated mission, without going so far that you are compromising your research interests.
Further, if there is a published list of judges/reviewers available, as is usually the case for scientific applications, try to compose your proposal so that it piques the interest of one or more of the judges' expertise.
1. Abstract/Summary
The abstract is the most important component of the proposal. Spend time developing the best possible title. If the length is not mandated, it should be no longer than one half to one page maximum.
Use bolded subheadings. Include highlights in the topic sentence in each section of the proposal.
What will be done, by whom, how, over what period of time? What is the problem/need? Who will the outcomes benefit?
2. Statement of Need
What is the issue that you are addressing and why does it matter?
Why is what you propose necessary? What is the void in Knowledge?
Who benefits? Indicate the public good, not just the effect on campus.
Why hasn't this issue been addressed sufficiently in the past? Who else is working in this field, what have they done, and why isn't that enough? Demonstrate your knowledge of the field.
Provide convincing evidence that what you are proposing does not duplicate other work. Replication of someone else's work in a new environment or larger scale
