ANOTHER VIEWPOINT HITCHING POSTS I What's in a name? I• ..J "Even when a cognitive psychologist thinks he's not talking jargon he still writes like a cognitive; psychologist who thinks he's not talking jargo:1 . ~ What's a well-written I • • proposal? - B(:havior Today, November 8, 1971 1971 , page 7. If you are approaching a foundation for the first time, include references familiar with your work. Once you have established a reputation for managing a proposal successfully, your chances of being funded for another project by the same foundation, or refunded, escalate sharply. Include a statement about how your proposed project relates to the foundation's purposes and programs. One important thing to remember in contacting a foundation representative or board member is that each agency is comprised of individuals who, like all people, have particular interests, aspirations and vulnerabilities. Don't be overly solicitous in person. That's a drag for anyone to deal with. Remember that people who have money have reams of paper work. Be brief. •I What is "community need"?} • ~ One of the most difficult things you will have to do is establish the "need" for your project. This is best accomplished if momentum for the idea already exists. If the project idea has gathered momentum, it should be a visible part of community support. The best way to show community support is to ask for letters of support from agencies and friends. Include the letters in your proposaL Indicate what other people may benefit from the grant. The Union of Young Environmentalists calls this the "multiplier effect" and emphasizes that it usually impresses funding agencies. Justify every item that you spend money for. Don't overcommit yourself. Remember that it's easy to commit yourself on paper, but that you will be expected to do everything you spell out. Don't be upset if you're asked to rewrite a page or a section of the proposal to meet the revie,w committee's requirements. Consider yourself lucky. Some fine points: • Include vitas of all personnel to be funded • Include project performance time schedules, noting areas of individual responsibility. • Include a statement of plans for reports or publications involved • Include a statement on evaluation procedures, if not already stipulated • Include a statement of any other support already committed to you; document cash or in-kind contribution. ROUGH DRAFTS are written and published at the Environ~ental Education Center, a U.S. Office of Education funded project located at 317 Lincoln Hall, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. Special thanks to Estelle Ehelebe, Oregon Arts Commtssion and Kent Layden, Center-for Urban Education; Anita Helle, editor; Victoria Johnson, graphic artist; Mary Jo Andersofi, production assistance. Photo ~y Ancil Nance.
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