Creating a sample grant proposal can help in a number of situations.
A grant proposal can be a daunting task. In one short document, the writer has to lay out everything that makes his application different from others. Many grant writers use sample proposals to help structure their work, while others may need sample proposals to apply for grant writing positions or simply as a sample of their work. Creating a good sample grant proposal requires as much care and attention as creating a real proposal.
Choosing a Scenario
Although sample proposals aren't actually intended to secure money for a new project, a good sample proposal should seem like the real thing. Most grant writers choose a fictitious project to use in their sample proposal; this allows them to demonstrate how the specifics of a proposal are written rather than relying on generalities. The first step in writing a sample is therefore to come up with a fictitious project needing external funding. When writing a sample for a specific field, it can be useful to create a fictitious project in the same field; if the audience for the sample will all be applying for an educational grant, for instance, the sample should be within the same field.
Organising the Sample
No single organizational template exists for grant proposals, but most samples will have some general similarities. Traditionally, a proposal begins with an abstract or summary, describing the project in a few sentences. The next section will contain information about the applicant, including history and expertise. From there, the sample should move on to a statement of need, describing how much money is needed and why. Finally, the sample proposal should discuss the desired outcome, explaining to the hypothetical funding body how the grant will benefit more than just the applicant.
Editorial Comments
A sample grant proposal can be not only evidence of a grant writer's abilities but also a teaching tool for aspiring grant writers. If a sample proposal is intended as an educational tool, it can benefit from short passages explaining the purpose of each section. For instance, the abstract of a sample proposal might include not only the abstract itself but also a short comment explaining the role of the abstract and giving some tips for creating an effective summary.
Preparing Additional Materials
A complete grant application consists of much more than just a proposal. Supporting documents may include financial statements, references from other funding bodies, academic studies, or any other document that supports the points made in the other sections of the sample proposal. Creating a large number of fictitious supporting documents is outside the scope of creating a sample proposal, but the proposal should at least include discussion of these documents in order to help prospective grant writers understand the levels of documentation necessary for many grants.
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