Concept of Project
This is the most important section of the proposal in that it summarizes key information about the project. Think of it as a kind of “sales document” designed to convince the reader that this particular project should be funded. An Executive Summary should include a succinct conceptual description of the project, the need it is expected to fill and the dollar amount requested. You might also address the type and number of people expected to benefit from the program.
Overview
This section should provide detail on how the project will actually be conducted: the process involved, who will be responsible for what activities, the methodology through which progress will be monitored and evaluated. This section is also a good place for more extensive background information on the entity, which will be funded or is making the request, as well as elaboration on the validity of the request – why the project should be funded and what will be achieved. An explanation on the status of local funding should be included. Finally, the project’s educational component and relationship to the real property industry should be addressed in this section.
Timetable
This section should present the order and timing of the tasks involved. Identify what will be achieved and by what date. It also reinforces the basic intent of the project by providing a succinct summary of the steps anticipated to achieve a successful result.
Budget
As you prepare a preliminary budget for the project, note all items relating to its operation. Take into account not only new costs that will be incurred if the project is funded (staffing) but also the ongoing expenses required to make it happen (i.e., travel, printing, consultants, etc.). Expenses, including any overhead requirements of educational institutions and/or sponsoring organizations, cannot exceed 10% of the total requested grant budget. List any additional sources of funding, which might have been acquired. If deemed necessary, include a brief narrative or footnotes to provide elaboration on specific expenditures where explanation is warranted.
Responsible Parties
The proposal should include discussion of who will actually be responsible for the project. Professional staff support as well volunteer involvement and oversight should be carefully detailed here, particularly identification of the LAI members who will participate.
Sustainability
How will the program be sustained in the future? Those making grants do not generally wish to take on a permanent funding commitment to a particular project; rather they want to know that the project is finite in scope (with specific start up and conclusion dates) or that the grant is expected to be catalytic to the acquisition of additional funding or revenue-raising.
Alliance Partners
Land Economics Foundation is interested in collaborative projects, those that combine the resources of both the public and private sectors to achieve a common goal. It is particularly appealing to the Land Economics Foundation if a collaborative partner represents an audience, which might benefit from the services offered by a member of Lambda Alpha International.
