Proposal Writing and Resource Development
Funding to create new programs and services, improve operations, upgrade systems, and expand facilities is always in demand. As a result, community colleges, colleges and universities regularly turn to private foundations and public agencies for specific projects aligned with the needs of the institution, its students and service region as well as the interests of the funder. With intense competition for funding, institutions seek technical assistance with the development of competitive proposals from experienced consultants. Our associates have a substantial record of successful applications for Title III, Title V and CCRAA; TRIO’s Student Support Services; various FIPSE competitions; and several philanthropic organizations, most notably the Ford Foundation and the Lumina Foundation.
|
Key Features
Our resource development model is characterized by its focus on the assessment of institutional need as the driving force coupled with the identification of a viable funding source, an essential partnership for a successful venture. A comprehensive assessment of the funders’ expectations drives the conceptual design of the proposal; the culture of the institution defines the development of the activity; and key characteristics of successful applications embedded in proposal production ensure viability, while technical assistance ensures competitiveness.
|
Process
The model is implemented through a five-step process customized to meet the needs of the institution and the funder. To ensure the success of the venture, a needs assessment ascertains the quality of the match between the expectations of the institution and the funder; if the match is strong, work proceeds. Next, in collaboration with a team of key stakeholders, the consultants facilitate the design of the project itself, building on the strengths of the institution with a focus on the interests of the funding source. Once the design has been reviewed, a draft application is developed in collaboration with the institution’s grant writing office. Each component of the application is reviewed for its technical relevance given the guidelines and regulation before the final draft is refined and edited to produce a competitive application.
|
Outcomes
The consulting team has an impressive record of success, particularly with federal funding sources, most notably, Title III and Title V. Colleges and universities that have worked with us, whether they have been funded or not, have placed a high value on:
- The strength of the collaborative design process and its impact on implementation;
- The quality of the activity produced within the institutional context; and
- The experience and insight of the consulting team in working with faculty and staff.
|
|