What is an RFP?
A Grant Proposal is a request for funding. You will be asked for a “proposal” or an “application”. Usually when an organization requests a “proposal” they are looking for a more free form document where you have more control over what you include in the request. An “application” is really the same the only the funder will have actual forms for you to complete as your request. Documents included in an “application” are strictly limited.
“RFP” stands for “Requests for Proposal”. The funder initiates the award process by publishing the RFP and you respond by submitting a proposal to indicate your interest.
Here are some examples:
http://www.mapnp.org/library/misc/smpl_rfq.htm
http://www.isna.net/GrantWriting/template/rfpSample.asp
We discussed in the previous course (Grant Writing I: Preparation for Proposal Writing) how to find funders and their RFPs. Once you have obtained a copy of the RFP, you need to look carefully at the specific requirements and before you go any further- ask yourself these questions:
- Am I eligible?
- When is the proposal due? Can I create a high quality proposal in time?
- Are specific topics given priority and is my idea one of those priorities?
- Will they fund the items I need?
- How does the award compare to my potential budget?
After answering these questions, if you still think you are a match for this award, its time to start writing.
Pre-Proposal Steps:
- Contact OSP and complete the Grant Intent form (GIF) -Indicate what support is needed to draft application.
- Get a complete copy of the RFP.
- Identify a program officer from the funding agency to direct questions and communications.
- Get copies of other successfully submitted proposals to this agency. Look on their website.
- Call institutions that have gotten proposals funded and request to get either their proposals or their grant reports.
- Discuss your project with your department chair and the dean of your school. You will need them for letter writing.
EXERCISE: Sometimes you can give your proposal a little advantage if you can prove to your funders you know how to speak their language. Choose one of the RFP examples linked to above. Read it through carefully. What jargon do they use to describe their award? Any buzz-words? Technical Lingo? List any key terms, on your Study Guide, you could include in your proposal sections.
