How do I write a grant proposal for my individual project? Where can I find samples?
Few proposal writing resources are specifically for individual grantseekers. Foundations that give to individuals have highly specific criteria, so creating a comprehensive "how-to" guide is hard.
If you don't qualify, don't apply
Remember one important rule: If you don't qualify, don't apply. Approach only foundations that have demonstrated interest in your field and geographic area. These funders are more likely to consider your proposal.
Parts of a grant proposal
Your proposal should be a compelling presentation of your project, which includes reasonable objectives, a plan to achieve them, and your ability to carry out the plan. Your proposal should suggest that you are a potential partner in furthering the funder's mission, not just a person asking for money.
Click here if the funder has asked you to provide an artist's statement.
Proposals from individuals usually do not exceed five single-spaced pages, in addition to the cover letter and the budget. Below is a typical breakdown:
Cover Letter: Written specifically to the appropriate contact person at the foundation. 1 page.
Abstract (also known as executive summary): Describes concisely the information that will follow. 250 words or fewer.
Introduction: Helps to establish your credibility as a grant applicant. 1 sentence to 2 paragraphs.
Statement of Need: Describes a problem and explains why you require a grant to address the issue. 1 page.
Objectives: Refine your idea and tell exactly what you expect to accomplish in response to the need. 1 page.
Methods: What you will do to accomplish your objectives within a stated time frame. 1 page.
Evaluation: Measures your results and effectiveness. This should correspond to your objectives. 1 page.
Future Funding: Details feasible plans to sustain your project. This applies only if the project will run indefinitely. 1 paragraph.
Budget: Itemized list of income and expenses that shows precisely how much money you will need and how you will spend it to accomplish your objectives. 1 page.
To learn more about how to prepare each section listed above, and how to write proposals in general, check out the following training resources. Although the trainings were created for nonprofit organizations, much of the content can be applied to individual grantseekers:
- Introduction to Proposal Writing, available free as an online webinar or in-person class.
- Proposal Writing: Browse trainings, articles, videos, and more on this topic.
See also "Document Checklist for Grant Proposals", a 3-part blog post series that covers the many types of documents often needed during this process.
Sample Proposals
Sample grant proposals for individual projects are hard to find. Applicants want to guard their ideas, and a proposal is very specific to the project and donor.
Sample proposals from nonprofit organizations might help, in terms of how to write the sections required from both individual and nonprofit grantseekers, like the statement of need. Also, some resources below link to sample proposals from individual grantseekers.
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Staff-recommended websites
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Social Science Research Council [PDF]
On the Art of Writing Proposals
Eight pages of proposal writing advice for scholarly researchers.
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Yale Fellowships & Funding
Writing a Fellowship Proposal
Provides general advice and questions to consider in formulating a fellowship proposal.
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Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Grant Proposal Writing Tips
Offers a helpful overview for preparing and writing a grant proposal. This information is general in nature and would apply to many kinds of projects.
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New Music USA
Grant Applications: 5 Mistakes Not to Make
This article outlines common mistakes in applying for grant funding and how to avoid them.
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The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Grant Proposals (or Give me the money!)
This handout will help you write and revise grant proposals for research funding in all academic disciplines (sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts). Targeted primarily to graduate students and faculty, but also helpful to undergraduates who are seeking funding for research (e.g. for a senior thesis). Includes sample budget and project timeline.
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Gala Choruses
Sample Grant Application Questions and Narrative
An excellent example from an arts nonprofit.
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Sample Project Description for Young Artist Grant Proposal
2006 recipient of DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities' Young Artist Grant shares the project description from his winning proposal.