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\n How to Develop and Write a Grant Proposal Congressional Research Service 2
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\nStaffing needs, including use of existing staff and new hires or volunteers; and
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\nPreliminary budget, covering expenses and financial requirements, to determine what funding levels to seek. When developing an idea for a proposal, it is also important to determine if the idea has already  been considered in the applicant’s locality or state. A thorough check should be made with state legislators, local government, and related public and private agencies which may currently have grant awards or contracts to do similar work. If a similar program already exists, the applicant may need to reconsider submitting the proposed project, particularly if duplication of effort is  perceived. However, if significant differences or improvements in the proposed project’s goals can be clearly established, it may be worthwhile to pursue federal or private foundation assistance.
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\nCommunity Support
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\nFor many proposals, community support is essential. Once a proposal summary is developed, an applicant may look for individuals or groups representing academic, political, professional, and lay organizations which may be willing to support the proposal in writing. The type and caliber of community support is critical in the initial and subsequent review phases. Numerous letters of support can influence the administering agency or foundation. An applicant may elicit support from local government agencies and public officials. Letters of endorsement detailing exact areas of project sanction and financial or in-kind commitment are often requested as part of a proposal to a federal agency. Several months may be required to develop letters of endorsement, since something of value (e.g., buildings, staff, services) is sometimes negotiated between the parties involved. Note that letters from Members of Congress may be requested once a proposal has been fully developed and is ready for submission. While money is the primary concern of most grantseekers, thought should be given to the kinds of nonmonetary contributions that may be available. In many instances, academic institutions, corporations, and other nonprofit groups in the community may be willing to contribute technical and professional assistance, equipment, or space to a worthy project. Not only can such contributions reduce the amount of money being sought, but evidence of such local support is often viewed favorably by most grant-making agencies or foundations. Many agencies require, in writing, affiliation agreements (a mutual agreement to share services  between agencies) and building space commitments prior to either grant approval or award. Two useful methods of generating community support may be to form a citizen advisory committee or to hold meetings with community leaders who would be concerned with the subject matter of the  proposal. The forum may include the following:
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\nDiscussion of the merits of the proposal;
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\nDevelopment of a strategy to create proposal support from a large number of community groups, institutions, and organizations; and
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\nGeneration of data in support of the proposal.
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