Project Title: Use a short, self-explanatory title. The title is a hint of things to come. Encompass the project, but control the urge to use colons. Titles are forever.
Project Summary: This is the reader's abstract. Write it last. Give a succinct explanation of the project's impact -- the need, central activities, objectives & consequences.
Introduction: Describe who you are, where you are, what you do and who you serve. Keep this brief. A thumbnail, one-paragraph sketch is sufficient unless more detail is requested. The introduction provides the reader a frame of reference.
Problem / Need Statement: Provide factual, non-critical proof that you understand the problem and have a solution. Argue for its importance using statistical, historical and/or philosophical arguments. Rely on statistics, publications, expert testimony, etc. Discuss what others have done in the area. (Begin with national generalizations and end with specific local descriptors.)
Objectives: Mission, goals and measurable objectives describe anticipated results. Objectives explain exactly what you will achieve. They describe the changes resulting from the action(s) to be taken in measurable terms. An objective is never "to get money" or "to buy something." (An objective is not "to acquire a new computer," but it might be "to improve services by providing direct web access for X number of people within the next two years.”)
Work Plan: Describe specific activities in detail. Outline the "what, why, how, when and who." For complicated projects, use a chart to clearly show your implementation strategy. Include an evaluation and dissemination component. Prove you know how to get things done. Focus on who will do what, how will it be done and when will it be done.
Staff: Prove you have the people to get things done. For current staff, focus on appropriate experiences and append resumes. For proposed staff, provide a want ad. Describe administrative responsibility in in terms of how do the staff "fit" in the organizational structure.
Evaluation: Describe your evaluation plan. Explain how you will assess the measurable objectives (outcome) and proposed activities executed (process). Describe the roles of any external evaluators. Explain reporting procedures (within the institution and to the funding source) and describe any plans for broader dissemination of results - articles, papers, presentations, etc.
Conclusion: Reinforce the request. Address the issue of project continuation after the end of the award period. Offer to provide any other information that might help the funding source in considering the proposal.
Budget: Provide details on the amount requested and any institutional commitments, whether those be cash, in-kind or person hours that have been or will be committed to the project. Identify other external funding sources secured or ones that may be approached. Append a detailed budget.