• If programs already exist, describe a foundation from which the proposed program is to be created or existing services expanded.

• Provide documentation of partnerships established and in force before writing the grant to offer clearer descriptions of linkages for proposed activities.

• Include examples such as the days and hours of the services, content of the program, the population(s) best served by the activities or providers, and the program costs per services based on previous cycles of services.

• Include insight into the proposed activities through narrative situations describing how a service is provided; listing sequential plans for implementation and delivery of the coordination of services, and references to research or anecdotal remarks.

• Follow the format and adhere to the same number or letter sequence as written in the NGO (Notice of Grant Opportunity).

• Make the need of the program evident in the description of the neighborhood (e.g., geography, demographics, economics), as well as the population to be served (e.g., low literacy, high drop out rate, low test scores, high teen pregnancy, substance abuse, etc.).

• Use statistics and draw a correlation between the services that are needed to the program design.

• Describe current programs/services and explain deficiencies or inconsistencies in the existing mechanism and how the proposed program design will produce positive changes or improve the current system.

• Fully describe the components of the program enabling the reader to get a visual picture of the program as well as formulate an understanding of what the proposal suggests participants will experience.

• Consider the need, existing services/programs, ability of the activities to be carried out within the grant period and describe the linkages established with collaborating agencies.

• Use flow charts, diagrams and tables to list and describe the components of the proposed project and indicate their relationships to the needs, target population and collaborating agencies.

• Well written objectives include:

ü A target population - who or what group;

ü Performance - what will be done, an action statement or a verb;

ü Condition - within a parameter such as location or time; and

ü Criteria - a percent or a degree of accuracy or completion.

• Address all sections listed in the NGO.

• Include mechanisms for recruiting and retaining participants.

• Clearly list all materials, supplies, equipment and personnel involved in the programs.

• Itemize all costs and give details.

• Substantiate what is needed and why.