This section consists of three separate but related worksheets. Together,
these three tools help you map out the myriad details of developing a
proposal to respond to a specific funding opportunity.
Background/Reference. The first worksheet serves as a
kind of "cover page" of critical information you'll be referring
to over and over again during the process of developing your proposal.
On this sheet you'll record the funder's requirements for the format
of your submission; for instance, the number of pages allowed, the number
of copies required, shipping/delivery information, and so on.
Pay special attention to the "Deadline" information, and whether
the deadline is the date by which the proposal must be postmarked or
received by the funder.
The two bottom sections are available for notes on issues that need
to be addressed as planning proceeds or that are going to require followup.
Development, Review and Clearance. The second worksheet
helps you manage the "people" aspects of proposal development.
Here, you can plan out and track major planning meetings; timelines
for actually writing and reviewing the proposal; and any special clearances
or approvals you might need (for instance, the concurrence of a citizens'
commission, board approval, etc.). Use the "N/A" column to
indicate an activity that is "not applicable" to this particular
process. In the last three columns, indicate to whom each step is assigned,
its due date, and its actual date of completion.
Proposal Components. On this worksheet, you can map out
the pieces that go into the actual finished, written proposal package.
If you will be developing the proposal through a team process, you can
also indicate to whom each component is assigned, its due date, and
the date it is actually completed. You may want to use this worksheet
as a rough guide only, developing a more detailed worksheet of your
own that covers all the key proposal components for your specific funding
opportunity.
