Designing a Fundable Project

There are a number of steps in the project development process, including, but not exclusive of: identify needs, specify problems, design the project idea to solve the problem, determine fundability, fully develop the project, profile the project, find a matching funder, write goals and objectives, develop a project budget, develop the funding request budget.

• Project development is the critical element in successful grants acquisition.


• Projects are sometimes funded by just one source, but that is rare. Normally a project will be funded by a partnership of several sources.


• Once a project is developed, many proposals about it can be written and submitted.


• Whether you request funds from a federal, foundation, state, local, or corporate source, you will be asked to describe the details of your project.


• Grant funders normally don't just fund a piece of equipment, but rather, a project for which equipment may be needed.


• You should provide evidence in your proposal that your project has a reasonable chance to work.


• To be fundable, a project proposed must solve a problem in which the grant maker is interested.


• Be realistic. If you win an award, your project and the proposal you wrote about it are a contract.