Fundraising Concept Development Guide
It is important to develop a solid concept before you begin fundraising. A solid concept will allow you to inform someone of what an organization hopes to accomplish through receiving grants or donations. Developing a concept will help you thoroughly think through your project and ensure effective impact during implementation.
Summary of Components for Concept Development:
Brief History of Organization and Population:A brief history of the organization is a way to introduce your school and school populationin the larger context of it being a part of AISD and Austin, Texas. The introduction provides context for the reviewers. For demographics, ask your principal, or you may contact the Office of Innovation and Development at (512) 414-4851.
- Download standard AISD language. [Downloadable Link Boilerplate.support.grant.writing.doc]
Statement of Need: Your statement of need represents the reason behind your fundraising proposal. The need statement specifies the conditions you wish to change and should. Your need statement quickly summarizes the problem and be backed by evidence that the change is needed. Your statement of need must describe how your service population needs the service or intervention you propose.
Description of Proposed Project: A detailed project description will provide reviewers with a clear understanding of your need. You should establish a compelling need for the project, stated clear goals, activities and objectives. The goals are what one hopes to accomplish as a result of the project. Describe activities that will be used to reach these goals. Objectives are statements of precise outcomes that can be measured in support of the goals. Objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, allocable, reasonable and time sensitive).
Budget
The budget clearly outlines projected program costs. Most funders require the submission of a detailed line item budget worksheet. Be sure to make a realistic budget. Funders sometime ask for both the organizational budget and the project budget. When asked for an organizational budget, use AISD’s, not your schools’ budget and explain that your school is a part of a district.
Evaluation
Evaluation is a critical piece of the grant proposal in order to determine the success of your project. As you develop your concept, make sure that your activities and their impact can be clearly tracked and measured along the way. [LINK TO LOGIC MODEL- still in progress]If you have significant evaluation requirements, you may contact Lisa Schmitt with the Department of Research and Evaluation at (512) 414-9845.