Elements of a Strong Proposal

We receive many proposals. Those that are successful generally meet the following criteria in addition to those previously described.

The applicant:

• Documents a track record of action in exerting power and achieving social change; campaigns and their victories are described.
• Establishes that the role of the group’s constituents in shaping and leading the organization is fundamental and explicit, both as members and leaders.
• Presents a strategy for the continuous development of constituent leadership.
• Demonstrates a growing membership base.
• Is explicit about the outcomes it seeks to achieve in the next year, that is, what it seeks to change, and what it seeks to gain in specific terms, both for its constituents and from policymakers and policy making institutions.
• Describes how it works with other groups and constituencies.
• Has a strong fund raising plan, particularly for the next 3-5 years; we specifically look for involvement in grassroots fundraising.

Applicants are encouraged to look at the Grants list on this website to get a clearer sense of the groups that are awarded grants.