A mini-grant proposal is typically only two pages. This is quite a bit different from the usual 20 pages. For this reason, the funders do not expect the same information or impact of a typical grant proposal. However, with competition being high for most any grant amount, it is important to use the space available to its utmost potential.
First, read the mini-grant guidelines as closely as possible. Each guideline should tell you what the page allowance is, what questions must be answered and what information you must present.
Define the need for the project in the "Needs Assessment" section. State who will benefit and how the project is important. Provide evidence to document the problem or need. Give a timeline of the project.
With "Program Objectives," focus on the projected outcome of the project the grant money would be applied toward. Point out who is going to do what, when and how much. Give a date the project is to be completed.
Give the steps of the project, the reason behind them and who would be responsible for the completion of steps in the "Methods" section.
In the section marked "Evaluation," give details on how the project will be evaluated and who will be doing the evaluation. Give the names of the tests and methods used for measuring the results. Show at what points the evaluation will start and how improvements to the program will be put into action.
Under "Budget," give a total cost for the project, then show where the money will go. Be specific for each category, and give information on other funding sources.
Tip
Write a short title page and include any formal data from other sources to support your project. This usually does not count towards page count for a mini-grant proposal. However, some grant guidelines will give a max on how many pages can be attached. Remember that just because you attach information does not mean it will be read, so all imperative information should be on the grant proposal.
