Learning to Make Proposals for Grants - Essay Example

On going through the appropriate websites, AGA has come to know that government grants are announced each year to release grant money of up to $30,000 for new projects (Ron Wainrib). AGA is also aware that this fund is accessible to lots more people. Hence, to make a case for winning the grant it is necessary to write a concrete proposal with information concerning the need and other details and make these as accessible as possible to the grantor.

The need for digital technologies is to supplement facilities for testing speaking skills. Today, there is a great need for trained workers with speaking skills and abilities. The communication business is doing well and we wish to give our students the means to take a look at something that they may be involved in at some point in the future.

An article on “Delivering a Quality Grant Proposal” (Don Peek) provides some ideas on writing a proposal. The article is well written but it does appear that the grantor needs details of the way the money will be spent from the time it is disbursed to the moment of success when the digital technologies are installed and are successfully used by the students.

Details about the information that must be provided in the proposals do not appear very encouraging. First, there are the objectives to be listed followed by another list explaining how they are proposed to be achieved. Next, there are goals and timelines for when the goals are likely to be achieved.

What is petrifying is the fact that after having provided all details in the proposal, the result could be a damp squib. But, on second thoughts, is it worth taking all the trouble to see if the grant would be available? After all, there are other ways and means to raise the required funds. AGA could use these means to raise funds. It is in a better position to make a general proposal and circulate it among the parents and other well-wishers. There is no question about the funds coming in. Although AGA does not have any idea how much money could be collected in this fashion, it is better to follow this route where there is a guarantee of raising funds (D.M. Mithani, p253).

Of course, AGA could alter information somewhat to propose to appear meaningful to the grantors. AGA could mention in the proposal that the digital technology is for use in the Science department (Science and Technology). But this would not be fair or ethical.

Ultimately, the purpose of proposing the grant will not be defeated if it is made alongside a general fundraising campaign. It is like having the cake and eating it too. Nonetheless, this is a better approach than solely depending on the grant which may or may not come (Damodar Gujarati & Sangeetha, p496).

Conclusion

Each part of the source supports specific aspects of the grant application requirements. D.M. Mithani outlines loans provided by banks to make high-cost purchases with low-interest loans. Loans are not equivalent to grants but they are quick means to have funds and can be repaid in easy installments. Damodar Gujarati and Sangeetha explain the means for forecasting. Description of the NIH Guide for Grants, Contracts and Recovery Act and System Alleviation Notice, Ron Wainrib, and Science and Technology provides information on outlets for grants. Don Peek provides details about proposal writing for grants. Eileen Ambrose does not state anything about grants for institutions but does provide some websites that offer grants. How to Write and Speak Better outlines specific ways of making presentations.

On the whole, the idea of learning to make proposals for grants is a good thing. It makes prospects of obtaining funds easier for bona fide purposes.