Outline for Grant Application

Typically, the first step in the application process is to mail a brief "test letter" to the Assistant Director. This letter should include a description of the project to be funded, the amount requested from the Foundation, justification for such a request, and background information about the applying organization. However, if you are confident that your organization and grant request fits squarely within the Foundation's guidelines, please structure your proposal according to the outline for grant format below. Where appropriate, give quantitative and/or demographic data.

1. Organization Information Summary:
   (one typewritten page)
   1. History and mission of applicant organization, (including Web site address and appropriate email address, if available.).
   2. Concise summary of overall activities of applicant organization, including utilization of volunteers.
      
      
2. Summary of proposed activity for which grant is requested: (maximum of 8 typewritten pages)
   1. Problem Statement/justification for need. Description of activity for which grant funds are being sought. Goals and objectives of proposed activity. Plans for administration and operation of proposed activity. Timeline for carrying out the proposed activity. Plans for evaluating the impact or success of the proposed activity. Itemized project budget, plus:
           *funds on hand or pledged (if any)
           *other potential sources of funding.
   2. Specified amount requested from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.
      
      
3. Required Supplemental Information:
   1. Names of Board of Directors and their business affiliations. Frequency of Board Meetings and description of standing committees, if any. Audited financial statement preferred. An accountant’s review or compilation, or an in-house financial statement may be acceptable, entirely at discretion of foundation staff. Current operating budget—organization as a whole. Itemize sources of revenues and expenses. Copy of IRS letter of notification indicating type of classification organization qualifies for, plus all subsequent communications from IRS concerning tax-exempt status. Copy of IRS Form 990 for most recent fiscal year, including all attachments/schedules.
   2. Resume or bio of agency executive director/chief executive officer.
      
      
4. Supportive material, if appropriate:
   1. Resume or bio of key professional staff. Letters of support. Brochures, pictures, diagrams, case studies or other descriptive information.
   2. Research studies, newspaper articles, or reports justifying need.

Rev. 4/2002