What Makes a Successful Proposal?

At National 4-H Council, we are constantly working to provide valuable information to the 4-H community to assist all applicants in applying for program-related funding opportunities.  This tip sheet is intended to provide support for submitting acceptable proposals for funding consideration.
When preparing a proposal for a National 4-H Council funding opportunity, the following criteria are important to remember:

Thoroughly read the entire RFP before you begin.

• Start preparing the proposal well before the deadline; waiting until the last minute often results in an incomplete application submission.  An application can only be submitted once.
• Review all program objectives and create a plan that you can implement clearly addressing the stated objectives
• Make sure your budget is suitable for accomplishing your plan and accurately reflects the allowable costs to fulfill grant requirements
• Note the project implementation dates to ensure you will be able to meet all reporting and deliverable deadlines
• Pay close attention to the RFP completion and submission directions
• Many proposals fail because they do not adhere to requirements within the RFP
• Previous proposals have been denied for the following reasons:
  • Not submitted as a Microsoft Word document
  • Exceeding the stated maximum page limit
  • Incorrect line spacing
  • Improper font size 
  • Not emailed by the state level Extension 4-H/Youth Development Program Leader or LGU Administrator
  • Submitted to National 4-H Council after the deadline
  • Required support/attachments were not included
  • Budget math incorrect
  • Sections of RFP missing
• Please note: failure to adhere to ALL requirements may exclude your proposal from consideration for the funding opportunity
• Indirect costs are never allowed on Council RFPs or RFAs. 
• Contact the appropriate Account Manager listed on the RFP for correspondence related to this policy
• Allow enough time to submit proposal to your LGU Sponsored Programs Office, if required

Thank you for your interest in funding through National 4-H Council.