I N N O V A T I O N : I N S P I R I N G E V A N G E L I S M P A G E 1

HOW TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT PROPOSAL BEFORE YOU START WRITING

1. THINK OF AN IDEA

Innovation grants are given to projects that are innovative, replicable, relevant and catalysing. If you

cannot think of something brand new, perhaps you could add an innovative twist to a previously

successful project.

2. GET A PROJECT TEAM TOGETHER

You will need a project leader and a project administrator. Try to create a team of people who can

contribute different skills and strengths. Make sure each person is aware of their role and committed

to give the required time to the project.

3. ASK FOR THE ADVICE AND SUPPORT OF YOUR NATIONAL MOVEMENT

Share your idea with your local staff worker, if you have one, and the national movement. Your

national movement will help you to manage the project funds should your application be successful so

it is important that they are aware of the project from the very start. Consider their advice on the

design of the project and the financial contribution you should request from IFES.

4. IDENTIFY SOURCES OF FUNDING

IFES Innovation may not be able to provide 100% of the project funding so it is important that you find

other sources, whether organisations, individuals, churches or your national movement. Also, think

about ways that you can raise money as a project team.

WRITING THE PROPOSAL

5. DESCRIBE YOUR IDEA

This is the key section of the application form. Explain the overall purpose of the project and consider

how its aims relate to those of IFES. Describe the context that makes the project relevant: what is it

about your university culture or city that makes your project suitable? Next, describe the different

activities that it will involve. Explain clearly how each of those activities clearly contributes to the main

aim of the project.

6. EXPLAIN THE PROJECT’S STRENGTHS

Innovative: what makes your project original and creative?

Catalysing: how will the project continue to have impact after the grant term ends?

Relevant: how is the project a suitable way to reach people in your context?

Replicable: will it be possible for others in different universities/cities/countries to do the project?

I N N O V A T I O N : I N S P I R I N G E V A N G E L I S M P A G E 2

7. DEVELOP A TIMELINE

The IFES Innovation grant should be spent within one year of receiving it so plan your timeline for one

year only. Consider the timing for each activity as well as time for preparation and planning.

8. CONSIDER HOW YOU WILL EVALUATE IMPACT

The objectives you describe here should relate to the overall purpose of the project that you shared at

the beginning of the application. What impact do you hope to have? Think about simple ways to

measure this impact.

9. CREATE A BUDGET

Some things to note when you write the project budget…

∙ The budget must be submitted in US$ so please convert the costs from your local currency

using this website: https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

∙ IFES Innovation cannot provide funding for the purchase of vehicles or electrical

equipment. Therefore, you should consider renting these items, rather than buying them.

∙ If the budget table on the form is not large enough, please write your budget in a separate

document and attach it with your application.

FINALISING THE PROPOSAL

10. ASK SOMEONE TO PROOFREAD YOUR FORM

A well-written, grammatically correct application gives a good impression. Many of you will be writing

in your second or third language so please take the time to have your application checked over by a

native or fluent English speaker before you submit it.

11. SUBMIT IT BEFORE THE DEADLINE

The next deadline for applications is shown at the bottom of the IFES Innovation webpage. Send your

form to innovation@ifesworld.org no later than the deadline.

12. BE PREPARED FOR QUESTIONS

After you have submitted your proposal, the review team may contact you with some further questions

before they can make a decision about funding the project. Respond to these questions as thoughtfully

as you would to those on the application form.

GOOD LUCK!