Questions &
Answers
Q.
What is a Request for Proposals (RFP), and why
is important?
A.
Request for Proposals (also called Request for Application, Request
for Assistance, etc.) is a document released by a funder to parties
who might have an interest in applying for the described funds.
These funders may be public or private in nature. The RFP illustrates
the requirements of the funder, which can vary from rather simple
(usually local or private funders), to highly complex (state and
especially federal funders). While all the information contained
in the RFP are important, there are at least three key elements
that must be identified immediately:
- Rationale or purpose
of the funding source. It is critical to understand the goals
of the funder before you begin. Usually the funder includes
elements such as purpose of the program, the specific problem
for which the funder is seeking solutions, allowable and unallowable
costs, who is eligible to apply, and the types of services that
can be provided.
- Basic directions
for document layout and submission. Many well-written applications
are rejected because the applicant simply didn’t follow
directions. The common directions for document layout include
line spacing, font size, page limits, etc. Submission requirements
such as date due, and number of required proposal copies can
also be found in the RFP.
- Directions for
writing the narrative of the proposal. The directions for developing
the narrative include all the elements by which the proposal
will be evaluated, and are therefore required. This section
is called a variety of things, such as evaluation criteria,
selection criteria, or application guidelines. The sections
and subsections you will want to include in your narrative are
described here.
In short, the RFP
provides the “blueprint” by which the proposal will
be developed, submitted, and evaluated. As such, it is one of
the elements of grant development that must be understood if one
is to be successful.
Q.
What is “matching”? How is it determined?
A. Matching is exactly
what it sounds like. Often, a funder will require an institution
to contribute resources (“match”) to any proposal
they fund. Usually the ratio is 1-to-1, or 2-to-1 ($2 funder to
$1 proposer). Matching resources can be financial, equipment,
personnel time, or other resources. The federal Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) publishes several documents that relate to this
issue. The definitive document is OMB Circular #110 which details
what the federal government considers “match”. It
is a must read for all grant development professionals.
Q.
When looking at an RFP for evaluation of whether or not to proceed
with the application, what are some of the key elements to look
for?
A.
That’s a great question! Despite the general malaise
of both the state and federal economies, many grant opportunities
are still out there. However, you really have to look carefully
at specifics of the RFP to get the information you need. In addition
to those elements listed in question #1, the RFP will usually
indicate how much money is available for a particular grant competition,
and how many awards it intends to make. If you’re talking
about a national competition for funding that will only grant
two awards, your chances of success are not too good. If your
funder is a state or local entity, your chances are much better.
Another thing to look for is in the budget section. Funders usually
describe (sometimes in excruciating detail!) what they will fund
and what they will not. That is critical to know! If you need
equipment, and this funder doesn’t fund equipment, move
on and find one who does. It’s really a question of determining
what the needs of your program are, and finding a funder to fit
those parameters.
More About
-
