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<br />FIVE EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PROPOSAL SCORE MORE POINTS•
<br />L Include a thorough and detailedprojectdescription This project description should cover every item or task
<br />to be completed under the `grant -assisted project. 'If the proposed grant'project' is'a part, component; or phase of
<br />a much larger or comprehensive project, briefly describe the overall project and how the proposed grant pro,Iect fits
<br />into the big picture: -Then describe the proposed grant project in detail.' List abd describe every product that will
<br />result from the grant project, and,discuss any' potential spin-off benefits of the'project A' thorough and detailed
<br />project description generally should notexceedthreetype-written pages;.:'. °:::' , '. '• ,
<br />2. Include a detailed timetable for the proposed grant'project.' This timetable should allow time•for the project
<br />initiation by DHPA Staff, procurement of goods and services (bidding), and should address every task,'aspect, or
<br />component of the'pir`oject: ,Break`down the;timetable by the; number, of days,`'weeks, or months•necessary to
<br />complete each task or phase of the project. The timetable should set forth a clear, realistic, and reasonable schedule
<br />for the completion of the grant project. Simply providing begin and end dates for the project does not constitute
<br />an acceptable timetable., Proposals with vague, poorly detailed, or unrealistic timetables often score fewer than half
<br />of the points possible for this evaluation criteria.
<br />3.. Include a detailed and documented project budget. The budget should be broken down in detail on a separate
<br />page after the budget form. This breakdown should follow the budget categories or line -items on the budget form,
<br />and should show how the total amount for each line -item was calculated. Be certain to include.,all project costs in
<br />the.appropriate budget Iine-items. If grant funding is offered, reimbursements will only be made for those items
<br />included in the original project budget.. Whenever possible, include written estimates from consultants or
<br />contractors for the goods and services to be used in the proposed project --_ this is especially critical for Acquisition
<br />and Development proposals.. This kind of documentation proves that the budget is reasonable and accurate. While
<br />submitting a budget breakdown page and other project cost documentation is not strictly required, including these
<br />items greatly improves the quality of the project budget and guarantees a higher score for the budget criteria.
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<br />.4. Include documentation to support the applicant's matching share. Obtaining copies of bank statements, written
<br />pledges or commitments, or other financial documentation may take several days or even weeks, so be sure to allow
<br />enough time to accomplish this task prior to the project deadline_ While submitting supporting documentation for
<br />the matching share is not required, submitting this documentation proves that the required funds are on -hand and
<br />available and that the project may begin immediately. Because HPF grants are "reimbursement grants" where the
<br />subgrantee is reimbursed for project costs (grant money is NOT distributed up -front), without the required matching
<br />share in place to leverage the grant funds, the project cannot move forward.
<br />S. , Include detailed and accurate responses to the priorities. There are two sets of priorities: Administrative and
<br />Categorical. The applicant's responses to these priorities are what the DHPA Staff uses to evaluate and score the
<br />proposal, so you should pay particular attention to this part of the proposal. In general, more clear and detailed
<br />responses will score better than vague or unclear responses. Please provide clear, thorough, and detailed responses
<br />,whenever required by the wording of the priority statements. However, take note that many priorities require only
<br />simple and concise answers.., Whenever a proposed project will not meet a specific priority, mark "NA" asthe
<br />response and move on to the next item. No project will meet every single priority statement; however, providing
<br />adequate detail where necessarywill give the DHPA Staff the best possible understanding of your particular project,
<br />which should result in the best possible score for your proposal.
<br />By carefully following the advice given above, a grant applicant should be able to avoid the most common pitfalls of
<br />preparing a grant proposal.' :A quality grant proposal is the sum of many quality,parts_ One or two,weakparts of the
<br />proposal may the difference of several points; which in turn may mean the difference between the proposal being
<br />funded and not being funded , If you have. questions, don't be afraid, to, ask'for advice or giiidancel
<br />_; Questions should be'directed to the DHPA GY-atits~Staff by caliing317=232=1646
<br />b faacin 317-232=0693 ,or; Ii A.,wiritin to: `Grak a f "Division` uttisto '
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<br />Preservation and .,AichaeoIo~ 442 .v e 4
<br />gy,, W st .Washington Street, i)toom - W2'74,
<br />Indianavolis ;Indiana 46204,
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