Proposal Development – Writing a Proposal
Writing a proposal for external funding is best approached as a process. The first step in the process is to thoroughly read the guidelines. The guidelines will specify what content should be provided; the order in which it should be provided; and the format to be followed. Most proposals contain these same components:
- Project summary (or abstract)
- Problem statement (or statement of need)
- Project description (or narrative)
- Evaluation plan (or assessment plan)
- Budget
- Budget justification (or narrative)
Proposal Writing Resources
Institutional Information
- Most external funding sources (sponsors) want to know about the institution (in this case, Appalachian State University) in terms of academic offerings, populations served, and available resources. It is important that the information you provide be accurate and up-to-date.
Institutional Resources
- ACT: Appalachian & the Community Together
Appalachian State University's clearinghouse for community service, service-learning, and community-based research opportunities within the NC High Country area, as well as across the state, nation, and world. ACT maintains an extensive database that can connect the needs of non-profit agencies with student volunteers. - Appalachian Faculty Portal
This page is a one-stop guide to information to help you be successful in your career as a faculty member at Appalachian. The Portal was developed and is maintained by the Hubbard Center for Faculty Development. - Core Laboratory Research Facilities in NC
This site, maintained by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, provides basic links to core laboratory facilities in North Carolina that support research in the life sciences and other biotechnology-related fields of study. These core facilities are located at university, non-profit and commercial research institutions across the state. - North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies
The North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies provides facilities for applied research in engineering related fields and serves as a conduit to baccalaureate education delivered by the University of North Carolina system schools. - North Carolina Research Campus
The North Carolina Research Campus is a private-public venture created to foster collaboration and further advancements in the fields of biotechnology, nutrition and health. Many of the world’s top scientific minds — and many of the nation’s top research universities — already call NCRC home. On-campus universities include Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T State University, Appalachian State University and UNC Greensboro.
Most external funding sources (sponsors) want to know about the institution (in this case, Appalachian State University) in terms of academic offerings, populations served, and available resources. It is important that the information you provide be accurate and up-to-date.
Electronic and Print Resources
- Numerous guides for writing competitive proposals are available both electronically (via the Internet) and in print format (books and journal articles)
- The Foundation Center offers free online budget tutorials
- Selected print resources are available for faculty and staff to check out through the Office of Proposal Development to assist in the development of your proposal. Contact Dr. Pollyanne Frantz to check out any of these publications
- The Carol G. Belk Library and Information Commons provides comprehensive resources in both electronic and print formats.
Sample Proposals
- Sample proposals can be helpful to analyze as you prepare to write your proposal. Proposal writers also may request proposals through the Office of Proposal Development for sponsors and programs not listed in the sample proposals.
If you require further assistance, please contact us!
