How to Apply: Preparing the Narrative

Create a concise, readable proposal and follow directions carefully. Type the narrative on plain white  8 ½" x 11½" paper. Margins must be at least one inch. Minimum of a 10-point font for the narrative of the document. Narratives for mini-grant proposals($1,000 or less) may not exceed 1 page (1 side of 1 sheet) Narratives for small proposals of ($1,001 to $5,000)  may not exceed 2 pages (2 sides of 1 sheet). Narratives for proposals of $5,001 to $20,000 may not exceed 6 pages (6 sides of 3 sheets)

Other criteria include the following: Text may be single or double-spaced.   If acronyms are used, explain what they mean the first time they are used in the text.   One additional 8 ½" x 11½" page for a map or diagram (not a table containing text) related to the proposal may be attached. Free-hand drawings are acceptable. Proposals will be disqualified if narratives exceed page limits. The cover, consortium verification, map/diagram, and budget pages do not count toward the page limit.

Specific instructions

During the review process, reviewers weight their evaluation by valuing the narrative at 80 percent and the budget summary at 20 percent.

A. Project Title and Applicant Name Provide the name of the administrative organization and the project title as shown on the cover page. If applying in the "School Forest" or "School Forest Education Plan" category also provide the forest name(s).

B. Statement of Need (15 percent)

1. Target Audience(s): Describe the makeup and the number of people who will be served. The audience must be Wisconsin residents.

2. Need: Provide a precise statement of identified need(s) for each target audience.

3. Goal Addressed: Explain how the stated need(s) relate(s) to one or more of the fundamental tenets of environmental education and one of the EE2010 goals. (Jump to: Program Overview: Priorities)

4. Evidence of Need:  Provide evidence (e.g., observations, data, expert testimony) that a need for the project exists.

5. Previous Effort: Describe previous efforts, if any, to meet the stated needs.

C. Project Goals, Objectives, Activities, and Dissemination (40 percent)

Typically, successful proposals are presented in such a manner and with sufficient detail that should the project director and/or grant writer no longer be associated with the project, this section can serve as the plan of  work.

Be sure each project goal relates to one or more fundamental tenets of environmental education and describe how the project will enhance the environmental literacy of the target audience.

While not required, we strongly encourage you to use an outline format:

Project Goal and related EE2010 Goal

Objective

Activities and timelines

Objective

Activities and timelines

Repeat outline format as needed.

No matter what format or combination of formats is used (e.g. table, bulleted list, etc.) the goal, objective, activity section must include the:

• why (goals, objectives, and relationship(s) to fundamental tenets of EE and EE2010 goals)
• who (who will do it and who will benefit),
• what (activities that will be undertaken),
• where (facilities that will be utilized),
• when (a graphical timeline or completion dates for each activity described within the body of the narrative.)

D. Dissemination (5 percent) As indicated in the "Reporting" section (Jump to Reports/Followup), outline plans to disseminate information about the project in order to increase visibility of the grant program. Include how your grant will positively influence those outside your target audience who are also working in the field of environmental education, in both the short and long term.

E. Project Evaluation (10 percent) Summarize how the entire project will be evaluated. Provide details of how you will know if you have reached your goals and objectives. In other words, how will you know if the activities accomplish the goals and objectives? Evaluation techniques to consider include pre/post testing of target audience, review by outside personnel, surveys, etc. Be sure you can actually measure whatever objectives you propose!

F. Staff Qualifications (5 percent) Describe briefly the qualifications of staff members involved. Qualifications should correlate to the skills and knowledge needed to complete the activities assigned to that individual. Do not include resumes.

If a staff person will be hired to work on this project, summarize the desired qualifications for the position.