organization program proposal
This assignment us an IMPORTANT step toward the final assignment to prepare a grant/program proposal for a new program at your organization. This intermediate step is to prepare a Statement of Need that includes the components listed below. The total document should be 4 to 5 double-spaced pages, Times New Roman, 12-point font, excluding references. You do not need a title page for this assignment.
1. Introduction (brief overview). This is essentially a summary, so it should include a sentence or two on each item below (then you go into depth throughout the paper)
1. Describe the problem or need
2. What is the overall goal of the proposed project – what are the benefits?
3. Describe the targeted client population people to be served
4. Describe why this problem is important to the social work profession’s role in advocacy and empowerment in communities when addressing human rights violations and social, economic, and environmental injustice on client systems (pb 3.4)
2. Organizational and policy context. This is a discussion of any important contextual or background information. The kinds of information most commonly placed her are (a) what, if anything, your agency has done to address the problem to date (does the agency currently address this problem or need? (b) how many clients the agency currently serves (at least a really good estimate), and (c) are there any federal, state, or local policies that affect the problem/clients (try and identify at least one existing policy)? Generally, 1-2 references are needed.
3. Problem description/characterization (discussion of evidence about the problem). A good problem description describes the “what” and “why?” of a proposal. This section attempts to understand why this project is needed. Below are the necessary kinds of information that should be included. Generally, 3-4 references are needed.
1. Definitions & theory. You need to include a definition of the problem (finding one in the literature is best). Also, try to find and include a good theory/conceptual discussion that explains the causes of the problem and/or the consequences of the problem (this helps you make a good argument for why the problem is serious and worthy of attention).
2. Empirical data/evidence. You must have EMPIRICAL DATA that actually describes the problem – just your “observations” or “say so” is inadequate. So in this section, you want data – statistics that show how many people are affected by the problem, and if possible, how severe the problem is. Statistics may be national, state, local, or from your own agency. Or, in a perfect world, a mix of all geographic domains. Estimates are acceptable IF they are based on real statistical evidence. A few suggestions of the kinds of information that might be useful:
· How many people are affected nationally, in a state, locally, and/or in your agency?
· Statistics that show the consequences of not addressing the problem.
· Statistics that show actual counts of the problem, prevalence (perand/or incidence (rates of problem growth).
1. Program Goals and Objectives (at least a GOOD draft). You MUST follow standard formatting here (see examples in lecture notes and in grant examples). NOTE: It is always a good idea to have at least one (or more) objective that directly addresses the statistics shown above.
Important tips:
· Demonstrate the immediacy of the need, without overselling your case.
· If appropriate, indicate how the community or client group has been involved in defining the problem and recommending responses
· If possible, describe how the program might be replicated if it demonstrates that it works to reduce the problem.
· Now – THIS IS Non-Negotiable. Grant proposals come from Agencies – not individuals. So do not use I, Me or My in the Statement of Need and Goals & Objectives or the Final proposal. Doing so will cost points (you may use “we” though).
– Organizations & Program Development
Grading Rubric: Statement of Need and Goals & Objectives
Criterion
1
2 or 3
4
1. Writing and Format
Frequent grammar and spelling errors; poor organization and ideas not clearly expressed. Minimal evidence of a clear format and structure; format is implicit but not obvious. And/or Use of I, Me or My
Few spelling and/or grammar errors; paper is well organized and written expression is adequate. Adequate format – but one or two areas not addressed. And/or Use of I, Me or My
No spelling errors; paper is well organized and written expression is clear and to the point. Strong and obvious format. Follows a clear and obvious format and structure. Sections of the paper are clearly delineated and internally coherent.
2. Introduction (brief overview of content), including Problem description, primary goal or purpose of project, and clients to be served.
Problem description, primary goal or purpose of project, and clients to be served are not stated.
Problem description, primary goal or purpose of project, and clients to be served are inadequately stated.
Problem description, primary goal or purpose of project, and clients to be served are clearly stated.
3. Organizational and policy context (a discussion of what, if anything, your agency has done to address the problem to date; how many clients the agency serves; any important policies)
Little or no description of agency activity and/or policies governing services designed to address need
Adequate description of agency activity and/or policies governing services designed to address need
Thorough description of agency activity and/or policies governing services designed to address need
3. Problem description/
characterization). (a) Includes definition and discussion of causes
No problem definition given. Little or no literature and discussion of the causes of the problem, and/or most evidence is greater than 5 years old (0 citations used or citations are old)
Problem definition provided, but limited literature and discussion of the causes of the problem, and/or most evidence is less than 5 years old (1-2 citations)
Problem definition provided. Thorough literature and discussion of the causes of the problem, and/or most evidence is less than 5 years old (more than 2 citations)
4. Problem description/
Characterization (a) Includes empirical/statistical information
Little or no statistical description of the problem, and/or most evidence is greater than 5 years old (0 citations used or citations are old)
Adequate statistical description of the problem, and/or most evidence is less than 5 years old (1-2 citations)
Thorough statistical description of the problem, and/or most evidence is less than 5 years old (more than 2 citations)
5. Goals/Objectives
Goals and objectives presented, but poorly worded and/or incomplete with no measurable targets
Adequately constructed goals and objectives but lacks measurability.
Perfectly constructed goals and objectives
