2.1: RFP Guidelines
The RFP should include all of the components the grant-funding agency wants you to address – from the format your proposal should follow to the selection criteria they will follow in choosing the best projects. The RFP will help you determine whether a particular grant is right for your organization – it will help guide the grant writing process and provide a framework for your proposal.
Here are two RFPs that demonstrate how agencies follow their own format, make different requests, and offer different information.
Read this RFP from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Pay close attention to the eligibility requirements here. You should always study eligibility information carefully to make sure your project and organization are eligible to apply before you invest too much time in your proposal.
Read this RFP from the National Science Foundation. Notice the succinct instructions on proposal preparation.
Read this article, which reminds you to pay close attention to every detailed requirement in the RFP. Even basic text formatting can make a difference in the success of your proposal.