Assignment 2: Final Project: Writing the Grant Part 2: Methodology and Evaluation Plans

Assignment 2: Final Project: Writing the Grant Part 2: Methodology and Evaluation Plans
The methodology section is one of the core components of the grant. This section is concerned with addressing the question: “How will you carry out the project?” (Gitlin, Kolanowski & Lyons, 2021, p. 111). For example, if your proposal is for a nonprofit-related project, you might identify the population served or indicate who will receive services. Depending on the grant type, you may also include the research sample and associated inclusion criteria. A research proposal may also include the research design strategy, assumptions, validity, reliability, statistical analysis, timeline, and evaluation plans. Finally, in this section you may address human resources requirements and materials or supplies needed to complete the project.

In recent years, evaluation plans have become increasingly important to prospective funders. Competition for grants is intense, and funders must feel confident that money will be well spent and that projects can be appropriately evaluated. This is an important consideration for the grant seeker as well. Your organization will also want to be assured that the time and effort put into a project proves that the objectives are met and if not, why.

For this Assignment:

Review the Final Project Guidelines provided in this module’s Learning Resources.
Carefully review your Gitlin & Lyons text, the University of Wisconsin-Extension resource, and the Community Tool Box resource as well as other Learning Resources that focus on methodology and evaluation. You may also find additional online information from reputable grant-related organizations, such as Foundation Center and individual private funders.
Remember that this content must demonstrate that it addresses funder interests as well as the grantee perspective.
In 3–5 pages, provide your Methodology and Evaluation Plans.

In developing the methodology for your project, keep these thoughts in mind:

A project should undertake only activities that will move it toward the objectives.
If any activities are not necessary for reaching the objectives, do not include them in the proposal.
The methodology includes the day-to-day, week-to-week, and/or month-to-month activities that will be carried out during the project period.
The Methodology includes:

Program description
Research design
Human subjects (sample)
Study validity and reliability
Assumptions and limitations
Time line
Analysis (and/or see Evaluation below)
Non-personnel resources
Facilities, supplies, technology, etc.
Any non-personnel resources that will appear in the proposal budget should be described
Personnel resources
Who will be assigned or hired?
Management plan (Work plan)
Who will be responsible for which activities
What is the timeline associated with activities (first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter, ongoing)?
How will the project be managed?
The Evaluation Plan includes:

Description of the specific criteria that will measure the success of the project
Explanation of data that will be collected
Verify if your grant application will require an institutional review board (IRB) approval.
Explanation of the data collection plans at the beginning, mid-program, and final evaluation
Evaluation instruments that will be used and an explanation of why these instruments were selected
Plans for writing the periodic reports to keep the funder updated.

RESOURCES
Required Readings
Gitlin, L.N., Kolanowski, A., & Lyons, K.J. (2021). Successful grant writing: Strategies for health and human service professionals (5th ed). Springer Publishing Company.

Chapter 19, “Learning About Your Institution” (pp. 224–288)
Chapter 20, “Electronic Considerations” (pp. 288–293)
Chapter 21, “Understanding the Review Process” (pp. 298–310)
Chapter 22, “Responding to the Proposal Review” (pp. 312–321)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (n.d.). Grant review process. Retrieved June 28, 2017, from https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/review

Document: Final Project Guidelines (Word document)

Document: Grant Application Abstract Template (PDF document)

Document: Annotated Assignment Template Part 2 (Word document)

Document: Annotated Assignment Template Part 3 (Word document)

Required Media
G Vision Consulting. (2014, March 3). Day 15 grant writing tutorial – What is sustainability? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13eQm18q3P4

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

G Vision Consulting. (2014, May 7). Day 80 of 90 day grant writing tutorial – Cover letters [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JWRg6Uj_4Q

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

Optional Resources
G Vision Consulting. (2014, March 1). Day 13 grant writing tutorial – Final tips before submitting grant [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvJ3sEV6EEY

G Vision Consulting. (2014, March 4). Day 16 grant writing tutorial – An inside look at the grant review process! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT0bUzbUdh0

G Vision Consulting. (2014, March 10). Day 22 grant writing tutorial – 10 reasons proposals don’t get funded (a) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So9PecMa3Dg

G Vision Consulting. (2014, March 11). Day 23 – 10 reasons proposals don’t get funded (b) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dv31nTvg7E