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Elements of a Concept Paper

A concept paper is a one to two page document used to help your organization get or stay focused. It allows you to figure out what you really think and to articulate what your vision looks like. After thinking about your proposed project, write up an overview of what you want to do, what is needed, who will benefit, why it should be done, and what support is necessary. This precise overview clarifies your own thinking before you proceed with the application. A good concept paper:

states the problem, need and area of focus that the proposal will address
identifies previous efforts to solve this problem (by yourself, with other faculty members, with other community organizations) and explains how this effort will be different
outlines resources needed (human, physical, or fiscal)
lists goals and objectives
establishes a realistic but ambitious plan of operation
defines the expected outcomes

Once you have written a draft of the concept paper, ask yourself if the paper answers the following questions:

Who is applying?
Who will assist?
What are your areas of concern, your themes, and your focus?
What are your needs/problems?
What are your goals and objectives?
What are your proposed methods and major activities?
Who will manage and implement the project?
How will you evaluate the program?
What will the project cost?

Adapted from I'll Grant You That: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Funds, Designing Winning Projects and Writing Powerful Grant Proposals by Jim Burke and Carol Ann Prater, 2000.

Updated January 2009