2.3 Criteria for Evaluating an RFP

When writing a successful proposal, it is helpful to think about how it will be evaluated by the funder and its grant-review panel. There are many different aspects that are taken into consideration. A checklist, along with questions to guide the development of the proposal, are included below.

Requirements and Solution: Did the applicant sufficiently address the information requested in each section? Is the language in the proposal speaking to the solution? Does the proposal use examples that show past success and a clear understanding of the problem?

Sustainability: How will the organization carry the project forward after the grant period has ended, if applicable? Will it reach beyond the community that is being served, and can it be reproduced? Will people learn a skill that will last for years or a skill that can be passed down to others?

Qualifications and Experience: Does the plan highlight the qualifications of the current staff or new staff that might be needed to fulfill portions of the work? Does it show special certifications that the organization has that are required to complete the deliverables? Are similar experiences and successes demonstrated in the proposal?

Financial Structure and Budget: Is the cost breakdown transparent? Is the financial structure competitive, and does it clearly lay out how all funding will be spent?

Measurable Deliverables and Evaluation: Are the deliverables measurable? Will both quantitative and qualitative data be collected and communicated as part of the evaluation process? How will the grant be evaluated? Will the evaluators be hired, eliminating possible bias? Do you have a team in mind to evaluate the grant process and outcomes?