If you'd like to consult Project staff about whether the project you're considering might be appropriate for funding through this program, please contact us.
Part 1: Applicant Information Form
Part 2: Project Abstract
Part 3: Project Director Qualifications
Part 4: Endorsement Letter
Part 5: Project Proposal
Part 6: Submit Your Proposal
 
Part 1: Applicant Information Form
Complete the applicant information form for institutions.  Institutions must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c-3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The project director will be responsiblie for managing the grant funds and submitting final program and financial reports.  Under "Reference Information" list the person who provides a letter of endorsement.
   
  •   Applicant Information Form for Institutions (pdf)

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Part 2: Project Abstract
Complete the Project Abstract Form. We recommend that you complete this form after developing your project proposal.

•   Project Abstract Form (pdf)

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Part 3: Project Director Qualifications
This form describes the qualifications of the person who will be chiefly responsible for leading this project, managing funds, and submitting reports. A standard resume is acceptable in lieu of this form. 

•   Project Director Qualifications Form (pdf)

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Part 4: Endorsement Letter
Attach a one-page letter of institutional support from a pastor, administrator, or board officer of your organization.

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Part 5: Project Proposal
Attach a project proposal of approximately five pages, typed and double-spaced. The following topics may serve as an outline to structure your proposal.

•   Project Purpose: Provide background information as necessary to explain the purpose of your project. What is the social context for this project? What needs is the project designed to meet, and why do you think your proposed approach will respond helpfully to these needs? How will your project develop skills and habits to sustain faithful engagement in Christian practices over time?

  •   Project Activities: What specifically do you hope to do? Who will be involved, and how?

  •   Reflection: How will you prepare participants for the project, talk about the needs you are addressing, and look back on the project afterwards to consider what you learned?

  •   Resources: What resources, including but not limited to funding, will this venture need if it is to succeed?

  •   Evaluating and Sharing What You Learn: What do you hope to learn through this project? How do you plan to evaluate the project and share your learnings in order to inspire or benefit others?

  •   Timeline: Propose a timeline for your project. When will preparations begin? When will key events in your project likely occur? When will your project be completed? Note: While your larger initiative may be designed to extend beyond the formal grant period, your project as defined by this grant proposal must be completed by June 1, 2010.

  •   Budget: Append a line item budget for your project. List each anticipated expense for which you are requesting funding. Next to each budget line, or at the bottom of the budget page as a whole, explain clearly how you arrived at each dollar figure (e.g., number of hours times rate of pay, number of meals times estimated cost per meal, etc.)

Note: If your project budget exceeds your funding request, and you anticipate additional funding or in-kind contributions toward your project, please specify the expenses that Valparaiso Project funding would cover. E.g., for a total project budget of $8,000 with a grant request for $5,000, identify which specific expenses would be funded by the grant.

We recommend that you organize your budget in these categories though not every project will incur expenses in each category:


1.   Project personnel - stipends for persons within your institution who are paid to work on the proposed project
2.   Outside consultants - fees for project work contracted with persons external to your institution
3.   Office expenses - supplies, printing, phone, postage
4.   Print and media resources - books, films, etc.
5.   Publicity and Promotion
6.   Travel expenses - transportation and lodging
7.   Meals
8.   Other - additional expenditures not included in the above categories

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Part 6: Submit Your Proposal
Assemble your grant proposal in this order:

•   Applicant information form (1 page)
  •   Project abstract (1 page)
  •   Project director qualifications (1 page form or resume)
  •   Endorsement letter (1 page)
  •   Project proposal (5 pages plus budget)

Mail one typed copy of the completed grant proposal and to:

Valparaiso Project
1401 Linwood
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383-4557

Proposals must be received by the Project Office by January 20, 2009.  Please notify Doretta.Kurzinski@valpo.edu that you have submitted a grant proposal.

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