Concept Paper Template

This is not a prescription. Rather, this is a guide to use as a starting point for your
concept paper. Always follow a sponsors guidelines, but in the absence of any
direction from the sponsor, consider using this document as a beginning.

The purpose of a concept paper, from the sponsors point of view is to determine if
the proposed project fits with the sponsors goals and has a chance for success. The
applicants purpose in developing a concept paper is to capture the interest of the
funding agency and demonstrate that the idea she is proposing is worthy of further
consideration.

Concept papers should be clear and concise. Keep to fewer than five pages--three
pages if possible. Obviously, use a font large enough not to strain the eyes and
avoid the use of industry-specific jargon if submitting to a sponsor who may not be
dedicated to your field.

Concept Paper Outline

Introduction
You want the sponsor to be interested in reading the whole concept paper so try to
gain the readers interest. You need to demonstrate that you understand the
mission of the funding agency and the types of projects that they support. Identify
how the missions of your project and the funding agency mesh. Describe any
partner agencies that will be involved and their interest in the project. Next describe
the question, problem or need to be addressed.

Purpose
Briefly provide supporting documentation for the importance of addressing this
question, problem or need. If you have statistical data, use it. Cite significant and
compelling sources. Why does this project matter? Make sure that you cite or refer
to what others have accomplished relative to your project.

Project Description
Concisely describe what you plan to do, your approach, who benefits and potential
impacts.

Goals and Objectives/Research Questions

Outline your goals, objectives and research questions. Goals are simply a clearer
statement of the vision, specifying the accomplishments to be achieved if the vision
is to become real. The target objectives are clearer statements of the specific
activities required to achieve the goals. A goal is statement describing a broad or
abstract intent, state or condition. An objective is a statement of measurable
outcomes that relate to the goal.

Methodology and Timelines

How will the project be carried out? Make sure you have connected goals and
objectives to your methodology/timeline. In many cases a table or visual in this
section helps.

Benefits/Anticipated Outcomes
Who benefits? What are the outcomes to be expected? How are the results
disseminated? How does the project/research add new knowledge to the field?

Support Needed & Costs

State the total dollar amount and general idea of type of support needed--usually a
detailed budget is not required at this stage and in some circumstances you may
leave this section out all together.

Contact Information
Name, Contact info, e-mail, telephone, website