IFMSA Leadership Training Program

Pennsylvania Study

In writing and/or evaluating a proposal, the following conclusions drawn from a University of Pennsylvania study may be useful. A study team investigated the criteria foundations and government agencies consider most important when reviewing proposals for community-based projects. They concluded that there are five factors all funders consider "highly important": project purpose feasibility community need for the project applicant accountability competence Other factors also considered important include: project logic probable impact language money needed community support Although there is some disagreement about the factors which are considered unimportant, funders generally agreed that the least important factors in assessing a proposal are: working relationships advocates minority status social acceptability prior funding influence of acquaintances