WRITING A CONCEPT PAPER

The concept paper reflects the general elements of a proposal. At SAU, it ensures all involved in
planning and implementation agree on what will be contained in the proposal. The concept paper
is included with the Intent to Submit form for internal routing.
In addition, funders may ask for a brief 1-3-page concept paper prior to requesting the
submission of a full proposal. Funders will use the concept paper to save time by eliminating
ideas that are not likely to be funded. Yet, it can also serve as a guide for further discussion with
the funder’s program officer (PO).
Concept papers may be used to:

• Obtain internal and external (PO) feedback to strengthen the full proposal
• Determine if a project idea is fundable
• Generate interest from potential funders
• Develop potential solutions or investigations into project ideas
• Promote relationship building with partners and PO
• Obtain letters of commitment from your partners
• Serve as the basis for a full proposal
Note: Funders may have a specific form to use but if not, a concept paper generally follows this
format:

INTRODUCTION
Briefly summarize (1) the significant problem or gap you will address and why it is important;
(2) the expected outcomes; and (3) the potential broad impact.

Be sure to include how and where the applicant’s mission and the funder’s mission intersect or
align. You can also introduce the partners and why they want to participate in the project.

Note: The first sentences are important. Capture their interest; engage them to continue
reading the rest of your concept paper.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE OR NEED OR RATIONALE (3 paragraphs)

In simple terms, state the problem that your project will address or the need that your project will
fulfill. Provide evidence as to why this problem is important. Include supporting documentation
like statistical data. Cite what others have accomplished, your expertise in this area, what
more needs to be done and the significance of your project (why the project should be
supported).

In some cases, these first two sections are merged into a Background section that both
introduces the alignment between the two organizations’ missions and provides the need
statement.

1 11/16/2020

Source: Hanover Partners

PROJECT DESCRIPTION (4 paragraphs)
Briefly state your proposed solution to the problem, the answer to the need, or the investigation
that will fill the knowledge gap. Address your unique, unusual, distinctive, innovative, and/or
novel aspects of the approach, showing why you have the most compelling/best solution worthy
of funding.

The project description includes the project's Goals, Objectives, and an overview of the project's
Methodology (also called Project Activities or Action Plan).
• Goals – Reflects a concise statement of the whole purpose of the project or your overall
aim of what you want to accomplish.
• Objectives – Discussed who is going to do what, when they will do it, and how it will be
measured but NOT how those results will be accomplished.
• Methodology - Outlines the specific activities that support how you will meet your
objectives. It is task oriented, specific, and detailed.

Note: The goals, objectives, and activities need to align closely with each other and be
accomplished within the proposed timeline.

EVALUATION (1 paragraph)
Briefly state your intended outcomes and how you will measure success.

BUDGET or PROJECT NEED (1 paragraph)

In general terms (not detailed), state the resources you will need to carry out the project.
It contains either (1) an outline of the main budget categories for the requested project support or
(2) a single bottom-line amount of the request and a brief discussion/narrative of how that
amount will be used. Some concept papers may not even include an amount requested.

Impact of Project (1 paragraph)

Solidify the funder’s final impression of your project as being important and aligned to their
mission and funding priorities.

Very briefly restate why the project is important, describing how the expected outcomes will
impact the targeted population, the department, university and beyond, and how it will add new
knowledge to your field and inform policy and practice.

This represents a suggested general outline for a concept paper. However, if a given funder
provides a specific template or format, the applicant must use the prescribed structure.

2 11/16/2020

Source: Hanover Partners

Reminderas:

• Be brief, concise, and clear. Concept papers should not be longer than five pages.
• Don’t overwhelm the reader with detail, but avoid sounding vague or unsure about what
you want to accomplish.
• Be positive and definite. Instead of saying an objective “may be accomplished,”
indicate that the objective “will be accomplished” by a certain time.
• Avoid requesting money for “planning” unless that is the purpose of the funding program.
Most funding agencies want to fund a project that is beyond the planning stage.
• Consider your audience. If your concept paper is going to be reviewed by scientists in your
field, scientific terms and technical jargon may be acceptable. However, if your proposal is
being reviewed by generalists or lay persons, this type of language will not communicate
your ideas effectively.
• Only include budgetary information if it is specifically requested (Support). Otherwise,
generally describe the types of support you need, e.g, personnel, travel, equipment, etc.
• Finally, appearance is important. This concept paper represents you. The type size should
be large enough to read easily, and margins should be standard size.
• Check for spelling errors before submission. Attention to detail is important.
• Number all pages. Place your name and date in the header. Include your contact
information with the concept paper (Contact) (This may be at the footer.
• The above is suggested outline for your concept paper. If the agency provides a different
format—use it!
• Please use the following format:
o Font Style: Times New Roman
o Font Size: 12
o Spacing: Single at 1.15
o Margin: Top, Bottom, Left, Right: 1”
o A4 Size Bond Paper

Source: Hanover Partners