The process outlined here will help potential investigators to assess these impacts and make informed decisions in order to write proposals based on measurable criteria. They make a clear case why the submitting institution and project director are qualified to accomplish the defined task. Goals and objectives are clearly defined. They provide a clear and defensible budget. The proposal clearly matches the specific criteria and goals of the particular funding organization or donor's interests.
Fundable Projects Identifying a discrete task or project is essential.
Few granting agencies will fund such things as ongoing library projects, salaries of continuing staff, general operating expenses. These are seen as budgetary and management issues to be solved by the academic institution itself. Rather, the sorts of projects which are most likely to meet with a favorable response from granting agencies are those which identify an important, unique, discrete and doable undertaking with measurable benefits to a defined constituency which are unlikely to be accomplished with current budgetary allocations. Projects involving cooperation with other institutions tend to be given priority by some funders, and most federal and state proposal guidelines and applications give specific instructions on collaborative requirements. Private agencies include foundations, corporations, and individuals.