It is the idea that a project becomes fundable not simply because it is good, but because it proposes to make a difference in the system. A change in program becomes worthwhile if it is likely to affect not only the institution or several institutions, but the larger system. A new program of legal ethics for law schools takes on importance if the proposed program seems likely to become a means for actually improving legal practice. A medical school program to train physicians to be more caring is fundable if it promises to strengthen the manner in which health care is provided to the population. In other words, broad themes, broad participation, broad impact, accomplished by efficient use of scarce financial resources.
Foundations are very interested in the people responsible for carrying out the proposed project.
In preparing a proposal for support of a research conference, for example, the organizers should describe not only how the conference will help lead to new scholarly inquiries, but how the participants will contribute to this effort. They should mention the background and research contributions of conference speakers and panelists. In preparing a proposal for support of a special library collection, library administrators should not only describe the nature and extent of the collection, but also mention the scholars or scientists who have used it and the books, articles, and studies that have resulted from their work. In other words, illustrate the human element of the project. Foundations may also want information about the credentials of the executive or senior staff of an organization, the trustees, advisory councils to the project, and any other internal or external experts who will be associated with the project.