1. Translate the funding brief into a checklist
Extract eligibility, required sections, limits, deadline, and evaluation criteria from the funder’s current instructions. Follow the official application requirements even if the presentation has a different format.
Create a compliance matrix from the funder’s current application guide, including page limits and required attachments. The official instructions take precedence over a preferred slide format.
2. Explain the need with context
Define who is affected and what evidence supports the problem statement. Use current, attributable sources and avoid unsupported generalizations about communities.
Identify sources and dates for need statements, and distinguish local evidence from broader statistics. Explain how the cited evidence relates to the proposed population.
3. Connect activities, budget, and outcomes
Show how the requested funds support specific work and how progress will be assessed. Make assumptions and dependencies visible so a reviewer can understand what is feasible.
Connect each budget line to an activity and outcome, and identify matching funds or assumptions only when verified. Make the requested amount and time period easy to find.
4. Review compliance and clarity
Check every required item, number, and attachment against the funder’s instructions. Ask a reviewer unfamiliar with the project to explain the proposed plan after reading the deck.
Use a final reviewer who did not write the deck to check required criteria and trace the argument. A nonprofit impact report may help organize evidence of prior work.
