2. The Concept paper is a brief document.
Depending upon the requirements of a
specific academic program, the Concept
Paper may range from as few as 2-3 pages to
as many as 10-20 pages. The essential point
of the Concept Paper is to explain the
importance of a particular research project.
3.
4. Grab your reader’s attention. Concept
papers are meant to persuade sponsors,
convincing them to fund or adopt your idea.
This means it’s critical to “hook” them right
at the beginning.
Explain why you are approaching this
sponsor. After getting your reader’s
attention, the introduction to your concept
paper should then describe how your goals
and the sponsor’s mission mesh. This tells the
sponsor that you’ve done your homework and
are serious about approaching them.[2]
5. Describe the problem your project
addresses. The next section of a concept
paper will devote a few sentences or short
paragraphs to the specific purpose of your
project. Describe the problem you want to
solve, and illustrate how you know it exists.[3]
Put the problem in context to explain why it
matters. Show how your project relates to
current issues, questions, or problems.
Statistics and other numerical data can help
build a convincing case for why your problem
matters. Some readers might also be moved by
narratives or personal stories, so consider
including those as well.
6. Share the basics of your method. Even if
readers are convinced you have identified an
issue that matters, they’ll still want to know
that you have an idea for how to solve or
investigate it. Spend some time in your concept
paper describing the methods you will use.[4]
Emphasize what makes your methods
unique. Remember that sponsors may be looking
at numerous requests for funding. To ensure that
yours is successful, you have to explain what sets
your project apart. Ask yourself the question:
“What is my project doing that no one has done
or tried before?”
7. Include a timeline. You can’t expect a donor
or foundation to be willing to fund a
completely open-ended project. Part of your
concept paper should explain the projected
timeline for implementing your project.[5]
Give concrete examples of how you will
assess your project. Sponsors want to fund
projects that are likely to succeed, and part
of your job in the concept paper is to explain
how to measure your project’s outcomes. If
you are developing a product, for example,
that success can be measured in units
produced and/or sold.[6]
8. Provide a preliminary budget. Sponsors will
be interested to see a general overview of
how much your project is expected to cost.
This explains the need for funding and helps
the sponsor determine if the project’s scope
is appropriate. A concept paper is a
preliminary proposal, so not every detail
needs to be spelled out, but give info on the
basics of costs that may include things like:[7]
End with a project summary. Wrap things up
with a short paragraph at the end of your
paper, reiterating your project’s purpose,
basic plan of action, and needs. Focus on the
essential points you want to stick in the
sponsor’s mind.[
9. Keep it short and neat. Concept papers are
typically short documents of 3-5 double-
spaced pages. Sponsors may have many
applications to read, and a concept paper
that drags on or is poorly formatted might
get rejected outright.[
Check that the language of your concept
paper is action-oriented. Sponsors are
looking for projects that are well-thought out
and doable. Avoid hedging your proposal or
doing anything that sounds like you aren’t
completely confident in your project.
10. Use vocabulary that your reader will
understand. For instance, if you are writing to a
scientific foundation for funding, it may be
appropriate to use technical terminology.
However, writing to a general community
organization to fund the same project will
require you to reduce scientific jargon and
explain key concepts so that general readers will
understand.
Include contact info. Make sure the sponsor
knows how to reach you by mail, email, and
phone. Even if you’ve included this information
elsewhere in a project application, it’s a good
idea to include it in the concept paper so the
sponsor won’t have to hunt for it.
11. Proofread your final draft. An otherwise
strong concept paper riddled with errors,
typos, or formatting mistakes will reflect
poorly on your project. Show the sponsors
that you are careful, thoughtful, and
appreciative by polishing your final draft
before submitting
