How do you structure your project summary to make it clear and concise?

Clearly articulate the specific issue your project addresses, using current data or research to underscore its significance. A tip I like to use: Use a relatable example or statistic to make the problem more tangible to the reader.

As someone who has been a reviewer/grader for more than a decade for multiple federal agency grant programs I can attest that less is more meaning keep in mind that reviewers are looking at many different applications and it is best to be specific, concise, and as tight as possible in justifying the need for your project. Along those lines, it is also key to connect concisely and precisely the proposed project to the eligible activities identified for the grant program. Do not ever try to fit a square peg in a round hole, and do not ever embellish the need and justification of the project because in both cases it is highly likely you will lose the attention and interest of the reviewer.

Kick off your summary by hitting the problem nail on the head, just like you’d explain why your phone needs a repair before actually handing it over to the technician. Be clear about the issue at hand, using data or statistics to underline its importance. Imagine you're explaining it to someone completely outside your field—keep it simple, avoid jargon, and make the problem universally understood. This sets the stage for why your project is not just necessary but urgent. Think of it as setting the scene of a mystery novel where you want everyone to know why the detective is in town.

To structure a clear and concise project summary, focus on presenting the key components: the project's goals, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. Begin with a strong opening statement, followed by a brief explanation of the problem addressed, the proposed solution, and the significance of the project. Draw on my extensive experience from online grant writing training and insights from my book, "Grant Writing Made Easy: A Book of Discussion," to ensure the summary is informative and compelling.

Right after presenting your problem, it's time to shine a spotlight on your hero—the objectives. Clearly outline what your project aims to achieve in response to the problem. These should be specific, measurable, and, importantly, ambitious yet attainable. Imagine you’re plotting the course for a treasure hunt, marking X on the map where you aim to go. Your objectives are your promise to the reader, giving them a clear idea of the journey's purpose and direction.

These sections in applications for federal and most state grants are the most important which can be determining factors on whether or not your application gets funded. It is important to make sure that all activities and tasks fit within the project design and follow a logical progression. It is equally important to assure the sequence makes sense and that sufficient time is afforded each task to reflect its degree of difficulty. One of the pitfalls with these sections is not offering sufficient detail about staff and/or consultants responsible for each task demonstrating their experience and expertise to do so.

Now that you've set the scene and pointed to the treasure map, it's time to talk about how you plan to get there. Describe your methodology with enough detail to be credible but not so much that you lose the reader in the weeds. Think about explaining a recipe—you don’t need to list every pinch of salt, but you do need to cover the key ingredients and steps. Your methods section should reassure the reader that you have a solid plan in place, but keep it streamlined; this isn't the place for every little detail of the plan.

This is your moment to project into the future and paint a picture of success. Describe the anticipated outcomes of your project, focusing on the impact and change it will bring. Be bold in your predictions, but also ground them in reality—this isn’t a wish list, it's an educated forecast based on your objectives and methods. Highlight how these outcomes address the initial problem and contribute to broader goals or challenges. This section is your closing argument, making the case for your project's value and potential for significant impact.

Using clear and concise language throughout a project is akin to providing a well-lit roadmap for success. Clarity minimizes the risk of misunderstandings, aligns efforts and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Being concise improves the efficiency of communication, facilitating a streamlined and effective project execution.

It is also good practice to demonstrate that your project properly addresses the expectations in the call text. As the summary is the first thing that reviewers read, you win their trust by doing so.

Reflect on the sustainability and long-term impact of your project beyond the funding period. Tip: Briefly describe how the project's outcomes will continue to benefit the target group or contribute to ongoing research in the field.