Step 1

Identify potential sources of funding that meet strategic goals and meet the needs of your college and MCCCD.

Step 2

Request and read application guidelines. 

Step 3

If you decide to apply for a grant or become a partner on a grant, contact your campus grant coordinator or the district Grants and Corporate Development Office.  (Be sure to also follow any grants procedures established by your college/campus, including seeking Department Chair and President/Provost approval to develop a proposal.)  The Grants and Corporate Development Office is available on a case-by-case basis for support and development of your proposal.

Step 4

Start a planning process with all key personnel.  You will need to identify a concept, partners, and the data required for the grant. 

Step 5

Develop a timetable for the planning and preparation of the proposal.  (Aim to be ready for signatures at least a week before the due date to allow yourself adequate time for last minute challenges.  For large grant applications, try to have a reasonably good draft done at least two weeks before the deadline.)

Most funding sources are now requiring electronic submission of proposals.  Therefore, please allow a few extra days for system and technology delays.

Step 6

Development of major proposal components should begin right after you have developed a concept.  The major proposal components for most public proposals are the needs assessment, goals and objectives, operational plan and activities, management plan and key personnel, and budget including match and in-kind support.

Step 7

Request and collect data, resumes, letters of commitment or support, partnership agreements, and other pertinent information needed to plan, support, and develop the proposal.

Step 8

Complete MCCCD Proposal Approval Summary (PAS) and attach the proposal and budget.  Obtain appropriate President or Vice Chancellor signature approving submission of the proposal on the Proposal Approval Summary form.

Step 9

Get feedback before finalizing!  Ask colleagues, administrators, and the Grants and Corporate Development Office to review the draft proposal and provide you with suggestions for improvement.  Also, the Grants and Corporate Development Office is available for technical assistance if you need it.

Step 10

Finalize your proposal and attachments. 

Step 11

The finalized copy of the proposal needs to be provided to the Grants and Corporate Development Office for final review and signature by authorized signatory.

Step 12

If proposal is required to be submitted electronically, you will need to work closely with the Grants and Corporate Development Office.