Concept Paper Template

This is not a prescription. Rather, this is a guide to use as a starting point for your concept paper. Always
follow a sponsors guidelines, but in the absence of any direction from the sponsor, consider using this
document as a beginning.

The purpose of a concept paper, from the sponsors point of view is to determine if the proposed
project fits with the sponsors goals and has a chance for success. The applicants purpose in developing
a concept paper is to capture the interest of the funding agency and demonstrate that the idea she is
proposing is worthy of further consideration.

Concept papers should be clear and concise. Keep to fewer than five pages--three pages if possible.
Obviously, use a font large enough not to strain the eyes and avoid the use of industry-specific jargon if
submitting to a sponsor who may not be dedicated to your field.

Concept Paper Outline

Introduction
You want the sponsor to be interested in reading the whole concept paper so try to gain the readers
interest. You need to demonstrate that you understand the mission of the funding agency and the types
of projects that they support. Identify how the missions of your project/WCW and the funding agency
mesh. Describe any partner agencies that will be involved and their interest in the project. Next describe
the question, problem or need to be addressed.

Purpose
Briefly provide supporting documentation for the importance of addressing this question, problem or
need. If you have statistical data, use it. Cite significant and compelling sources. Why does this project
matter? Make sure that you cite or refer to what others have accomplished relative to your project.

Project Description
Concisely describe what you plan to do, your approach, who benefits and potential impacts.

Goals and Objectives/Research Questions
Outline your goals, objectives and research questions. Goals are simply a clearer statement of the vision,
specifying the accomplishments to be achieved if the vision is to become real. The target objectives are
clearer statements of the specific activities required to achieve the goals. A goal is statement describing
a broad or abstract intent, state or condition. An objective is a statement of measurable outcomes that
relate to the goal.

Methodology and Timelines
How will the project be carried out? Make sure you have connected goals and objectives to your
methodology/timeline. In many cases a table or visual in this section helps.

Benefits/Anticipated Outcomes
Who benefits? What are the outcomes to be expected? How are the results disseminated? How does
the project/research add new knowledge to the field?

Support Needed & Costs
State the total dollar amount and general idea of type of support needed--usually a detailed budget is
not required at this stage and in some circumstances you may leave this section out all together.

Contact Information
Name, Contact info, e-mail, telephone, website