1. Bringing Home the Bacon: Grant Writing Basics Unit 6F Abstracts and Commitment Letters

2. Unit 6D: Abstracts & Letters of Commitment
Competencies: Participants will learn about:
Abstracts
Purpose
General requirements
Letters of Commitment
Purpose and required content
How (and when) to draft a template that can be modified and used by partner agencies
What to do if there’s a page limit
How to request a letter from the Governor’s Office

3. Abstract Short, concise summary of the project
Required content can vary, but generally includes:
Applicant name, address and primary contact
Summary of program activities
Number to be served
Proposed outcomes
Funding level requested
May also include information such as:
Target population/industries/sectors
Key partners
Area(s) to be served
Cost per participant

4. Abstract Format Requirements
Format requirements generally mirror the ones for the proposal narrative/technical proposal
Example: 1” margins, double-spaced, single-sided, 12-point font, Times New Roman
Length: Generally limited to 1-2 pages
May also limit the number of words in the project description
Required attachment
If not included, proposal will be screened out as “non responsive”

5. Organizing the Abstract
Sometimes the instructions in the funding announcement are detailed enough to use as a template
Include everything requested
Don’t include anything not requested
Sometimes the instructions leave a lot to the imagination
Identify the main points and include everything requested
Fill in the gaps

6. Detailed Abstract Requirements
The proposed project abstract must include the following:
1. Grant Project Name
2. Applicant Organization (State agency name, address, website)
3. Applicant Primary Contact (name, title, phone, )
4. Summary of Program Activities (350 word maximum)
5. Areas Served by the Grant (City, County, State)
6. Key Outcomes
7. Number of Apprentices to be Served
8. Target populations
9. Target Industries
10. Key Partner(s) (complete contact information for each partner including name, the contact person’s name, and his/her title, address, phone, and )
11. Funding Level:

7. Working With Fewer Specifics
Abstract: The applicant must submit an up to two- page abstract summarizing the proposed project, including, but not limited to, the scope of the project and proposed outcomes. The proposed project must include the applicant’s name, project title, a description of the area to be served, number of participants to be served, the total cost per participant, and the funding level requested. The Abstract is limited to two-page double-spaced single sided 8.5x11 inch pages with 12 point text font and 1 inch margins. When submitting in grants.gov, this document must be uploaded as an attachment to the application package and specifically labeled “Abstract.”

8. Identify the Key Words and Phrases
…two-page abstract summarizing the proposed project including, but not limited to, the scope of the project and proposed outcomes…. must include the applicant’s name, project title, a description of the area to be served, number of participants to be served, the total cost per participant, and the funding level requested…

9. Sample Template Applicant Name Project Title Area(s) to be Served
Number of Participants to be Served
Total Cost per Participant
Funding Level Requested
Project Summary
Proposed Outcomes

10. Commitment Letters Substantive letters from key partners that:
Indicate their knowledge and experience about the project activities
Describe their role and responsibilities in the project
How the project will benefit their community, customers, etc.
What they will contribute to the project (e.g. knowledge and expertise, leveraged resources, services, etc.)

11. Do NOT Include Form letters Letters of support
Letters from elected officials, unless specifically requested (i.e. the Governor)

12. Key Partners Colorado Workforce Development Council
All required state partners
Other state agencies that also want to participate (optional)
All participating local workforce areas
All required non-government partners (e.g. industry representatives, unions, nonprofits, etc.)
Other non-government entities who would like to participate (optional)

13. Catch 22
Grant instructions usually stress the need for substantive, original letters and specifically prohibit the use of “form letters”
However, while your partners understand the need for a letter, they may also need your help to put one together (or ask you to write it for them)

14. Work-Around: Customizable Templates
Option 1 – Bullet points
Provides a summary of the required content so the partner can develop their own letter
Option 2 – “Fill in the blanks”
Provides a customizable draft letter so the partner can simply fill in the blanks
Be sure to include:
A short summary of the project
The name and address to use on the letter
The date their letter is due
NOTE: Allow extra time for the letters. You will need to follow up with at least some of your partners

15. Exception to the Rules
If your grant requires a letter from the Governor’s Office:
When you enter the grant information into CORE, make sure you indicate that a letter is required
Contact GPPR
Brief them on the grant and the fact that a letter is required
Ask them what they need from you (and when)
Draft the entire letter
Allow as much lead time as possible

16. Required Content At a minimum, a letter of commitment should include:
Partner contact information
Partner involvement in the project
Any resources the partner may contribute
It may also include:
Partner’s knowledge and expertise related to the issue, project or target population/industry
Partner role and responsibilities, and ability to impact the success of the project
The letter should be on agency letterhead and signed by an authorized representative

17. Preparing the Letters for Submission
Consolidate the letters into a single attachment with a coversheet that lists all of the partners
Keeps the number of attachments manageable
Reduces the amount of time required to upload the attachments and submit the grant
If the funding announcement limits the number of letters that may be submitted (rare):
Prepare a document that lists each partner, their roles and responsibilities, and a signature block
Route the letter to each partner for signature
If necessary, cut and paste their electronic signatures into the master document

18. ?
Marie Valenzuela
(303)