A concept note for a grant application is a preliminary, summary document that outlines a proposed project to a potential funder.
Essentially, a concept note serves as a concise introduction to your project idea. As highlighted in the reference, "Remember, the concept note is not intended to be a full proposal and should be a summary of the proposed project activities, outputs, and outcomes." This means it provides the grantor with a brief overview before they request a full, detailed proposal.
Key Elements of a Grant Concept Note Summary
Based on the provided information, a concept note for a grant application must include specific core elements:
- Not a Full Proposal: It is explicitly stated that the concept note "is not intended to be a full proposal." This means it should be brief and focus on the essential elements rather than providing exhaustive detail.
- Summary of Project Components: It "should be a summary of the proposed project activities, outputs, and outcomes." This core function is to quickly convey what your project will do, what it will produce, and what changes it aims to achieve.
- Activities: The specific actions or tasks your project will undertake.
- Outputs: The direct, tangible results of your project activities (e.g., number of workshops held, publications created, people trained).
- Outcomes: The changes or benefits that result from your project's outputs and activities (e.g., increased knowledge, improved skills, changed behavior, strengthened institutions).
- Length Limitation: The document "should be no longer than four pages." This strict length constraint reinforces its purpose as a concise summary, forcing applicants to be highly focused and clear.
- Alignment with Program Strategy: The "project outcomes and activities should be aligned with the program strategy as outlined in the Request for Proposals." This is a critical requirement, ensuring the proposed project directly addresses the funder's goals and priorities laid out in their official call for proposals (RFP). Showing this alignment is crucial for demonstrating that your project is a good fit for their funding priorities.
In summary, a concept note is a strategic, short document designed to quickly communicate the essence of your project idea, its expected results, and its relevance to the funder's objectives, serving as a gatekeeper before a full proposal is invited.
