Crafting a Standout Grant Proposal Cover Page: What You Need to Include

When it comes to grant proposals, the cover page is your first impression—and we all know how important that can be. After more than a decade in the grant world, both writing and reviewing proposals, I’ve learned that a well-crafted cover page can make a big difference. Let's dive into the three key elements that should always be included.

1. Clear Identification Information

Your cover page should clearly state the basic information about your organization and the proposal. This includes:

Organization Name and Contact Information
Include your organization’s full legal name, address, phone number, and primary email contact. Make sure this is the same information used throughout the proposal to avoid any confusion.

Proposal Title and Submission Date
A concise, descriptive title for your project is crucial. Along with this, include the date of submission, ensuring it’s the same as the one listed in the grant application form.

Funders’ Information
Address the cover page to the appropriate funder. This shows attention to detail and respect for the funder’s guidelines. Include the name of the funder, their address, and other relevant contact details.

2. Brief Project Overview

The cover page is also a place for a very brief overview of your project. Think of this as a snapshot that includes:

Summary of the Project
In one or two sentences, summarize what your project is about. This gives the reviewer a quick understanding of what they’re going to read about in detail later.

Requested Funding Amount
Clearly state the amount of funding you’re requesting. It’s best to align this with the amount discussed in the budget section of your proposal to ensure consistency.

Funding Timeframe
Include the period for which you’re seeking funding. Whether it’s a one-year project or a multi-year initiative, this should be easy to spot on the cover page.

3. Authorization and Signatures

Finally, your cover page should include the signatures of those authorized to submit the proposal on behalf of your organization. This is a formal requirement for many grant applications and demonstrates that your organization’s leadership is fully behind the project.

Signatory Names and Titles
List the names and titles of each person who is signing the proposal. Typically, this would include your Executive Director or CEO and possibly the Board Chair.

Space for Signatures
If the proposal is submitted electronically, a typed signature might suffice, but always check the funder’s guidelines. If a hard copy is required, ensure there is ample space for the actual signatures.

Crafting a compelling grant proposal cover page isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about making a strong first impression. For a detailed checklist on what to include, download my free guide below. It’s a resource I wish I had when I started!

Remember, the cover page is just the beginning. If you want to ensure the rest of your proposal is just as strong, keep an eye on my blog and YouTube channel for more tips. Until next time, go get ‘em!