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Writing a Creative Project Proposal:
Haas Scholars Program Guidelines

An effective creative project proposal should include the following key components:

A. Statement of Purpose (What do you hope to accomplish?)

Questions to Ask Yourself:
• Have I expressed my purpose in concrete, specific, and detailed language? What will be the final outcome or product of my efforts?
• Are my goals realistic and doable? Do I have the support of key individuals or institutions that will help me accomplish my goals?

B. Background and Justification (Why is it needed?)

Questions to Ask Yourself:
• What is the broader rationale for my project? How does my project relate to or build on other relevant creative expression and/or intellectual work?
• How has my project evolved out of my previous creative work? How will it advance my creative and intellectual development?

C. Project Plan: Tasks and Timeline (How and when will you accomplish your goal(s)?)

Questions to Ask Yourself:
• What do I need to do and when do I need to do it?
• What resources will I need and how will I get access to them?
• Whose cooperation will I need and how will I work with them?

D. Resources & Qualifications (Who are you? Who has agreed to support you?)

Questions to Ask Yourself:
• What specific experiences or qualifications prepare me to undertake this project?
• Whose support will be essential to my success and have they agreed to help me?
• Who can help me with the areas where I don't already have experience or how can I gain needed skills?

E. Budget (How much will it cost?)

Questions to Ask Yourself:
•What funding is needed to accomplish my goals?
• What funding or resources are already committed to the project?
• Have I provided a narrative justification of expenses in the project proposal?

Other Components:
• Samples of previous creative work (strongly recommended)
• Budget narrative (optional)
• Selected bibliography (optional)
• Letters of support (optional, but strongly indicated in certain circumstances)

Rev. 9/01

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Last modified on by LC