You should expect intense competition for ECA institutional grants, but the following basic steps will help your organization submit a competitive proposal.

• Read the RFGP application instructions thoroughly, tailor your proposal to the RFGP, be specific and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to the project.
• Review and proofread your proposal before submission. Make sure you meet all the technical requirements of the RFGP. For example, did you complete the required application forms? Is your budget in the proper format? Confirm that your proposal addresses each of the review criteria.
• Before writing your proposal, discuss your ideas with the program officer or the embassy's public affairs section identified in the RFGP.
• Explain how your organization will deliver the best quality program, benefiting both foreign and U.S. participants for maximum impact.
• Demonstrate your experience and expertise, not only in managing programs, but in the relevant region(s) of the world. If you do not have the requisite experience, consider partnering with an organization that does have expertise in international exchanges.
• Make sure your budget submission is clear, specific and adds up correctly. Follow the RFGP's guidelines on the minimum amounts of cost sharing and the maximum limits on administrative expenses.

For more information, see the presentation, "Making Your Grant Proposal Competitive" (PDF).

RFGPs often ask for an alumni outreach or follow-up plan. ECA’s Office of Alumni Affairs has created a presentation, "Alumni Outreach, Tracking, and Engagement" (PDF) to demonstrate how best to approach alumni outreach and engagement in proposals.

ECA will provide details explaining why a proposal did not receive funding, which may help with future submissions.