CONCEPT PAPER

• A concept paper, also known prospectus, preliminary proposal or pre-proposal, is a document written to convince potential funders to sponsor a product, program or services.

  It contains detailed information about the very concept, its objectives, how long a project may take, how much money it my cost and how its completion may benefit all parties.
• 1. Introduction
. This part highlights the applicants mission and vision and how it aligns with the funder's or the sponsor's. Further, this explains why the sponsor should accept and fund the project in the given general area. This may also introduce the applicant's partners in accomplishing the proposed project or program.
• 1. Purpose or Rationale
. Like Review of Related Literature in research, the rationale of the concept paper provides written studies about the topic, gap in knowledge to be filled, and problems to be addressed in the realization of the project. This may also be merged with the introduction as it would also highlight the significance of the project and why it has to be supported.
• 1. Project Description
. This section includes goals, objective, and overview of methodology of the project which should be based on empirical evidence, reasonable cost and complexity and time boundedness. Moreso, this part of the paper stresses out plan to do, approach to be utilized and benefits and potential impacts to achieve. Through the description of the project, it must come to the surface that the project is unique, unusual, innovative and has novel approach in dealing or solving the problem at hand.
• 1. Support or Budget
. Although in some cases this section is left out, this provides an outline of either the main budget categories for the support of the proposed project or the bottom line amount which has the explanation on how the budget will be spent or allocated.
• 1. Contact Information
. This section provides the contact information of the applicant or his organization's authorized personnel to make a funding request should the funder or sponsor agree with the proposed project.
• Uses of Concept Paper

  *   To interest potential funders

  *   To develop potential solutions or investigations into project ideas

  *   To determine whether a project is fundable

  *   To serve as the foundation of a full proposal