What approach will your agency take to solve the problem? 

The methods section answers these questions: 

• What combination of activities and strategies have you selected to employ to bring about the desired results? 
• Of all the possible approaches you could have employed, why have you selected this particular approach? 
• Justifying your approach includes looking at all the alternative solutions to your problem. Make sure you know a good deal about other programs of a similar nature. Who is working on the problem in your community or elsewhere? What methods have been tried in the past and are being tried now and with what results? In other words, you need to substantiate your choice of methods. 

Showing that you are familiar enough with your field to be aware of different program models and showing your reasons for selecting the model you have gives the funding source a feeling of security and adds greatly to your credibility. 

Your approach should appear realistic to the reviewer and not suggest that so much will be performed by so few that the program appears unworkable. A realistic and justified program will be impressive. An unrealistic program is unlikely to be funded merely for your good intentions. 

Follow these steps when writing this section of your proposal: 

• Tell the reader what you will do. 
• Why you believe your chosen approach is valid. 
• Who will perform the tasks and what are they responsible for. (Note: Make sure you get the resumes of all the people involved ahead of time. 
• Some RFP’s require that you attach the resumes in an appendix. Also, make sure you meet with all the various departmental elements involved to get a better understanding of what each is prepared to commit.) 
• When the program will be implemented. (Note: Funders want to know that the program will run with or without their help. Include a timetable to demonstrate you have thought your program through) 
• Avoid wishy-washy words like might, if, could, should, would 
• There should be no surprises in your methods section. Your objectives fully disclose your intentions and your methods are simply an extension of your objectives.