Concept Paper: A Guide to Format, Technicalities, and an
Example
A concept paper is a preliminary document used to outline a project or proposal. It serves to
convince potential funders, stakeholders, or supervisors that an idea is worth pursuing and
developing into a full proposal.
1. Format of a Concept Paper
A typical concept paper follows a clear and logical structure to present the core idea effectively.
While the specific sections may vary slightly, a standard format includes:
A. Title Page
Project Title: A concise and descriptive title that captures the essence of the project.
Author/Organization: The name(s) of the person or group submitting the paper.
Date: The date of submission.
Contact Information: Relevant contact details (email, phone number).
B. Introduction / Background
Problem Statement: A clear and compelling statement of the issue or need the project will
address.
Context: Provide a brief overview of the current situation and why the problem is
significant.
Existing Solutions: Briefly mention what existing efforts are in place and why they are
insufficient.
C. Rationale / Justification
Why this project? Explain why this specific approach is the best way to solve the
problem.
Importance: Highlight the potential impact and benefits of the project.
Relevance: Connect the project to the goals of the funding organization or stakeholders.
D. Goals and Objectives
Goals: Broad, long-term outcomes you hope to achieve.
Objectives: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) actions
that will lead to the achievement of your goals.
E. Methodology / Project Activities
What will you do? Describe the specific activities or a general plan of action.
How will you do it? Explain the methods and strategies you will use.
Project Phases: Break down the project into logical phases (e.g., Planning,
Implementation, Evaluation).
F. Timeline / Work Plan
Provide a general schedule for the project activities. This doesn't need to be a detailed
Gantt chart but should show the major milestones and their estimated duration.
G. Budget (Optional, but recommended)
Offer a high-level, summary budget. This section demonstrates that you have considered
the financial feasibility of the project.
Categories might include personnel, equipment, travel, and miscellaneous costs.
H. Expected Outcomes and Evaluation
Expected Outcomes: What tangible results will the project produce? (e.g., number of
people served, new software developed, research findings).
Evaluation Plan: Briefly describe how you will measure the success of the project and its
impact.
2. Writing Technicalities
Tone and Language: Use a formal, professional, and persuasive tone. The language
should be clear, concise, and free of jargon where possible.
Clarity and Conciseness: Get straight to the point. A concept paper is a summary, so
avoid unnecessary details and fluff. Use strong topic sentences to guide the reader.
Audience Awareness: Write with your intended audience in mind. Frame the problem
and solution in a way that aligns with their interests and priorities.
Data and Evidence: While not a full proposal, include key statistics, facts, or a brief
literature review to support your problem statement and proposed solution.
Formatting: Use standard fonts (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri), 12-point size,
and single or 1.5 spacing. Use clear headings and subheadings to make the document
easy to scan. Page numbers are also a good practice.
3. Example of a Concept Paper
Project Title: Establishing a Mobile Literacy and Book-Lending Program in Rural Barangay San
Jose
Author/Organization: San Jose Community Development Council
Date: October 26, 2023
B. Introduction / Background
Rural communities often face significant challenges in accessing educational resources,
particularly books and literacy programs. Barangay San Jose, with a population of approximately
5,000, has a single, small elementary school with a limited library collection. The nearest public
library is over 50 kilometers away, making regular access impossible for most residents. This
lack of access contributes to low reading comprehension rates and limited opportunities for both
children and adults.
C. Rationale / Justification
A mobile literacy and book-lending program is a highly effective, low-cost solution to address
this problem. By bringing books directly to the community, we can bypass the geographical
barrier and provide a consistent source of educational materials. The program's activities will not
only provide access to reading materials but will also foster a culture of reading through
interactive storytelling and literacy workshops. This initiative directly supports the community's
long-term goal of improving educational outcomes and promoting lifelong learning.
D. Goals and Objectives
Goal: To improve literacy rates and promote a love of reading in Barangay San Jose.
Objectives:
1. To acquire a collection of at least 500 age-appropriate books by January 2024.
2. To establish a weekly mobile library route to serve three distinct clusters within the
barangay.
3. To conduct at least one interactive storytelling or literacy workshop each month for
children.
4. To enroll at least 150 community members in the book-lending program within the first
six months.
E. Methodology / Project Activities
The project will be implemented in three main phases:
Phase 1: Planning and Acquisition (2 months): Secure funding, purchase a second-hand
van, and acquire books through donations and purchases.
Phase 2: Program Launch (1 month): Outfit the van as a mobile library, train two
volunteer librarians, and publicize the program to the community.
Phase 3: Implementation and Monitoring (6 months): Begin weekly mobile library routes.
Monitor program participation and track book usage and feedback.
F. Timeline / Work Plan
Activity Start Date End Date
Funding & Van Acquisition Oct 2023 Dec 2023
Book Collection & Sorting Nov 2023 Jan 2024
Staff Training Jan 2024 Jan 2024
Program Launch & Publicization Feb 2024 Feb 2024
Weekly Mobile Route Feb 2024 Ongoing
G. Budget Summary
Category Estimated Cost
Van (Second-hand) $5,000
Books & Materials $2,500
Shelving & Interior $500
Fuel & Maintenance (6 months) $1,000
Total $9,000
H. Expected Outcomes and Evaluation
The successful implementation of this program is expected to increase literacy skills among
children and adults, and foster a greater appreciation for reading. The program's success will be
evaluated through:
A pre- and post-program survey on reading habits.
Tracking the number of unique borrowers and books checked out.
Attendance logs for the monthly literacy workshops.
Qualitative feedback from community members and volunteers.
