Narrative & Score
Executive Summary Scaffold
A working structure for writing concise executive summaries that orient readers to a proposal.
Use this working structure to make an executive summary concise, complete, and easy to navigate within the funder’s required format.
Example boundary: All example language below is hypothetical and uses placeholders. It is not a Wellridge Group project, client result, or recommended clinical model. Any behavioral-health program must keep diagnosis, treatment, triage, and clinical supervision with appropriately qualified licensed providers.
Structure
Opening (1-2 sentences)
What: State the problem or need clearly and concisely.
Example:
“According to [source], [population] in [region] faces [documented barrier] when trying to locate and navigate licensed behavioral-health services.”
Your Solution (2-3 sentences)
What: Describe your proposed program or project.
Example:
“We propose a nonclinical access and navigation program that will provide [outreach/navigation activities] to [population] across [geographic area] over [timeline]. Independent licensed providers will retain responsibility for all clinical evaluation, treatment, triage, and supervision.”
Why You (2-3 sentences)
What: Establish credibility and competitive advantage.
Example:
“[Organization] has [substantiated relevant experience] serving [target population]. [Named staff or qualified providers] will own [specific responsibilities], supported by [documented capability or formal partner role].”
Outcomes & Impact (2-3 sentences)
What: Describe measurable results and long-term impact.
Example:
“Over [timeline], the program will deliver [output target] and measure [defined operational outcome] using [data source and method]. Targets and methods will be approved by [accountable owner] before launch.”
Request (1 sentence)
What: State the funding request clearly.
Example:
“We request $[amount] over [timeline] to support [key activities], with [match/leverage] from [sources].”
Full Hypothetical Example
According to [source], [population] in [region] faces [documented barrier] when trying to locate and navigate licensed behavioral-health services.
[Organization] proposes a nonclinical access and navigation program that will provide [number] outreach and navigation contacts across [geographic area] over [timeline]. Program staff will support information, appointment navigation, referrals, and nonclinical follow-up. Independent licensed providers will retain responsibility for all clinical evaluation, treatment, triage, and supervision.
[Organization] has [substantiated relevant experience] serving [population]. [Named lead] will own program administration and reporting, while [named licensed provider or contracted entity] will own clinical services under [documented agreement or authority].
Over [timeline], the program will deliver [output target] and measure [navigation or referral-follow-through outcome] using [data source and method]. The organization will review results on [cadence], document limitations, and obtain required approvals before any change affecting clinical care.
We request $[amount] over [timeline] to support [nonclinical activities and permitted costs], with $[match amount] from [documented sources], subject to the funder’s cost and match rules.
Tips
- Write this last—it should summarize your strongest points.
- Follow the required limit—if none is provided, keep only the information needed to orient the reader.
- Use active voice—“We will serve” not “Services will be provided.”
- Be specific—numbers, timelines, and concrete details.
- Stand alone—if a reviewer only reads this, they should understand your proposal.
This working scaffold is part of the Wellridge Group resource library at wellridgegroup.com/resources. Every claim, example, calculation, and specialized boundary requires accountable human review.