You may be asked to describe constituency involvement in the design of the program, in its evaluation, in its execution, or even in all three. Also, you may see this same request with different phrasing. For example, schools are asked to describe “parent involvement” and hospitals to describe “patient input.”

Foundations are no more eager than nonprofit organizations to “impose” services on a population. Involving those individuals most affected by the program in its design, delivery, and evaluation is a good way to both capture a funder's attention and ensure the success of the effort.

Consider this section this way: How would you feel if someone gave you a secondhand pair of shoes without ever asking you if you needed or wanted them? How would you feel if your local phone company came out with a statistic that said it had 100 percent customer satisfaction and you've had nothing but trouble with them? Wouldn't you say, “Well, they didn't ask me!”

Agencies should always talk up front with those who have a need to be sure that the statistics indicating need have a “face.” That means that the program is designed in consultation with, rather than for, its beneficiaries. It's humiliating to be “provided for,” and it is precisely this factor, many believe, that has spawned the so-called welfare mentality among the indigent and expectation of entitlement among the young.

Make certain your client talks to the people who will benefit from the services and finds out if they need the services or even want them. Then write about their participation in the section on constituency involvement.