What is a

Concept Paper?
 CONCEPT PAPER
• Prior to the submission of a project proposal, proponents
are requested to submit a summary of what the project is
all about, the reasons for conducting the project, and how
it will be carried out.
• This summary document is called a concept paper.
• A concept paper provides an overview of the project, and
helps funding agencies eliminate proposals that are likely to
be disapproved. Hence, it helps save time and effort for
both the proponents and the funding agencies.
 CONCEPT PAPER
A concept paper has several uses:
• First, it serves as a foundation of the full proposal.
• Second, it helps determine whether a certain project is feasible or
not.
• Third, it is used to pique the interest of the potential funding
agencies.
• Finally, it is used to obtain informal feedback on the ideas prior to
preparing the full proposal.
 Before writing your
concept paper, you have
to learn how to explain
your concept first. You
can accomplish this using
definition, explication, or
clarification.
 Definition
Definition is the method of identifying a given
term and making its meaning clearer. Its main
purpose is to clarify and explain concepts, ideas,
and issues by answering the question, “What
does it mean?” This mode of explanation contains
the term to be defined and the detailed
exposition of the term through the use of
illustrations, examples, and description.
2. Explication
• An explication is a method of explanation in which
sentences, verses, quotes, or passages are taken
from a literary or academic work and then
interpreted and explained in a detailed way.
• When using this technique, you need to clearly
present your thesis in the introduction and follow it
up with a detailed analysis of a passage or text.
• You may begin the body of the explication by
analyzing and explaining how the text was
constructed.
• Your explication should end with a concise conclusion
by restating your thesis and major arguments.
3. Clarification
• Clarification is a method of explanation in which
the points are organized from a general abstract
idea to specific and concrete examples. It entails
the analysis of the concept by looking at the
examples and specifying some of its
characteristics to arrive at one working
definition which can be used throughout the
paper.
 Parts of a Concept Paper
• A concept paper usually ranges from 500 to 2000 words
and is usually divided into several parts.
• The following sections discussed in this lesson are
merely suggestions for the content of the paper;
ultimately, the project proponent needs to follow the
format and design required by the funding agency.
• The parts of a concept paper may also vary depending
on the nature of the project/activity. Below are two
outlines of a concept paper based on the context.
•Concept Paper for a Project
•Use the following structure when
you want to propose a certain
tangible project in your discipline.
1. Cover Page
• State the name of the proponents and their
affiliations.
• State the addresses, contact numbers, and email
addresses of the proponents.
• State the head of the agency and his/her contact
information.
• State the date of submission.
 2. Introduction
• State the information about the funding agency to show that you
understand its mission.
• State the mission of the agency that the proponents represent and align
it to the funding agency’s mission. Also, state the year the proponents’
agency was established, its major accomplishments, and other details
that demonstrate its capability to undertake the proposed project.
• Present and describe other partner agencies and why they are qualified
as such.
• Provide reasons why the funding agency should support the project.
3. Rationale or Background

• State the gap in knowledge to be

addressed by the project.
• State the problems to be solved.
• State the project’s significance.
 4. Project Description
• State the goals and objectives of the project.
• Present the methodology (sometimes termed as Action
Plan, Project Activities, or Approach).
• Present the timeline expressed in months and year.
• State the benefits or anticipated outcomes.
• State how success of outcomes will be evaluated.
5. Project Needs and Cost
• Outline the main budget; include the item
description and amount.
• Explain or justify how the budget will be used.
• List the personnel or equipment needed for the
project.
Concept Paper for Academic
Research
 Concept Paper for Academic Research

• Use the following structure when you intend to present an idea or

concept for a research you would like to pursue.
1. Title Page
• State your research title.
• State your name and school.
• State the date of submission.
2. Background of the Study
• Provide the current state of the field you are researching on.
• State the gap in knowledge and problems to be addressed by the research.
• Provide statistics and previous studies to prove your claims.
• State the reasons why you want to investigate on the chosen topic.
• State the theoretical and practical implications of your proposed research.

3. Preliminary Literature Review

• Provide a theoretical framework. The theoretical framework includes the theory that
will guide you in the conduct of your research.
• Provide related literature that supports your topic.
• Provide related studies that will help you in conducting the research or analyzing and
discussing the data.
• Provide a brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies.
4. Statement of the Problem/Objectives
• State your general problem in one sentence.
• State your specific research questions or objectives.

5. Abridged Methodology
• Provide the context and participants of the study.
• Provide the instruments to be used.
• Provide the data collection procedure.
• Provide the data analysis scheme to be used.
6. Timeline
• Provide a timeline (e.g., Gantt chart) set in
months and year.

7. References
• Provide a list of all books, journals, and other
resources cited in your paper.
 Guidelines in Writing a
Concept Paper
• Follow the guidelines below to come up with a well-written concept
paper.
1. Cost and methodology should be reasonable.
2. The budget, methodology, and timeline should
be clearly aligned.
3. Use statistics and figures when discussing the
rationale for the project.
 Guidelines in Writing a
Concept Paper
4. Use no more than five pages (single-spaced)
excluding the cover page. Do not overwhelm the
readers with details.
5. Never request funding for planning the proposal.
6. Adjust your language to the intended readers. You
may use technical terms if readers are scholars and
scientists. However, refrain from using jargon when
your target readers are lay persons.
 Guidelines in Writing a
Concept Paper
7. Include the overview of the budget if it is required. If
not, then skip the budget section. In place of this, you
may simply include the type of support you may need
such as personnel, travel and communication, and
equipment.
8. Be sure that basic format details, such as page
numbers, are incorporated.
9. Cite your references.
Learn more about writing concept papers by visiting the link below.

How to write a concept paper with practical sample by Dr Lango

[Link]
SYNTHESIS
• It is from the concept paper that one develops the research proposal
which can either be business or academic oriented.
• The purpose of a concept paper, from the funding agency’s point of
view, is to help applicants develop more competitive proposals and to
save time by eliminating proposals that are not likely to be funded.
• The applicant’s purpose in developing a concept paper is to capture
the interest of the funding agency and demonstrate that the idea they
are proposing is worthy of further consideration.