To advance any project, whether supported by federal funding, state programs, private financing, or local investment, you will need to clarify leadership roles, secure internal approval, and assemble an effective team of partners. A focused, brief concept note can support each of these steps from the beginning.

The goal of a project pitch is to inform and secure buy-in from internal and external decision-makers. Developing it also helps clarify gaps in your project strategy and unresolved questions. Developing a pitch early also helps test whether your project is viable within your local market conditions, regulatory environment, and available funding structures.

An effective pitch should clearly communicate:

• What is being proposed and why it’s beneficial
• Who is proposing what and key partners involved
• How the project aligns with local goals and community needs
• Timeline and major milestones
• Budget needs and potential funding or leveraged resources
• The specific “ask” (e.g., approval, funding, data, partnership, support)
• Key risks and how they will be managed

Tailor your pitch to its audience. You may develop slightly different versions depending on whether you are speaking to internal leadership, elected officials, community partners, private sponsors, or others. Clear early communication helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens long-term support.

You may also find it helpful to review pitch deck tutorials, sample concept notes, and our Pitch Deck Checklist for Local Governments for additional guidance.

Lastly, pay attention to your title and subtitle. These may be the only elements some decision-makers read, so make them clear, concise, and compelling. Aim for no more than two pages. In short, an effective pitch is one that is quickly understood and supports informed decision-making, even in capacity-constrained environments.