What will I need to get started?

  • Clear outline of your project
  • Description of the problem to be solved/addressed Concept, with goals and objectives
  • Target group/audience, addressing the need
  • Location
  • Timeline, often the proposal charts this with the activities, roles and outcomes
  • Activities, the proposal should tie these to who will do the work (roles)
  • Outcomes, measurable and relating back to the objectives
  • Evaluation Plan, the proposal should have examples of your evaluation tools
  • Resources/budget

Components of a Full Proposal

  • Cover Letter
  • Cover sheet/title page
  • Executive Summary
  • Statement of Need
  • Project Objectives
  • Project Description and management Plan
  • Timeline
  • Outcomes
  • Evaluation
  • Sustainability
  • Organizational Capability/Capacity
  • Credentials of Project Leaders
  • Budget and Cost Effectiveness
  • Appendices and Required Attachments

A Few Quick Rules for Proposal Writing

  • Shorter is always better.
  • You’re asking for money, so start your planning by asking what you need money for.
  • Make sure your plans match the foundation’s goals.
  • Follow their rules for format and length.
  • Keep access to content easy. People rarely read proposals in sequence. Use headings if possible to identify sections.
  • Answer questions:
    • Statement of Need: Why is your project needed?
    • Goals and Objectives: What do you want to achieve?
    • Project Activities: What are you actually going to do?
    • Evaluation plan: How will you prove that you achieved your goals?
    • Sustainability: How will you continue it after the money runs out?
    • Organizational Info: Why are you/your organization qualified to do it?
    • Budget: What do you need to be able to do it?
  • Speak to their needs not your own (foundations care more about their goals than yours).
  • Be passionate about the need; communicate a sense of urgency.
  • Shorter is better.