How to Write a Winning Proposal

A strong proposal is well thought out, organized and written.

A well-written proposal can help you win a grant and accomplish your goals. One that clearly states the project goals, the steps needed to reach those goals, and the overall benefits of the project is most likely to be successful. A proposal should be free from grammar mistakes and easy to understand. Be sure to meet deadlines required for your proposal and follow all specific guidelines carefully.

Instructions

1. Determine the exact purpose of the proposal. For example, if you are applying for a grant to build a community center, determine how much money you need and exactly how you will spend it. Will you create as a computer lab, start an after school program or buy sports equipment? A winning proposal will affect a range of people.

2. Review proposals that the grant committee approved in the past. Many grant websites include sample proposals or past winning proposals. Reviewing the style of other accepted proposals will give you ideas on how to increase your chance of winning.

3. List the items you will need to pay for to complete the project. Some grants require matching funds available or volunteers complete a portion of the manual labor -- make sure you have that available. Explain how you will cover the costs of each aspect of the project, including which parts the grant money will cover. A winning proposal includes a detailed breakdown with documented references showing that you have done your research and found the best price on all necessary items.

4. Write your proposal. Begin by explaining what the project will accomplish and who it will benefit. Explain how the grant will help you reach these goals and how specifically it will be used. Answer every question listed on the proposal application.

5. Make the proposal stand out. A winning proposal will list how the funding will benefit the community. Including demographics to show the range of people who will be affected, and profiles to show specific people, will make the proposal stand out, increasing its chance of winning. Adding the long-term benefits of the proposal also will give it impact. For example, if you want to buy instruments for a children's community music class, cite studies that show the long-term benefits of music education to children and society as a whole.

6. Ask at least two people to review the proposal to check for spelling and grammar errors, as well as inaccuracies. One of the people should not be directly involved in the project so he can mark areas that are not clearly stated. This will make your proposal more accessible to those offering the grant.

7. Submit the proposal to a committee for review. This committee could be the board of directors for your organization or the committee in charge of completing the project. The review should make sure that all aspects of the project are covered adequately in the proposal.

8. Send in the completed proposal according to the submission guidelines. Mail the proposal return receipt requested to make sure it is received.

Tips & Warnings

• Pictures can make a difference. Showing the community members or area affected will bring the project to life.

• If you do receive the grant, send a thank you letter as well as updates on the project. Grant committees appreciate seeing how the money they give out is used. If appropriate, include letters written by those who benefitted from the project.

References

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: Developing and Writing Grant Proposals
• Capture Planning: How to Write a Business Proposal
• Microsoft; Writing a Good Grant Proposal; Simon Peyton Jones and Alan Bundy

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish