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How do I write the actual proposal?

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Once all of the pre-writing footwork has been completed, your next move is to actually write the proposal. To do that properly, you should follow these guidelines.

• Obtain the RFP (Request for Proposal) form, which is the actual application. It may only be a few pages, or it could be a small book! However, don’t be discouraged by all of its requirements; with time and careful effort, you can handle the task.
• Read all of the instructions carefully. If your program does not fit their desires, do not apply. Also, make sure that you follow their requirements precisely. Applications which do not totally follow the funding agency’s directions are turned away.
• Begin the proposal with outcomes. Be specific about your achievement goals and demonstrate how your project will lead to these outcomes.
• Carefully demonstrate how your goals and outcomes fulfill the desires of the grantor.
• Use good formatting to make the proposal interesting. With a well-organized presentation and charts, your information will come alive.
• Show them how your work will be evaluated. Assessment methods will help them see what their money has accomplished.
• Be very careful not to ask for things that they cannot fund. Even accidentally asking them to break the funding rules will probably lead them to throw out your application.
• Make sure you have a clear budget which includes everything from the salaries of those working on the project to the fees of evaluators.
• Check to be sure that you are not competing with others at your same organization for the same funds (this would be much less likely to happen in a small non-profit business).
• Proofread! Spelling and grammar errors can get you kicked out immediately.
• Send in your grant a few days before it’s due. It will be stamped with the date of receipt and will show that you are a go-getter.
• Even if the grantor does not accept your application, write a thank-you note, and ask them for comments. These tips could be invaluable to you!

And finally, these are some things to keep in mind the whole time you are writing.
• Express creative ideas; usually grantors don’t want to fund operating expenses. They want to invest in innovative programs.
• Keep your goals realistic. Risky projects won’t earn the support of grantors.
• Be completely honest. You will have to accomplish the plans you make; so don’t deceive the person reading your proposal or yourself about how much you can do.
• If you plan to write numerous grants, create templates for the forms that repeat much of the same information, such as government grant applications.

Next Page: What are some common problems with grant proposals?

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