Simple Steps For Successful Proposal Writing

By Kenneth Fox


Grants are awarded based on the merit of application. Proposal writing therefore takes center stage in helping you secure funding. The application pleads your case in front of a panel that does not know you. It helps to understand how to craft a winning application for sponsorship. The level of competition is usually very high. This means that only the most outstanding application will go through.

Proposals are first judged on the basis of introduction. The introduction should contain an executive summary of what to expect. Make the summary precise and to the point. The language used is first person and should provide names and positions of persons directly responsible for implementation. State the objectives of undertaking the envisaged project and the significance it has on target population. This brief introduces the idea to panelists instead of having to peruse through the entire document. Lack of a summary compromises your chances of being shortlisted.

Provide a project description indicating what you intend to do with the funds once they are released. The description should capture the background and justification. Show how the methods intended to be used will help you achieve intended goal. This is another section where persons directly involved in implementing are mentioned. It is a way of assigning responsibility and showing that you have the structures as well as personnel to ensure successful completion.

Donors are keen to ensure that their money is put into good and intended use. Applicants must provide a hint that this is possible. This is done by indicating your technical ability to complete envisaged project. Show the competencies of people who will be involved. Provide evidence that you have successfully completed such a project in the past. This is your best reference during application. Include similar projects or those funded by the same organization.

Every project targets social impact, with particular goals as required by donors. It is therefore necessary for your application to show social impact and the manner in which it will transform lives. A story or case study could be used to indicate the situation or status before and expected scenario after. Stories have an emotional appeal to panelists.

Projects are always timed. Your application should provide an indication of how activities will take place from commencement to completion of your project. The schedule should capture all activities, the persons involved and the goals that will be achieved in the process. There should be a logical flow of events with provisions for emergencies. The goals achieved at the end of each event should be in line with the ultimate goals of your project.

Since proposals are about money, you should provide a budget for the entire project. The budget should capture all expenses for the phase or activities relating to the application. A proper budget contains the specifics on which the money will be spent. All expenses must be in line with implementation goals. Indicate the authorized signatories. Make a provision for miscellaneous expenditure that is likely to arise in the process of execution.

Monitoring projects during implementation and evaluating it upon completion indicate openness. It shows that you are ready to account for your activities and time. Your application should capture the steps taken towards monitoring and evaluation. A good proposal is one that shows all intentions of implanting a project with incredible social impact.




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