Fundamentals of Proposal Writing (PDF)

This presentation was prepared for organizations and individuals who are desirous of learning to write proposals but have no experience in proposal writing. With an emphasis on finding a funder and writing at least part of a mini proposal, and preparing data collection. This presentation includes the following sections:

•  Analyzing the Writing Situation (What is the objective?; What is the subject?; Who is the audience?)
•  Designing the Proposal (What should you put in?; What order should it be in?; How should it look?)
•  Writing It (What can you do to be heard?; How can beginnings and endings be interesting?; How do you need to edit?; How to ensure quality of the proposal?)

This document delves into the critical elements of proposal writing, including the analysis of the writing situation, audience, and the logical structure of the proposal. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the client's problem and outlining a clear approach to solving it. The document provides a detailed breakdown of each section of a proposal, from the problem diagnosis to the anticipated benefits and project timeline.

The presentation also highlights the necessity of tailoring the proposal to the client's specific needs and expectations. It includes guidelines on how to present your firm's qualifications, relevant project experience, and thought leadership. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your proposal stands out and effectively communicates your ability to deliver the desired outcomes.

Additionally, the document includes a comprehensive checklist for the proposal process, ensuring that all critical aspects are covered before submission. This includes gathering client input, assessing the business case, and conducting a thorough quality assurance review. This structured approach helps in creating a compelling and professional proposal that meets the client's requirements and expectations.