5 Tips to Writing a Good Proposal
1. Read the Mission and Guidelines carefully. Make sure your program fits. There are wonderful, important projects that that are not a match for us. Pay attention to the “Restrictions” as well.
2. Follow the Directions, especially the Project Budget. Read them carefully. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
3. Make sure your application is readable. Bear in mind, the Panel members may be reading up to 50 proposals. Make it easy for them to know what you are doing.
4. More is Not Better – Write concisely about your program and plans. A proposal is not a dissertation. We appreciate a good diagnosis of the problem, but we fund the prescriptive actions to address that problem.
5. Do your Fundraising. The best proposals demonstrate a commitment to fundraising – now and for the future. We will not make grants if we are the only source of support. Nor can we be sustaining funders, so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your project’s future.
2. Follow the Directions, especially the Project Budget. Read them carefully. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification.
3. Make sure your application is readable. Bear in mind, the Panel members may be reading up to 50 proposals. Make it easy for them to know what you are doing.
4. More is Not Better – Write concisely about your program and plans. A proposal is not a dissertation. We appreciate a good diagnosis of the problem, but we fund the prescriptive actions to address that problem.
5. Do your Fundraising. The best proposals demonstrate a commitment to fundraising – now and for the future. We will not make grants if we are the only source of support. Nor can we be sustaining funders, so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure your project’s future.